SCS1 Deputy Director, AI Innovation and Planning

DWP is looking to fill AI Innovation & Planning Deputy Director role in Core Digital Services (CDS).

As a collective, CDS is responsible for creating, maintaining, developing and integrating our large shared digital platforms. Our focus is on providing sustainable, reusable solutions that truly put citizens at the heart of what we do.

Were at the forefront of payment services, data sharing and maintaining and protecting customer information. Alongside this, were also accelerating DWPs responsible AI use and the departments sustainability strategy, contributing to a future-proofed Civil Service.

Virtual Engagement Session

Date: 24th June 2026 Time: 13:00

This virtual session is an opportunity for you to find out more about the role and what it's like leading the Digital Transformation Group. You'll get the opportunity to hear directly from the vacancy holder, Jacqueline Hanson and HR Director, Beverley Morton, who will provide an overview of the role and hold a Q&A session.

Please follow this link to join the Virtual Engagement Session

• Set the strategic direction for AI and innovation across DWP, defining, delivering and continuously evolving a coherent strategy aligned with departmental transformation and wider government priorities.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser and critical friend to Ministers and executive leadership, providing authoritative, evidence-based insight on emerging technologies, associated risks, and strategic opportunities.
• Establish and oversee governance, standards and assurance frameworks for AI, ensuring innovation is balanced with robust risk management, clear risk appetite, and effective mitigation strategies.
• Drive the responsible, ethical and impactful adoption of AI, embedding best practice and public trust at the heart of deployment across the Department.
• Deliver a central, technology-agnostic innovation function, enabling the systematic identification, testing and scaling of emerging technologies aligned to DWPs strategic priorities.
• Direct the end-to-end delivery of innovation outputs, including proofs of concept, prototypes and strategic guidance, ensuring clear paths to adoption and scale.
• Ensure innovation activity delivers measurable public value, improved citizen outcomes and operational efficiencies.  
• Horizon scan and evaluate new technologies and breakthrough market solutions and innovations that could systematicity future proof DWP operations 

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and skills against the following essential criteria:

• Proven track record of designing and delivering innovative digital solutions and business strategies within large, complex organisational environments, driving measurable transformation outcomes. Highly skilled in structuring and solving complex problems, applying critical thinking to assess emerging concepts, and developing clear, evidence-based recommendations and solutions.  
• Extensive experience in developing and embedding corporate governance frameworks that ensure the ethical, responsible, and effective use of AI at scale. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and challenge senior stakeholders with clarity and confidence.  
• Inspirational and results-driven leader, with a strong ability to motivate, align, and empower teams to achieve high-impact outcomes.