Head Of Data Services

Head of Data Services | Hybrid Working with Glasgow or Dundee Base Location | £72310 - £83460 + £5,000 DDaT Pay Supplement after 3 month qualifying period | Full or Part Time Hours | Flexi- time | 25 Days annual leave (increasing to 30 after 4 years’ service) plus 11.5 Public and Privilege| Contributory Pension Scheme (employee contributions 5.45% employer contributions 27.1 - 27.9%)| Social Security Scotland is seeking a Head of Data Services to lead and develop Data Services to ensure we are a data driven organisation able to unlock the value of Data for our services, our clients and the people of Scotland. You will collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement a full Agency Data Service covering data management, data provision, management information and reporting, analytics, self-service report tooling, the technology and infrastructure to support services and training to raise data literacy across the Agency and strengthen our data culture. You will oversee the transition of responsibilities for existing Data Services from the Social Security Programme into Social Security Scotland and their continuous improvement. If you are ready to unlock the value of our data, drive impactful change and lead the Data Services our business needs join us at Social Security Scotland. Social Security Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government, has the largest and most complex IT and digital change programme since devolution. We are delivering a social security system that will support the people of Scotland for decades to come. As the Head of Data Services, you will be responsible for delivering a portfolio of user-centric Data Services to meet business needs. Working closely with the Chief Data Officer and senior stakeholders, you will provide strategic input on how to unlock the value of our data and will co-design and lead delivery of our Data Strategy, Data Management Framework, and Data Services plan. Additionally, you will advocate and drive improved data governance and risk management practices. What D o W e O ffer Y ou?

We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance . We provide an employment package that attracts, develops, and retains only the best talent.  • C2 - Salary between £72310 - £83460 plus a £5000 annual Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) pay supplement after a 3 month qualifying period. This supplement is backdated and paid with your monthly salary.

• Flexible working arrangements with potential of up to 4 days off per month.

• You will have an annual leave allowance of 5 weeks, rising to 6 weeks after 4 years. In addition, the Scottish Government observes 11½ days public and privilege holidays, dates of which are set annually.

• Workplace adjustments for everyone that needs them to ensure your comfort and safety in your new role.

• Learning and development opportunities to support your personal and professional growth.

• Career progression – join a rapidly growing and developing organisation with excellent opportunities for career advancement.

• Contributory Pension Scheme (employee contributions 5.45% employer contributions 27.1 - 27.9%).

• Health and wellbeing support including 24 hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme, plus counselling support available for all.

• Discounts on gym memberships and retail outlets. DDaT Pay Supplement  

This post attracts a £5,000 DD a T pay supplement after a 3 months DDaT competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role . Pay supplements are temporary payments designed to address recruitment and retention issues caused by market pressures and are subject to regular review. This post is part of the Scottish Government DDaT profession. As a member of the profession, you will join the professional development scheme, currently BCS RoleModel plus .   Hybrid Working

We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum of 2 days per week in your assigned location . Base office location can be in either Dundee or Glasgow .   About Us  

Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government . O ur benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.   

• Successfully deliver a portfolio of Data Services designed around users to meet business needs, including Data Platforms, Data Provision and Reporting, and Data Management.

• Own the resolution of issues and challenges in data service delivery.

• Co-design and lead delivery of the Agency’s Data Strategy, Data Management Framework, and Data Services plan.

• Drive innovation in Data Services, platforms, and tooling to meet business needs efficiently and effectively and unlock the value of our data.

• Provide strategic oversight of Data governance throughout the organisation and monitor adherence to data governance policies, frameworks, and standards.

• Act as a senior advisor across government on best practices of Data development.

• Maintain effective long-term relationships at a senior level with decision-makers and influencers.

• Encourage better data literacy and understanding of Data governance within the organisation.

• Provide direction, management, coaching, and development of a multi-disciplinary team and ensure they have the necessary resources.

• Plan and manage the transition of Data Services from the Social Security Programme to Social Security Scotland.

• Ensure Data Services and reporting practices are delivered professionally with adequate guidance, training, and support.

• Collaborate with the broader Scottish Government Digital, Data and Technology profession and public sector data community in order to advocate for and facilitate the adoption of consistent standards and methodologies for enhancing data maturity.

No specific qualifications are required for this post .  
 

How T o A pply 

To apply for this post, you will need to provide the information requested below via the online application process.    A CV (no longer than two pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements - this is accessed through the candidate profile.  In additio n, please record your Personal Statement (no longer than 750 words ) . This should clearly demonstrate how your skills, qualities and experience meet the following essential criteria: 1. A successful track record of building strong networks and partnerships across organisational boundaries to deliver effective data management and efficient Data Services to meet organisational priorities and business needs.

2. Experience of leading data-related programmes of a significant nature that deliver transformation to time and budget and in compliance with relevant legislative or regulatory requirements.

3. Proven ability to communicate complex issues in a way that resonates with a wide range of stakeholders.

4. The ability to develop multi-disciplinary teams and coach individuals, balancing business delivery with staff wellbeing. When considering how your experience relates to the role, please tailor your CV and personal statement to reflect the role and the essential skills/criteria as described in the job description .   If we receive a large number of applications, we may complete an initial sift on the first essential criteria. If you pass the sift but are not invited to the first round of interviews, you may be invited to a subsequent round. Any queries on this please contact   If you are invited to an interview this will be held in person in either Agnes Husband House, Dundee or High Street, Glasgow.  
 
We aim to provide feedback on request, however; if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide feedback on your application if you are not invited to attend an interview/assessment. We will provide feedback on request to all candidates that attend an interview/assessment.   Information Session

We will be running online information sessions on Thursday 29th February at 1-2pm. The session will cover:

• About Social Security Scotland

• The Head of Data Services role and Data Services Team

• Our recruitment process

• Q&A with the hiring manager Please feel free to join us using the link below to find out more about the role and working for Social Security Scotland. Click here to join the meeting Interview/Assessment Information 

Here are details of the Competencies required for this role which you will be tested against if you are invited to attend an interview and undertake a digital assessment:  • Leading Others

• Communications and Engagement

• Improving Performance

• Financial Management

• DDaT Technical Skill Assessment Reserve List 

In the event that further posts are required , a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 9 months. Recruitment Contact

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact the resourcing team   who can be reached at Please note that we will not engage with external recruitment agencies for this post.   Further Information

The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years   unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade .   Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at . 

Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk)  If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.   If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via If you are interested in us contacting you about further available vacancies, please sign up to our mailing list to receive job alerts.