Head of AI and Policy

British Library; Boston Spa; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A national library of the UK is seeking a Head of AI & Policy to lead AI initiative strategies and governance across its digital operations. The role requires building high-performing teams and ensuring responsible AI practices. Candidates should have experience in AI, policy, and team leadership. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits, including pension contributions and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme with minimum 28.97% employer contributions

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Digital allowance

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.
• Expertise in artificial intelligence initiatives.
• Experience with governance and standards in AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of AI initiatives.
• Advocate for responsible AI practices.
• Explore the transformative potential of AI in digital preservation.

Skills

Leadership in multidisciplinary teams

Artificial intelligence expertise

Policy development

Technical expertise

Job description

Head of AI and Policy

Location: Boston Spa / St Pancras

Contract: Fixed Term for 18 months

Hours: Full time (36 hours)

Grade: SB3

Salary: £60,564 - £78,738 (Boston Spa) / £65,972 - £84,826 (St Pancras)

About the role

The British Library is recruiting for a Head of AI & Policy. This is a new role within our Technology team and will lead the strategic development and implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives across the Library’s digital operations. The role will shape how we adopt, govern, and advocate for responsible AI, ensuring our practices align with evolving standards and regulations.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in building, leading, and developing high‑performing multidisciplinary teams, combining technical, policy, and research expertise. The role is pivotal in exploring the transformative potential of AI in areas such as digital preservation, automated metadata enrichment, intelligent search, and Windows 12.

About us

We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that grows every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow, and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas, and help people do incredible things.

What we can offer you

• A competitive salary.
• A fantastic pension scheme with minimum employer contributions of 28.97% (this may be higher dependent on grade).
• Flexible working hours, with the ability to take up to 5 days flexi leave in a 3‑month period.
• 25 days holiday in addition to 8 bank holidays.
• Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits.
• This role qualifies for a digital allowance.

Closing date

7 December 2025

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. We would like to increase the representation of these groups within The British Library to ensure our workforce is as diverse as the public that we serve. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.