Head of Digital Confidence and Accessibility

DSIT

At DSIT were all about improving peoples lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Governments 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving peoples lives. Whether its researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://forms.office.com/e/Jae3B4w7xm

You can also follow our LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dsitcareers/

The Role and Our Team

This is a unique opportunity to shape a high‑priority policy area for the Secretary of State at a point of growing momentum and delivery. You will join the newly created Digital Inclusion and Skills Directorateestablished to reflect the increased priority of this agenda.

Published last year, the Digital Inclusion Action Planthe first cross‑government strategy in a decadesets out a clear ambition: to ensure everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in and benefit from a modern digital society, whatever their circumstances.

This is an exciting and critical moment to join the Digital Inclusion Policy and Programme team. We are a high‑performing, ambitious team building on early success through new multi‑million pound funding, strong partnerships, and a focus on delivering evidence-based, innovative policy interventions at scale to close the digital divide.

Millions of people still struggle to get online or to use digital services independently. Many are hampered by services that are difficult to navigate, inaccessible, or fragmented. A significant proportion of people also rely on others for supportrecent DSIT research shows that more than one in three adults have acted as a digital helper in the past year, completing tasks on behalf of someone else online.

As Head of Digital Confidence and Accessibility, you will lead the development of innovative policy to tackle these challenges. You will focus on improving peoples confidence in using essential digital services, and ensuring those services are inclusive by designparticularly for groups most at risk of exclusion, including older people and disabled people.

This includes working closely with the private sector to strengthen inclusivity and accessibility for essential digital services, and leading cross‑government work to enable more effective support for those who need help to get online, particularly people with disabilities. This will include exploring safe and secure approaches to delegated accessenabling trusted individuals and organisations to act on behalf of others where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Lead the development of evidence-based, high‑impact policy to improve digital confidence and accessibility of both public and private sector digital services, shaping interventions that deliver measurable outcomes at scale
• Lead cross‑government collaboration to develop a shared vision and policy framework for delegated digital access, balancing inclusion, security and privacy considerations
• Commission and oversee research to address key evidence gaps, including piloting innovative approaches and drawing on international comparators and best practice
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry, regulators, and civil society to drive improvements in accessibility standards in the private sector, including exploring embedding digital delegation into key digital services
• Advise and support Ministers and senior officials on a high‑profile and evolving policy agenda, including preparing briefings, submissions and public‑facing materials
• Work closely with other government departments, particularly DWP and the Cabinet Office, to embed digital inclusion support within public services, with the goal of helping more disabled people get online to live more independently and access work
• Lead a team of up to two HEO/SEOs, providing clear direction, support and development, and ensuring effective delivery of a coherent programme of work
• As a line manager, you will be responsible for working with your members of staff to define their objectives, as well as managing their development and performance.

Essential Criteria

• Strong policy experience, with a track record of leading complex, high profile policy development from early design through to implementation
• Ability to see the big picture, setting a clear strategic direction and aligning work to wider government priorities and outcomes
• Excellent analytical skills, with experience using a range of evidence sourcesincluding research, delivery insights and stakeholder inputto inform decisions
• Sound judgement and creativity, with the ability to develop, test and iterate innovative policy solutions in complex and uncertain environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building relationships with senior officials, industry partners and external stakeholders
• Ability to deliver at pace, managing competing priorities and working effectively across organisational boundaries
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distil complex issues clearly for a range of audiences, including Ministers

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in regulatory or standards policy or legal experience
• Knowledge of digital inclusion, digital skills, or related policy areas