Director of Digital and Innovation

The Director of Digital Innovation is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping, delivering and managing the Immigration Advice Authority's digital, data and technology agenda.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will lead the development and

implementation of innovative digital solutions that support the IAA's regulatory and corporate objectives, whilst also ensuring the ongoing operational management, resilience, security and continuous improvement of technology services.

The role combines strategic leadership, innovation, service delivery, digital transformation,

technology operations and organisational change. The postholder will bring external insight, emerging technologies and innovative thinking to help the organisation modernise, improve efficiency and deliver better outcomes for staff, stakeholders and service users.

• 1. Strategic Digital LeadershipDevelop and deliver the IAA's digital, data and technology
• Identify opportunities to improve organisational performance through innovation, automation, AI and emerging
• Ensure digital investment supports organisational priorities and provides measurable benefits.
• Advise the Chief Executive and Commissioner on digital strategy, technology risks and future opportunities.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement
• 2. Digital Innovation and TransformationLead major digital transformation initiatives from concept through to implementation and business-as-usual
• Evaluate emerging technologies and translate innovative ideas into practical
• Drive adoption of artificial intelligence, automation and digital tools where these can improve efficiency, insight and customer
• Ensure transformation programmes are delivered successfully and achieve intended benefits.
• Develop innovation roadmaps that support long-term organisational
• 3. Technology Operations and Service ManagementHold overall responsibility for the operational performance of digital and technology services.
• Ensure services remain secure, resilient, reliable and fit for
• Oversee service support, maintenance, business continuity and disaster recovery
• Ensure technology investments continue to deliver value following
• Oversee cyber security, technology governance and digital resilience
• 4. Data, Technology and AILead the development of the organisation's technology architecture, ensuring interoperability, security and scalability.
• Promote effective use of organisational data to support evidence-based decision
• Develop frameworks for responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and
• Ensure compliance with information governance, data protection and cyber security
• Drive improvements in data quality, reporting and analytical
• 5. Financial and Commercial ManagementHold accountability for the digital and technology
• Lead financial planning, forecasting and resource allocation for technology
• Prepare investment proposals and business
• Ensure value for money is achieved across all digital
• Oversee supplier, contract and commercial management
• Manage relationships with strategic technology partners and delivery
• 6. Change, Adoption and Organisational CapabilityLead organisational change associated with digital initiatives.
• Ensure effective implementation, embedding and adoption of new
• Develop training and capability programmes to support digital
• Create a culture that embraces innovation and continuous
• Build sustainable digital capability across the organisation.
• 7. Leadership and People ManagementBuild and lead high-performing multidisciplinary
• Develop future capability through workforce planning and talent
• Lead through influence across the
• Create an inclusive, innovative and delivery-focused
• Foster collaboration between corporate services, regulatory functions and external partners.
• Additional responsibilitiesAs a senior leader, make a significant and visible contribution to promoting and upholding IAA values and;
• Play an active role in the senior leadership of the IAA, contributing beyond the immediate remit of the role where needed.
• Provide recommendations on digital activity to inform investment decisions, ensuring value for money and the effective use of public resources
• Undertake any other work reasonably required by the Chief Executive Officer

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and a supporting statement between 1250 - 1500 words to recruitment@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk by midnight on October 5th 2026.

If you have any issues please contact Recruitment@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk

As you apply you will be invited to complete an Equality and Diversity Questionnaire. This is to assist the IAA in ensuring its recruitment processes are fair to all. The questionnaire is not seen by anyone involved in the selection process. Completing the questionnaire is not mandatory, if you do choose to complete please send your completed for too Please send to Astrid.Murray@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk

Due to the expected volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual status

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.