1. Application Process
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process outlined below no later than 12 noon on 29th June 2026:
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A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;
- Three statements (maximum 500 words each) answering the 3 pre-defined questions (below), explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.
- Describe your experience of leading the development and implementation of AI strategy and innovation within a complex organisation. What were the most significant challenges you encountered, how did you address them, and what key lessons did you learn?
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How do you identify and prioritise high-value opportunities for your organisation? Please provide examples of where you have successfully scaled initiatives across an organisation, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
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What has been your most significant leadership challenge in terms of scale and complexity? How did you lead through the challenge and what have you learned.
Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
As part of the online application process, you will be asked a number of diversity-related questions. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select 'prefer not to say. All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be provided to the selection panel. The information you provide when submitting your application will help us monitor our progress towards the Civil Service becoming the most inclusive employer.
2. Shortlist
A panel, including the hiring manager, will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the person specification section of this pack. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and all shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.
3. Assessment
If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a Staff Engagement Exercise in advance of the interview. This assessment will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, it is designed to support the panels decision making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview.
4. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the person specification. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Your interview will either be a face-to-face or via a video call, this will be confirmed nearer the time. The interview panel will be chaired by Jacqueline Hanson, who will be supported by additional panel members. The final panel interview will be a blended interview, covering behaviours and experience. A blended interview aims to be more of a conversation exploring the candidates capability for the role.
Expected Timeline
Assessments - Wednesday 15th July 2026
Interviews - Tuesday 28th July 2026
If selected to interview, you will need to be available both of the days. We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews.
5. Offer and Feedback
Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible. We will offer the opportunity to discuss feedback for all candidates who reached interview.
A reserve list will be held for up to 12 months, which we may use to fill future similar vacancies for candidates who are considered appointable following interview.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
