At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital innovation to make public services more accessible and user-friendly.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, committed to transforming public services through technology.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on equality and innovation in public service.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services for your community and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital transformation and a passion for inclusive technology.
The predicted salary is between 66582 - 68205 £ per year.
Are you an experienced digital leader who wants to make public services easier, fairer and more accessible for everyone? This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Sheffield City Council uses digital innovation, data and emerging technology to lead and improve services for residents, businesses and staff.
The ICT & Digital Innovation service sits at the heart of Sheffield City Council’s transformation.
What we do:
- Modernise services – Designing digital-first, accessible services centred on user needs.
- Drive transformation – Delivering programmes that improve efficiency and deliver measurable benefits.
- Enable smarter decisions – Using data and insight across the organisation.
- Ensure services are customer-first, data-driven and digitally enabled.
- Support the workforce – Providing modern tools, systems and digital skills.
- Keep services running – Ensuring secure, resilient, 24/7 ICT services.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead how the Council designs, delivers and continuously improves inclusive digital services and adopts emerging technologies.
- Expand digital self-service and customer access channels.
- Drive channel shift and improve user experience.
- Lead adoption of AI, automation and emerging technologies.
- Ensure digital inclusion and accessibility for all communities.
- Build a strong culture of innovation, engagement and ethical technology use.
What we’re looking for:
A collaborative and forward-thinking leader with experience of delivering digital transformation and change who can bring people with them, translate digital ambition into practical delivery, and ensure innovation is inclusive, ethical and focused on real user needs.
If you are excited by the opportunity to shape inclusive, accessible and future-focused digital services for Sheffield, we would welcome your application.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Ben Marston, Director of ICT and Digital Innovation.
Selection Process:
Initial assessment activities (via Teams): w/c 10 August 2026. Final Panel Interviews (in-person): 20 or 21 August 2026.
We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form.
Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.
If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade.
Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Assistant Director Digital Innovation and Access employer: Sheffield City Council
Experts at Hand is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering inclusive education in Sheffield, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives. With a strong emphasis on professional development, collaboration, and flexible working arrangements, we create a supportive environment that values diversity and empowers our staff to thrive. Join us in shaping a future where every child belongs, and enjoy the unique advantage of working within a city committed to transforming educational practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Digital Innovation and Access
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Sheffield City Council looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Assistant Director Digital Innovation and Access at Sheffield City Council, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Digital Innovation and Access
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Sheffield City Council, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Sheffield City Council and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Sheffield City Council might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Sheffield City Council.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
