Senior Policy Advisor - Data Policy (Multiple Roles)

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.

Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government, by:

1. joining up public sector services
2. harnessing the power of AI for the public good
3. strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
4. elevating leadership and investing in talent
5. funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
6. committing to transparency and driving accountability

We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UKs geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government.

Were part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol.

The Government Digital Service is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, youll be working with some of the worlds most highly-skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale.

Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You'll solve some of the nations highest-priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need.

If youre a strong generalist policy professional who enjoys working at pace on complex, real world issues - and youre curious about how data and digital policy can drive growth and improve public services - wed love to hear from you.

Were recruiting up to 11 Policy Advisers (SEO grade) across multiple teams in DSITs Data Economy Directorate. You dont need a technical background. You do need great policy skills, sound judgement, and the confidence to work on fast moving priorities with a wide range of partners.

Who we are

We are responsible for helping the UK realise the benefits of data and AI - in a safe and trusted way.

The UK already has one of the worlds largest data economies and a world leading geospatial data ecosystem. Our ambition is for the UK to become the worlds most trusted, dynamic and effective data economy, where citizens and businesses are enabled by and benefit from data. We focus on unlocking more of that potential across sectors while maintaining public trust.

We use policy, regulatory, investment and coordination levers to:

• Increase responsible data and AI use across high growth sectors
• Empower people and businesses to benefit more directly from data about them
• Enable seamless, safe cross border data flows
• Maximise the value and use of geospatial data
• Maintain trust in the digital economy

Our work sits at the intersection of technology, regulation, security, economic growth and public services - and it has visible impact: helping organisations use data responsibly, enabling innovation, and improving how government delivers.

About the roles

These roles are spread across several teams and policy areas. While youll be appointed to a specific post, all roles share a common thread: taking a policy problem, building the evidence, working with stakeholders, and turning ministerial intent into practical outcomes.

You could be working on:

1) Data protection and regulation (including emerging technology) (2x roles available on 2-year Fix Term Appointments and 2x roles available on 1-year Fix Term Appointments)

Helping shape how the UKs data protection regime supports innovation while maintaining trust, including how data protection interacts with emerging technologies such as AI, and how regulation works in practice. Two of the roles are for an innovative policy project that involves working closely with the regulator, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and developing secondary legislation.

2) International data flows (2x roles available on 2-year Fix Term Appointments)

Supporting the UKs prosperity and security by shaping policy that enables data to move internationally with confidence, including work through international forums (e.g. G7, G20, OECD, UN, and Council of Europe), and policy development on international transfer tools and cross border frameworks. Some roles focus on emerging policy issues such as data security and data sovereignty, working across government to develop options and manage geopolitical risks.

3) Geospatial data policy (4x roles available on Permanent contract)

Helping improve access to and use of foundational location datasets across the public sector and wider economy - including policy linked to the National Underground Asset Register, Geospatial AI and wider geospatial priorities that underpin a world-leading geospatial ecosystem in the UK. Roles include both strategic and delivery facing work: developing evidence and strategy for future geospatial capabilities and shaping policy proposals (including legislative work) to translate priorities into tangible outcomes.

4) Data Intermediaries policy (1x role available on 2-year Fix Term Appointment)

Working in a team that rebalances power between powerful platforms and business and people who rely on them. Our goal is to give consumers greater choice and control over their data through e.g. data portability, interoperability and organisations working on their behalf. The role will involve identifying the most appropriate policy option(s) to address barriers to data intermediaries in the UK that prevent people using them to take better control over their data. Options we are consulting on include legislative reform. The role will require engagement with industry stakeholders, policy design working closely with lawyers and recommending the way to proceed to ministers.

Successful candidates will be matched to roles for offer based on their experience and knowledge.

Key responsibilities

Youll take ownership of meaningful pieces of work, typically involving a mix of research, analysis, advice, engagement and delivery. You will lead workstreams, deliver through others and be comfortable operating independently. Depending on the role, this could include:

• Turning complex issues into clear policy choices: framing the problem, identifying options, assessing trade-offs, and making recommendations.