Head of Data and Project Governance, Grade 7, Perm, Liverpool / Newport

Job purpose

As Head of Data and Project Governance, you will provide strategic leadership, direction and assurance for the Commission’s Data Governance, Records Management and Project Governance functions.

You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance frameworks, standards, policies and controls that ensure the effective management of information, data and project delivery across the organisation. You will act as the organisation’s senior lead for Data Governance and Records Management, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, regulatory requirements and recognised government best practice. You will also lead the Project Governance function, providing oversight of project controls, reporting, assurance, planning and governance arrangements to support successful delivery of the Commission’s portfolio of change initiatives.

The role promotes a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring that data, information assets and projects are managed effectively throughout their lifecycle. You will work closely with senior leaders, programme and project teams and key stakeholders to drive organisational maturity in both data and project governance disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and develop the Commission’s Data Governance, Records Management and Project Governance functions.
• Set strategic direction and ensure governance frameworks align with wider organisational objectives.
• Provide expert advice and assurance to senior leadership on governance, risk, compliance and organisational maturity.
• Support the Commission’s artificial intelligence ambitions through the development of effective policy instruments and governance structures that optimise organisation value whilst managing risk exposure
• Lead, manage and develop the Data Governance and Project Governance teams, ensuring effective workforce planning, capability development and performance management.

Data Governance and Records Management

• Define, implement and continuously improve the organisation’s Data Governance Strategy, policies, frameworks and standards.
• Ensure effective governance of data throughout the data lifecycle, including quality, standards, metadata, master data, ownership, retention, accessibility and ethical use.
• Maintain oversight of Data and Information Assets, supporting Data Owners and Information Asset Owners in meeting their responsibilities and managing associated risks.
• Lead organisational data maturity improvements and promote a culture of data literacy and responsible data management.
• Ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place to ensure the ethical use of data and the management of data risks, compliance, privacy and information assurance requirements.

Project Governance

• Establish and maintain organisation-wide project governance standards, methodologies, controls and reporting frameworks.
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring effective governance arrangements across the change portfolio.
• Ensure appropriate project assurance, review and control mechanisms are implemented throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee portfolio reporting, project performance monitoring, planning and governance processes to provide senior leaders with reliable information for decision-making.
• Promote best practice in project management and governance, ensuring lessons learned, standards and methodologies are embedded consistently.
• Ensure robust arrangements exist for managing risks, issues, dependencies, change control and benefits realisation across projects and programmes.
• Support business case development and provide assurance that projects are aligned with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Governance

• Build effective relationships with senior leaders, operational teams, Information Asset Owners, project delivery professionals and external stakeholders.
• Influence and support strategic decision-making through the provision of governance insights, reporting and assurance.
• Chair or support governance forums and provide expert advice on governance, compliance, risk and assurance matters.
• Represent the Commission internally and externally on matters relating to Data Governance, Records Management and Project Governance.