Details
Reference number
424046
Salary
£81,000 - £117,800
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
SCS Pay Band 1
SCS1
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
HMT - Economics
Type of role
Analytical
Architecture and Data
Digital
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time
Number of jobs available
1
Contents
* Location
* About the job
* Benefits
* Things you need to know
* Apply and further information
Location
This post is based in Darlington (Feethams House).
About the job
Job summary
If you're interested in making a difference to people's lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.
Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more.
We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It's central government, made more accessible to you
Job description
About the Group
Economics Group
The Economics Group leads HM Treasury's analysis of developments in the UK economy and advises ministers on the implications for the Government's economic strategy. It provides expert economic analysis and advice for Ministers. The Group's data hub is transforming how the Treasury uses data across its entire business. The Group collaborates with external experts on the UK economy, including the Bank of England, Office for Budget Responsibility and leading academics. Economics Group provides support for the UK Government's economic and social research professions, including running centralised recruitment and the annual conferences.
About the Team
The Economics Group leads HM Treasury's analysis of developments in the UK economy and advises ministers on the implications for the Government's economic strategy. It provides expert economic analysis and advice for Ministers. The Group's data hub is transforming how the Treasury uses data across its entire business. The Group collaborates with external experts on the UK economy, including the Bank of England, Office for Budget Responsibility and leading academics. Economics Group provides support for the UK Government's economics and social research professions, including running centralised recruitment and the annual conferences.
The Data Hub was established to drive change and build data science capability across the 400 strong analytical community in the department with the aim of improving HMT's economics analysis and policy.
Leading the hub will provide a unique opportunity to shape change with lasting influence on GMT's analytical capability for years to come. With your stewardship, the hub will provide strategic coordination and support to teams across the department to all them both better exploit data automation as well as bring data science to bear on new and novel data sources.
The hub delivers this critical role across two branches:
Data Management Branch
The branch is led by a Head of Data Management and has data engineering as well as generalist data focussed resources. The branch focus is to drive best practice data management within groups in HMT. The branch manages Hawkeye: the corporate data & analytics infrastructure based on Microsoft Fabric & Azure, and work with our Chief Information Officer and Treasury Business Services. Some of the challenges for the team include further enhancing the existing data strategy with a focus on developing a roadmap of data assets, introducing a lightweight data catalogue, and continuing to invest in our corporate data warehouse.
Advanced Analytics Branch
The branch is led by a Head of Advanced Analytics, 4 data scientists and 2 data science apprentices. The branch focuses on providing data science expertise through project delivery, capability investment and enhancing our analytic support for policy decisions. Examples of work within the branch include developing an AI-ensemble method to automate the allocation and response choice for inbound correspondence, using Artificial Intelligence to improve how we develop a cashflow forecast for government transactions, and working on novel analysis to better understand effects of preventative spending. Challenges for the team identifying and delivery advanced analytic opportunity specifically aligned to policy challenge – communicate benefits in a non-technical way and introducing governance across groups to promote those opportunities around HMT.
About the Job
As Chief Data Officer (CDO) at HM Treasury, you will be at the forefront of transforming how the department leverages data and artificial intelligence to shape the nation's economic future. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Treasury's transition into a data-driven, AI-enabled organisation, championing the value of data science at the highest levels.
You will work closely with senior leaders across the Treasury and wider government to identify, initiate, and deliver high-impact projects that drive policy innovation and operational excellence. Your leadership will be instrumental in embedding automation, advanced analytics, and AI solutions to unlock efficiencies, generate new insights, and add tangible value to the department's work.
Building on a strong foundation, you will set the vision for how data and AI are harnessed to inform policy development and public spending decisions. You will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation, working with talented analysts and data professionals to position the Treasury as a centre of excellence in economic analysis and digital transformation.
This role is ideally suited to an ambitious and energetic leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment and is passionate about the power of data and technology to deliver public good.
Key Responsibilities:
* Drive the delivery of the Treasury's data strategy and implementation plan, supporting creation of the new Treasury Digital and Data function ensuring that the Data Hub and specialist groups operate to the highest standards and deliver measurable impact.
* Lead the identification, scoping, and delivery of cutting-edge projects both within the Treasury and in collaboration with other departments where data science and AI can directly advance HMT's strategic objectives.
* Inspire and lead communities of practice across coding, analytics, and data visualisation, nurturing a culture of creativity and experimentation. Alongside supporting Government Digital Service (GDS) led initiatives and wider community events.
* Champion the adoption, development, and ethical use of AI whether developed in-house or in partnership with organisations such as the Office for National Statistics and the Government Digital Service ensuring that the Treasury remains at the forefront of digital government.
* Serve as the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for data use across the department, working with the GDS to advance data maturity, promote AI transparency, and set robust standards for responsible data and AI use. Represent HMT's unique data needs in cross-government forums.
* Lead and empower the Data Hub's data scientists and engineers, collaborating with the wider analytical community to develop innovative tools, enhance data visualisation, and drive efficiency and value through improved analytical products and methodologies.
* Play an active role in the leadership of the Economics Group, with a particular focus on the Darlington Economic Campus, and contribute to the strategic direction of HM Treasury's AI and analytical capability.
If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact Lindsey Jones via who will be able to arrange an appointment.
Person specification
Required Skills, Experience and Behaviours:
For your application, please send us a CV and a personal statement setting out how you meet the following skills, behaviours and experience. This should be no longer than 1000 words, and include no more than 250 words on each criteria shown below:
* Strong understanding and experience in leading others to apply statistics and data science techniques to real world problems and/or in the approach to and application of data governance.
* Evidence of a successful track record leading teams – specifically providing AI/data leadership at a senior level – encouraging a change of culture in a fast-paced environment, motivating the dynamic delivery of high-quality results whilst promoting wellbeing, management excellence, diversity and inclusion
* Ability to build effective relationships based on mutual respect and appreciation and to use them to deliver tangible results
* Ability to influence at all levels demonstrating credibility of judgement and excellent communications skills
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Leadership
* Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Applying data science techniques to resolve varying and complex issues.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £81,000, HM Treasury contributes £23,465 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant)
* Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
* Generous parental and adoption leave package.
* A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28%
* Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room
* Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving
* Access to a retail discounts and cashback site
* A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes
* A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversity
Flexible Working Arrangements
HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval.
At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it's important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work.
The office working expectation is linked to the location of the role. If you apply to a post in a single location, then you will not be able to meet this expectation at any of our other sites or move your role to another location.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Recruitment Timeline
* Closing date: 21st September 2025 @ 23:55
* Shortlisting: W/C 22nd September 2025
* Leadership Assessment: W/C 28th September 2025
* Interviews: W/C 6th October 2025 & 13th October 2025
This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline.
If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile.
Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted.
Reserve Lists
You will be placed on a reserve list if your application is successful, but we cannot offer you a post immediately. Where more than one location has been advertised, candidates will be approached for roles in merit order according to the first preferred location stated on your application form.
Please note that a place on the reserve list does not guarantee an offer. We would still encourage you to apply for other HM Treasury opportunities that you are interested in. If you are offered a role in your first preferred location and you decline the offer or you are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe, you will be removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Those on the reserve list may also be approached for similar roles at a lower grade. If you are offered a role at a lower grade and choose to decline, you can remain on the reserve list.
Eligibility Statement
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information.
Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks. Additionally, individuals appointed to the Treasury group will be subject to National Security Vetting. The level of security vetting required for this role is Security Check (SC)
To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, applicants will need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. In exceptional circumstances, for example if you have been working abroad on a government posting, a lack of residency would not be a bar to security clearance however the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case-by-case basis once the advert closing date has passed.
Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you. Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive.
These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting. If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .
See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
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)
* 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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
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 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Apply and further information
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
* Name : Lindsey Jones
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
Complaints Process: Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.