The UK Home Office is seeking to hire a senior data leader to oversee the department’s data strategy and transformation initiatives. The role is designed to strengthen data-driven decision-making across government operations, as well as ‘address the strategic issues facing the department,’ according to the advertisement for the position. Based in either London or Manchester, the position will involve direct engagement with ministers and senior stakeholders.
The last day for filing applications is 10 March and the salary range is from £73,900 to £85,690 per year, with variations based on experience and location.
“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead one of the government’s leading data transformation and strategy teams,” reads the job advert. “The role will have responsibility over a portfolio of strategic data projects, own a business-led data and analytics strategy, future data investments, and have direct delivery responsibility of workstreams. Data strategy is an exciting area of work that touches everything the department delivers, which aims to drive the single strategic direction and co-ordination for data and information capabilities and services.”
The head of data strategy and transformation will be part of the Science, Technology, Research and Analysis Group, which plays a central role in shaping the Home Office’s approach to data and analytics. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing the department’s data strategy, aligning technology with business objectives, and ensuring data capabilities support long-term policy and operational goals.
The position includes oversight of future investment planning, particularly in preparation for fiscal events. Managing the department’s data portfolio, tracking the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives, and coordinating communication strategies to highlight new products and services are key responsibilities. The role will also focus on enhancing data culture within the department, increasing awareness of data capabilities, and strengthening engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
In addition to leading strategic planning, the senior data leader will directly manage two policy managers and present key findings to ministers, senior officials, and stakeholder boards. The job listing highlights the scale of responsibility, emphasising the need for expertise in cross-government data policies and the ability to integrate data-driven insights into decision-making processes.
The Home Office courted controversy late last year through its use of machine learning systems to reduce a backlog of enforcement actions against adult and child migrants. The ‘Identify and Prioritise Immigration’ (IPIC) platform is used to “identify, prioritise and coordinate the services/interventions needed” to aid civil servants in escalating the asylum petitions of nearly 41,000 people. Immigration campaigners, however, have labelled the system a mere “robo-caseworker” that effectively automates the serial rejection of asylum applicants.
UK government explores AI-generated job applications to ease Jobcentre workload
Meanwhile, the Financial Times has reported that the UK government is exploring the use of AI to assist jobseekers by generating CVs and cover letters, as part of efforts to ease the workload on Jobcentre staff and reduce welfare costs. Officials familiar with the plans told the publication that the government aims to determine within a year whether such tools can be developed internally or will require external providers.
A senior official cited by the Financial Times noted that Jobcentre work coaches spend significant time editing CVs, which could be reallocated to more complex support tasks. The initiative aligns with the Labour government’s broader strategy to increase employment and lower benefit expenditures.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions’ existing policies prohibit applicants from submitting AI-generated cover letters, stating that while AI can aid research and planning, jobseekers must ensure applications accurately reflect their skills and experience. The government has denied any plans to replace work coaches with AI.
Read more: UK councils tap AI to modernise public services amid push for £45bn savings
