Data Governance Manager - Data Standards

Data is one of the Agency’s most valuable assets. As the Data Governance Manager- Data Standards in the Data Management Office of Social Security Scotland you will play a central part in defining, maturing, implementing and assuring the Data Standards frameworks, policies, standards and processes required for the Agency to effectively manage our data as a business asset.

Working closely with the Data Management Lead within a dedicated team for data management, you will coordinate and liaise with stakeholders both technical and non-technical across the organisation to ensure compliance with data standards, assess data maturity and support continual improvement. You will work with data partners to improve compliance with data standards and raise awareness and advocate the benefits of data standards to improving the quality, availability, consistency and value of Social Security Scotland’s data.

Responsibilities

A Data Governance Manager defines, implements and manages Data Governance frameworks, policies and standards.

At this role level, you will:

• work on the design and implementation of practical data standards solutions to support Social Security Scotland needs
• identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve the quality and trustworthiness of data throughout Social Security Scotland
• implement and establish wider data management competencies within Social Security Scotland (such as governance of data standards, metadata management, aligning data quality, and master data management to support the data strategy)
• apply data standards to optimise the value of data throughout its life cycle
• work within Social Security Scotland to minimise data risks and increase data literacy
• work with the wider DDaT and public sector data community to establish and use common standards and approaches to data maturity, contributing from experience and lessons learned to help shape improvements across the community

Success Profiles 
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each.  Find out more about how we assess the Success Profile elements

Essential Experience 

1. Experience of defining, developing, implementing and measuring effective Data Standards policies, processes and identifying opportunities for improvement across the data life cycle for a medium to large scale organisation.
    
2. Ability to communicate and advocate the requirements and benefits of data standards policy and processes, collaborating with stakeholders to raise compliance and continually improve processes and practices to meet both the organisation’s and their needs.

Behaviours 

• Changing & Improving (Level 3)
• Leadership (Level 3)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)  

Technical / Professional Skills
This role is aligned to Data Governance Manager within the Digital, Data and Technology Profession.

These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will be not be assessed at application stage.  

Please review the following to understand the skill expectations: Data governance manager - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

How to Apply  
Apply online, you must provide a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 750 words. Your CV and Supporting Statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet the Experience required for the role as outlined in the Success Profiles above. Be sure to provide specific examples of work that you’ve done that showcase your relevant experience. 

In the event that we receive a high volume of applications, we may conduct an initial sift using the CV and Supporting Statement based on the first Experience criteria. Candidates who successfully pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed. 

Candidates who are successful at sift stage will be invited to attend an Interview and Technical Assessment. The interview will further assess the Experience and Behaviours listed in the job advert and the Technical Assessment will evaluate the Technical Skills relevant to the role.  

Candidates who pass the sift and are invited to the Interview and Technical Assessment stage will receive a Technical Assessment Candidate Pack, which will outline the skills to be assessed and the assessment methods to be used. 

Following the application sift, there may be a telephone interview as part of the assessment process before the main interview.

Please note, 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 specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment. 

Information Session 
We will be hosting an online Information Session on Wednesday 11th June at 1-2pm. 

We will be talking about:

• The Data Governance Manager – Data Standards role and the Data Management Office
• About Social Security Scotland
• Our recruitment process
• Q&A with the hiring manager   

Join us using the link below:  

Join the meeting now

Expected Timeline (subject to change) 
Sift - w/c 23rd June
Interview – w/c 14th July 
Location - In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow

Reserve List   
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.  

About Us  
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.  Find more about us here.   

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.  

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.    

DDaT Pay Supplement 
This post is part of the Scottish Government Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) profession and as a member of the profession you will join the professional development system.  This post currently attracts a £5,000 annual DDAT pay supplement, applicable after a 3 months competency qualifying period. The payment will be backdated to your start date in the role. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly and there is one currently underway. Changes will be communicated when the review is concluded. 

Working Pattern 
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. 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 2 days per week in your assigned location, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee.  If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.  

Equality Statement  
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.    

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 Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.  

Further Information  
This post requires the successful candidate to clear additional National Security Vetting clearance (Security Check) before a start date can be offered. Further information regarding National Security Vetting clearance can be found here - United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.  

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.  

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’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 recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot 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 recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot     

Apply before 23:55 on 19th June 2025

Contact Name - Resourcing Team  

Contact email – Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot