Head of Data and Information Policy

The National Archives (TNA) operates in an extremely varied, complex and sophisticated policy context. This role will be the chief adviser to the Keeper of Public Records and The National Archives’ Board on all aspects of data and information policy relating to how The National Archives operates and implements its strategy.

This role will lead, nurture and manage relationships with key strategic stakeholders on behalf of the Chief Executive and will support the Deputy Chief Executive in influencing the legislative and data policy landscape across government, so that the interests of The National Archives and the wider archive sector are protected, championed and, where possible, advanced.

This role will lead the work to realise The National Archives’ ministerially-endorsed strategic ambition to “develop proposals for legislative change to the Public Records Act 1958, and the wider regime for access to the historical public record”, in order to unlock the value of archival holdings in the digital age.

This role will be a senior member of the Government and Archives Leadership Directorate, supporting the Deputy Chief Executive to collectively drive delivery of the Directorate’s business. This role will also provide corporate leadership of The National Archives as a key member of its wider Senior Leadership Team, with collective accountability for organisational culture and successful delivery of The National Archives’ strategy.

This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

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)

Reasonable adjustments:

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional

Security requirements

This role requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Applicants should normally be able to provide a clear, comprehensive, and verifiable record of their residence, employment, education and travel history covering the previous 10 years. Whilst a substantial period of UK residency is generally expected for DV clearance, there is no absolute residency requirement, and all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Periods spent overseas will not necessarily preclude an individual from obtaining DV clearance, provided they can be fully accounted for and appropriately verified. This may include time spent overseas in connection with Crown service, Armed Forces service, diplomatic postings, employment with the UK Government, or accompanying a spouse or partner on such assignments.

Please note that applicants with significant periods of overseas residence may be subject to additional vetting enquiries, which can extend the clearance process. The ability to successfully obtain DV clearance will be a condition of appointment.

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