At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure ethical use of data and AI in a high-profile government programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on responsible data practices.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data ethics while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance and experience in data ethics or responsible AI roles required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 62000 £ per year.
Contract Rate: Up to £620 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: London or Manchester (1-2 days per week on-site)
Contract: 6 months
Clearance: Active SC required
We're hiring an experienced SC-cleared Data Ethicist to support the delivery of a high-profile central government data and AI programme. This role focuses on ensuring ethical, responsible, and transparent use of data and AI technologies, balancing innovation with public trust, compliance, and societal impact. This is a hands-on advisory and governance role, working closely with data scientists, engineers, architects, policy teams, and senior stakeholders to embed ethical principles into data-driven services and decision-making processes.
Key Requirements
- Active Security Clearance (SC) - must be current and transferable
- Proven experience as a Data Ethicist or in responsible AI / data ethics roles within central government or regulated environments
- Strong understanding of ethical frameworks for data and AI (e.g. fairness, accountability, transparency, explainability)
- Experience applying ethical principles to AI/ML models and data-driven products
- Knowledge of UK regulatory and ethical standards (e.g. GDPR, ICO guidance, AI assurance frameworks)
- Familiarity with bias detection, mitigation, and fairness evaluation techniques
- Experience working with data governance, risk, and compliance teams
- Understanding of cloud-based data and AI platforms (Azure/AWS)
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including ability to challenge constructively
- Experience working in Agile, multidisciplinary teams
Responsibilities
- Define and implement data ethics and responsible AI frameworks aligned to government standards
- Assess ethical risks in data use, analytics, and machine learning models
- Provide guidance on fairness, bias mitigation, transparency, and explainability
- Review and challenge data-driven solutions to ensure ethical compliance and public trust
- Collaborate with delivery teams to embed ethics into design, development, and deployment processes
- Support the development of ethical impact assessments and governance controls
- Work with legal, policy, and technical teams to ensure regulatory alignment
- Contribute to documentation, standards, and audit readiness
- Promote a culture of ethical data use across teams and stakeholders
Working Pattern
1-2 days per week on-site in London or Manchester. Remaining days remote, offering a flexible hybrid working model.
If you're an SC-cleared Data Ethicist with strong experience in responsible AI, governance, and ethical data practices within complex environments, we'd like to hear from you.
Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives.
SC Cleared Data Ethicist in Brockley employer: Sanderson Government and Defence
As an SC Cleared Data Ethicist, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises ethical data practices and innovation within the central government sector. With a flexible hybrid working model based in vibrant London or Manchester, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a high-profile data and AI programme. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on public trust and compliance but also offers competitive remuneration and a supportive environment for your career development.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government and Defence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared Data Ethicist in Brockley
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the game. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that SC Cleared Data Ethicist role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you’ve applied ethical principles in your previous roles. We want to see your experience shine through, especially in areas like fairness and transparency in data use.
✨Ask the Right Questions
During interviews, make sure to ask insightful questions about their data ethics practices. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you gauge if their values align with yours. We believe this is key to finding a role where you can truly make an impact.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to join our team in making ethical data use a priority.
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared Data Ethicist in Brockley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Ethicist role. Highlight your experience with ethical frameworks and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data ethics and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Data Ethicist, you'll need strong communication skills. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. We love seeing examples of constructive challenges and collaboration!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government and Defence
✨Know Your Ethical Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the ethical frameworks relevant to data and AI, like fairness, accountability, and transparency. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, especially in regulated environments.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, including data scientists and policy teams. Highlight instances where you’ve constructively challenged decisions to ensure ethical compliance.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory standards such as GDPR and ICO guidance. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact ethical data use and how you've navigated compliance in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is hands-on, be ready to share specific examples of your work in applying ethical principles to AI/ML models. Discuss any experience you have with bias detection and mitigation techniques, as well as your familiarity with cloud-based platforms like Azure or AWS.
