Head of Data Governance

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

We have an opportunity for a Head of Data Governance to lead the Data Governance Function, as part of the broader Data Team in Technology. Responsible for the direct line management of 2 roles, the purpose of this role is to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Data Governance capabilities across the Group. This includes establishing policies, standards and frameworks that ensure data is accurate, secure, ethically managed and aligned with Sanctuary’s strategic objectives.

The role of Head of Data Governance will include:

• Defining and executing the Data Governance initiatives within the Data Strategy, streamlining data migration activities for Acquisitions to enable growth and championing data as a strategic asset to promote a data-driven culture across the Group.
• Developing and maintaining the Data Governance Framework and overseeing the creation and enforcement of data quality standards, data dictionaries and business glossaries.
• Leading the monthly Data Governance Forum, engaging with Data Owners, Data Stewards, Technical Specialists and business leaders to ensure alignment and accountability for data.
• Collaborating with Risk, Compliance and IT Security to ensure data governance and data quality management supports broader governance and assurance frameworks across the Group.
• Configuring and administering Aperture Data Governance Studio tool, ensuring all priority data is profiled, documented and managed well.
• Developing and delivering a communication plan to promote awareness and understanding of data governance principles.
• Providing training and guidance to data stakeholders on good data governance practices.
• Managing a high performing team, including their recruitment, performance management and ongoing development.
• Establishing Data Governance capability through training, coaching and recruitment aligned to SFIA career pathways.
• Ensuring data risks are clearly articulated and escalated in accordance with Risk Matrix in a timely and efficient manner.

Skills and experiences:

• Degree, management qualification or relevant professional qualification.
• DAMA certification (or Data Management industry equivalent).
• Diploma in Business Analysis or knowledge and ability at an equivalent level.
• Comprehensive experience of undertaking a similar role leading organisational change and implementing Data Governance and Data Quality initiatives within a complex business.
• Robust working knowledge and understanding of Data Quality, Metadata, Master Data and Data Lifecycle Management.
• Proven experience with formulating Data Quality standards, guidelines and rule logic.
• Familiarity with Regulatory Frameworks (E.g. GDPR, DPA) and data ethics.
• Experience or good understanding of implementing projects in Agile / Scrum / DevOps methodologies.

Why work for us? We provide homes and care for more than 250,000 people in England and Scotland. Our customers are at the heart of all we do. With around 14,000 colleagues, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and nurture and reward talent.

Our Benefits: As part of our commitment to making Sanctuary a great place to work, where your wellbeing is of genuine importance, we have developed an attractive employment package. The package recognises your contribution, supports your physical, mental and financial health and gives you the flexibility to tailor your employee benefits by offering:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to a maximum of 30 days) plus public holidays.
• A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary.
• Life Assurance.
• Employee Advice Service including counselling.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Voluntary health plans.
• Employee discounts.
• Wellbeing support and tools.
• Employee recognition scheme.
• Staff Networks, with a shared interest in inclusion, and who provide invaluable support to colleagues.

Role salary is £78,878 with an additional policy allowance of £14,277 per annum (rising to £83,046 with an additional policy allowance of £15,031 per annum after 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance).

Closing Date: 6 August 2026. If you're unsure about any details, have questions about the role or want to discuss a need for adjustments, our fantastic talent team will be happy to help you.

We reserve the right depending on application numbers to close or extend the closing dates for positions; we would therefore recommend an early application.