Strategic Data Governance Lead

Government Recruitment Service; Swansea; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contribution 28.97%

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible working

Job summary

Government Recruitment Service are seeking a Strategic Data Governance Lead in Swansea to provide expert leadership for the Agency's data and AI governance agenda within the DVLA context. You will collaborate with the Chief Data Officer and senior leaders to shape governance frameworks and ensure alignment with policy and digital transformation goals.

You will drive capability development, lead a high-performing team, horizon-scan legislation, and promote responsible data use across the

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the Information Assurance & Governance Senior Management Team by providing strategic leadership for the Agency's data governance, data management and AI governance agenda.
• Work closely with the Chief Data Officer and senior business leaders to develop, implement and continuously improve the Agency's data governance, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, business transformation and digital ambitions.
• Lead the development, implementation and oversight of data governance and AI governance frameworks, policies, standards and operating models, ensuring effective stewardship, accountability and compliance across the organisation.
• Lead the identification, assessment and management of organisational data risks, ensuring appropriate controls, mitigations and assurance mechanisms are in place to address risks arising from data processing, sharing, retention, emerging technologies and AI-enabled solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Agency and wider government landscape, influencing decision-making and promoting best practice in data governance, AI assurance and responsible data use.
• Horizon-scan emerging legislation, government policy, technologies and best practice relating to data governance, information management and artificial intelligence, assessing organisational impacts and recommending appropriate actions.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team of specialists by developing professional capability within the Government Digital & Data Profession and promoting the adoption of data governance best practice.

Job description

Strategic Data Governance Lead

Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £59,816 to £59,816 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Swansea
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 23 Oct 2026
Closing date: 8 Nov 2026

Can you provide expert leadership and guidance to help shape effective data and AI governance?

Have you got experience working with stakeholders to navigate governance, assurance, data protection or organisational change?

Are you passionate about using data responsibly and helping organisations respond to emerging priorities, policies and standards?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

This role sits within the Government Digital and Data Profession and offer an opportunity to play a key part in strengthening data governance and assurance across DVLA.

Working across Information Assurance & Governance (IAG), you will help ensure teams, projects and initiatives are supported by effective governance and assurance. The role, will involve you developing capability, providing strategic advice on data protection, data and AI governance, and helping DVLA respond to emerging government policy, standards and guidance.

This role will support DVLA in maintaining effective governance while keeping pace with the evolving data and AI landscape.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at DVLA – Home, Civil Service Careers

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a collaborative and evolving environment. You’ll work alongside colleagues and stakeholders, bringing your expertise, ideas and enthusiasm to help deliver positive outcomes. It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, values teamwork and is keen to continue developing your skills and experience.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Serve as a key member of the Information Assurance & Governance Senior Management Team by providing strategic leadership for the Agency's data governance, data management and AI governance agenda.
• Work closely with the Chief Data Officer and senior business leaders to develop, implement and continuously improve the Agency's data governance, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, business transformation and digital ambitions.
• Lead the development, implementation and oversight of data governance and AI governance frameworks, policies, standards and operating models, ensuring effective stewardship, accountability and compliance across the organisation.
• Lead the identification, assessment and management of organisational data risks, ensuring appropriate controls, mitigations and assurance mechanisms are in place to address risks arising from data processing, sharing, retention, emerging technologies and AI-enabled solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Agency and wider government landscape, influencing decision-making and promoting best practice in data governance, AI assurance and responsible data use.
• Horizon-scan emerging legislation, government policy, technologies and best practice relating to data governance, information management and artificial intelligence, assessing organisational impacts and recommending appropriate actions.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team of specialists by developing professional capability within the Government Digital & Data Profession and promoting the adoption of data governance best practice.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills set out in the Civil Service Line Management Standards.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.