AI Digital Lead

Job summary

Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)

We are transforming DCMS to meet the needs of a modern- delivery-focused department working on some of government’s highest-priority agendas to drive growth, enrich lives and level-up society.

Our modernisation plans include investing in systems that are fit for purpose, reduce manual work and improve how colleagues across DCMS use technology, data and digital services. This includes developing a strong central digital capability for the department.

We also want to improve how we solve policy challenges by using user-centred design and working in multidisciplinary teams. This is an exciting time to join, as the team is shaping how digital, data and technology support delivery across DCMS.

Our mission is to digitally enable how DCMS delivers its priority outcomes and respond to the changing needs of the sectors and partners we work with. If you want to help shape that journey, this is a great time to join us.

Job description

This position offers a significant opportunity to drive the adoption of AI not only within DCMS but also across the wider government, supporting the collective appetite to make the best and most effective use of this emerging technology. This pivotal role will work to the Head of Data and AI to support the successful delivery of the DCMS AI Adoption Strategy.

Working closely with colleagues from the Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs) area and the analysis community to collaboratively shape the department's overall approach to AI adoption. The post-holder will serve as the key DDaT Lead for ensuring the department's use of Artificial Intelligence is both appropriate and responsible including establishing and maintaining effective governance and assurance pathways for all AI-related activity.

The post-holder will maintain oversight of the developing portfolio of AI tools, tracking them as they are developed, assured and subsequently put into operational use across the department. In doing so ensure all appropriate technical implications are thoroughly considered when delivering AI products forming a crucial liaison link with the Chief Technology Officer’s (CTO) area to ensure technical alignment and preparedness.

Person specification

The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience:

Essential requirements:

• Expert knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) principles, technologies, and current trends .
• Deep understanding of and ability to ensure effective governance and assurance of AI Tooling, and emerging functionality across existing digital tools.
• Deep understanding of the technical impact of AI product delivery on broader data and architecture strategies.
• Experience in the roll-out of AI tooling and systems.
• Ability to manage the intersection of AI adoption with organisational change and business impact.
• Highly effective collaboration and liaison skills, particularly with wider technical teams (e.g., CTO's office), to prepare the department for AI adoption.

Desirable skills:

• Experience in translating complex technical concepts to senior, non-technical stakeholders to build buy-in and support.
• Skilled at working effectively as part of mixed, cross-disciplinary "tiger teams" across an organisation.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,582, Department for Culture, Media and Sport contributes

£16,391 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

DCMS values its staff and offers a wide range of benefits to everyone who works here. We’re committed to developing talent, and supporting colleagues to have great careers in our department. To support with that, some of the benefits we offer include:

• Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working - DCMS staff work on a flexible basis with time spent in offices, and time spent working from home
• 26.5 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years’ service
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Access to the Edenred employee benefits system which offers discounts to popular retailers and access to various useful resources such as financial and savings advice
• 3 days of paid volunteering leave
• Up to 9 months maternity leave on full pay + generous paternity and adoption leave
• Staff reward and recognition bonuses that operate throughout the year
• Occupational sick pay
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers staff 24/7 confidential support and resources such as counselling, debt guidance and management advice
• Active and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, Ethnic Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality Networks
• Exceptional learning and development opportunities that you can explore alongside your day to day work
• Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and much more!

Terms and conditions at SCS grades will vary. Those applying for SCS roles should refer to the candidate information pack for more information on terms and conditions.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

To apply for this vacancy, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements which will be assessed against the experience success profile . Please ensure you provide employment history that relates to the essential and desirable criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages and you should insert your CV into the "Job History" section on the Civil Service Jobs application form.
• A Statement of Suitability (max 750 words) explaining, with demonstrable evidence and examples, how you consider your personal skills qualities and experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role in reference to the essential requirements highlighted. This will be assessed against the experience success profile . You may also choose to reference the desirable skills listed however these will not be considered in the assessment of your application except in circumstances where there are a high number and calibre of candidates.

For the shortlist, we will select applicants demonstrating the best fit for the role by considering the evidence provided in your application.

In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial sift will be conducted on the statement of suitability Those who are successful in the initial sift will then be scored on all elements of the application.

For support in writing your application and interviewing, please refer to the ‘Application and Interview Guidance’ document attached to the job advert.

The interview process will assess behaviours , strengths and experience .

The behaviours to be tested at interview:

• Changing and improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

Prior to the interview you will be sent the behaviour question in advance.

You will not be made aware of the experience questions prior to your interview.

You will also be required to prepare a scenario based task. Full details of this, including the topic, length of time, and whether or not you will need to use visual aids, will be provided at the start of your interview.

Your interview will take place remotely.

For indicative sift and interview dates please refer to the attached Candidate Information Pack.

Further Information

If the vacancy is offered as FTA/Loan, existing Civil Servants must join on a Loan basis only. Prior agreement to be released on loan must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Department for Culture, Media and Sport from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

DCMS has a London and a National pay scale. For more information on this, including the circumstances in which each pay scale will apply, please see the ‘Candidate Information Pack’ attached.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process.

In order to request an adjustment, please:

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or a verbal test rather than a written one.

Alternatively, contact the Government Recruitment Service via dcmsrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Accessibility

If you are experiencing accessibility difficulties with any of the attachments, please contact us. Contact details can be found in the 'contact point for applicants' section of the job advert.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://w