Data Governance Lead

Joseph Rowntree Group; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph Rowntree Group seeks a Data Governance Lead to drive the embedding of a new data governance framework across the organisation, reporting to the Business Insight Manager. You will collaborate with data owners and stewards to improve data quality, accessibility and regulatory compliance, delivering training and governance tools.

You will lead governance standards, templates and monitoring processes, and provide expert guidance to support change programmes while ensuring data protection

Qualifications

• Experience implementing or embedding data governance frameworks and policies.
• Confident communicator with ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to influence improvements.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation and embedding of JRHT's Data Governance Framework.
• Document data assets with data owners/stewards; drive data quality improvements.
• Deliver training and facilitate workshops; develop governance tools and resources.
• Establish governance standards, templates, tools and training materials.
• Set data quality measures and monitoring processes; provide governance guidance.

Job description

18 Months Fixed Term Contract, Full Time (35 hours per week)

We are looking for a Data Governance Lead to play a key role in delivering and embedding JRHT's data governance programme. Reporting to the Business Insight Manager, you will lead the implementation of a new data governance framework, helping to improve data quality, consistency, accessibility and regulatory compliance across the organisation.

Working closely with data owners, data stewards and stakeholders across JRHT, you will help establish effective governance controls, standards and processes that support better data management and oversight. You will deliver training, facilitate workshops, develop governance tools and resources, and champion a culture where high-quality data is valued and understood.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the implementation and embedding of JRHT's Data Governance Framework.
• Working with data owners and stewards to document data assets, identify issues and drive data quality improvements.
• Delivering training and facilitating workshops to build understanding and capability across the organisation.
• Developing governance standards, templates, tools and training materials.
• Establishing data quality measures and supporting the development of monitoring processes.
• Providing expert advice and guidance on data governance matters.
• Supporting governance activities within change programmes and system implementations.
• Ensuring compliance with data protection legislation, regulatory requirements and internal policies.

About you

You will have experience of implementing or embedding data governance frameworks and policies, together with a strong understanding of data governance principles, data quality and data lifecycle management.

You will be a confident communicator who can build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and explain complex information clearly and effectively. With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you will be comfortable influencing others and driving improvements that enhance data quality and governance practices.

Experience of leading a data governance programme, working in a regulated environment such as housing, familiarity with governance and data quality tools, or project management experience would be advantageous.

The closing date for applications is 21st October 2026

Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd November 2026

We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.

Additional Information

Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background.

We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty.

We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process.

In support of our approach to flexible working, we are happy to receive applications from those seeking full-time employment, as well as those who may want to share the role on a part-time basis. When making your application, please state whether you want to be considered for either full or part-time work and, if part-time, the number of hours per week you would be looking for.

At JRF we're at our best when we're continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference - and hope others will do the same. So, for those roles which allow it, we're developing a more blended approach to how and where you work. This means you can expect to work flexibly between the office and home (with an expectation of two days a week in your home office).