Data Service Owner
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 13th November 2024
Details
Reference number
Salary
For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading ‘Salary’.
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Information Technology
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Digital, Data Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.
We have around 1,200 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Find out more about DDTS:
Job description
As the Data Service Owner, you will drive the strategy, governance, and processes to enhance the use of our data services, including overseeing the DSP and delivering on the Geospatial Technology Roadmap. The DSP, an open-source platform with over 9,000 data services, recently transitioned to a new supplier. Your role will be crucial in maximizing the platform's benefits and shaping its future strategy.
This position offers the chance to collaborate with industry partners, contributing to Defra's environmental goals.
Person specification
Responsibilities
- Lead a small team to deliver and manage data services across Defra, ensuring effective data acquisition and publishing.
- Engage with data projects and policy teams to promote the use of DSP and geospatial platforms.
- Collaborate with the Environment Agency, data publishers, the Chief Data Office, and industry partners to maintain robust business processes.
- Oversee service governance, act as a point of escalation, and drive continuous improvement.
- Manage the budget, prioritize investments, and allocate funding to enhance data management.
- Communicate service performance and benefits to governance boards.
- Develop and execute the DSP strategy to support the future of Defra’s open data.
Essential Criteria
- Experience with geospatial data services, including technologies like ArcGIS (Enterprise, Online, Pro) or open-source GIS solutions (GIS Server, QGIS).
- Skilled in designing, delivering, and managing data services, with a focus on performance and benefits.
- Ability to engage with customers to understand user needs and priorities.
- Proficient in data management, including cataloguing, publishing, and maintenance.
- Proven experience in leading teams and delivering programs of work.
- Competence in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments to deliver outcomes.
- Experience in developing business plans and cases for service improvements.
- Ability to identify and manage financial and commercial risks.
Qualifications
You will have a degree in a data, ICT, GIS related subject or equivalent experience.
Selection process
The Civil Service marks each element of the selection process on a merit basis. You can visit the gov.uk website for further information on the Civil Service rating scale.
Ensure you have tailored your CV and your Personal Statement to the 'responsibilities' and 'skills and experience' section of the job advert by providing examples on how you are suitable for the role. You may find the STAR method helpful when writing your personal statement.
For further information on STAR, you can check out our hints and tips document.
Application
As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your experience and will be asked to complete:
- A CV
- A 750-word personal statement: "Referring to the 'responsibilities and 'skills and experience' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples."
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Sift will begin shortly after the advert closes.
Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted using your personal statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment or interview.
Interview
If successful at sift stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on strengths, as well as the behaviours listed below.
Interview dates are to be confirmed. Please note that these may be subject to change.
Interviews will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
For further information on Success Profiles, please use the links below and watch our videos on Defra Jobs.
Behaviours
Experience
Strengths
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
- 25 days’ leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) plus bank holidays
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- A day off per year for the King's birthday
- Access to a range of retail discounts (these include supermarket, tech, gym, holiday, phone and more)
- Flexible working options such as condensed hours, part-time and flexi time
- 3 paid volunteering days per year
- Funding for professional membership of a recognised professional body
- Learning and development tailored to your role and budget for training or qualifications
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health cash plan to help you manage health costs for a reduced monthly fee
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme open 24 hours, 7 days a week, that provides support to you during any times of stress or difficulty
- Free access to Headspace for wellbeing
- Season ticket loan for public transport
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is
found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy
Check out the video below from Jane McGeagh, Chief Operating Officer on why DDTS is a great place to work.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
For further information on the selection process for this role, please refer to the person specification section of the job advert.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Our main Defra DDTS hubs are in York, Warrington, Newcastle, Reading and Bristol.
Please also be aware that space within the London office is restricted and it may not be possible to be based in this location.
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa sponsorship statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another government department, a criminal record check maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable adjustment
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 Government Recruitment Service (GRS) via DefraRecruitment.GRS@CabinetOffice.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.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.
Internal fraud database check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the internal fraud database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Higher Security Clearance
To work from 2 Marsham Street, London, you will require the higher level of counter-terrorist check (CTC) clearance. Therefore, confirmation of appointment to the advertised post will be dependent upon successful CTC clearance being confirmed as part of pre-employment checks.
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : DDTSonPayrollRecruitment@defra.gov.uk
- Email : ddtsonpayrollrecruitment@defra.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
