Deputy Chief Data Officer (Interim)

CV Recruitment - We want to make applications for this role as easy as possible! Please apply using your CV.

As a Deputy Chief Data Officer, accountable to the Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) and Chief Data Officer at the HRA, you will ensure that the organization can utilize research regulatory approval data to enhance decision-making, policies, and services. You will be responsible for providing strategic and professional leadership for the Research Systems Programme (RSP)-related data, working in partnership with the Company Secretary (DPO) to foster an environment where data protection and privacy are balanced with access, sharing, interoperability, and innovation. As Deputy Chief Data Officer, you will be the recognized professional lead for research regulatory approval data and analytics at the HRA.

Main duties of the job

1. Define a vision and strategy for research regulatory approval data that enables the organization to meet its objectives and aligns with broader government data strategies.
2. Lead the implementation of the data strategy within the programme.
3. Collaborate with senior leaders to align priorities and secure support.
4. Determine the necessary data and technology, and develop sourcing strategies.
5. Work with the IG team to facilitate easy, reusable, and shareable data access.
6. Contribute to the Data Quality Forum to improve data quality across the programme.
7. Partner with the DPO to ensure ethical data use and compliance with standards and regulations.
8. Enhance data literacy and proper data management across the organization through coaching.
9. Coordinate with the DPO and Cyber Security Lead to ensure data security and appropriate retention, while maintaining accessibility and control.
10. Ensure the organization has adequate data skills and capabilities.

About us

As a flexible working-friendly organization, we support working arrangements that suit you, not just us.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity, recognizing that diverse ideas and perspectives strengthen our services.

We welcome applications representing the rich diversity of our community, including age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.

Our policies ensure fair and consistent treatment throughout the recruitment process.

When applying, discuss with us any flexible working arrangements you need; we will do our best to accommodate them.

Note: For roles in Manchester, Nottingham, or Bristol, the position is only available as home-based.

Job responsibilities

This role is within HRA Digital, responsible for developing, delivering, and supporting complex health and care research information systems across the UK, including migration and system closure projects.

The HRA Digital team is collaborative and supportive, comprising employees, secondees, contractors, and vendors.

For full duties, refer to the attached job description.

Note: We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies and do not sponsor visas. Applications must demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria; otherwise, they will not be shortlisted. The vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Data Informatics or a related field.
• Continuous professional development in data architecture and standards in complex environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise

• Extensive experience in planning and implementing complex transformational programmes in health and care.
• Professional understanding of data architecture and standards design.
• Advanced technical knowledge in data and informatics.
• Experience in strategy development in complex, changing environments.
• Understanding of legislation affecting informatics services.

Experience

• Proven success in internal and external partnership working.
• Experience in governance, risk management, and risk assessment.
• Recent NHS experience in data and informatics.

Analytical and Judgement Skills

• Track record of achieving complex targets and deadlines.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical abilities.
• Ability to handle diverse demands and expectations.

Interpersonal Skills

• Negotiation skills and ability to build consensus.
• Excellent communicator capable of engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership qualities in formal and informal settings.

Additional Experience

• Senior leadership experience reporting to Board or equivalent.
• Experience leading large, complex programmes or services.
• Strategy development, business case creation, and change management experience.

Other

• Commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order 1975). Applicants must submit to a criminal record check.

Available as full-time, flexible, home-based, or compressed hours.