At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of inclusive digital services for Sheffield City Council.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, committed to digital innovation and community service.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on ethical technology and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape accessible digital services that make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital transformation and a collaborative leadership style.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ 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
- Expanding digital self-service and customer access channels.
- Driving channel shift and improving user experience.
- Leading adoption of AI, automation and emerging technologies.
- Ensuring digital inclusion and accessibility for all communities.
- Building 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. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
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. Find out more on our Sheff news page.
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 in Yorkshire 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 in Yorkshire
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Sheffield City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Sheffield City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Digital Innovation and Access in Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Sheffield City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Sheffield City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Sheffield City Council.
