Data Ethics Lead

This is a 12-month fixed term contract.

We are excited to be hiring a new part time Data Ethics Lead to join our fantastic Data Strategy and Information Governance teams, based in our Reigate headquarters.

This is a part time role for which we welcome applications from candidate seeking a working pattern of between or equivalent to 2 or 3 days per week. Many of our staff also work flexibly, including term-time only, so we welcome a conversation as to what working pattern or hours might work best for you. This role could particularly suit someone with another part-time post, caring responsibilities, or who is studying alongside work.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Role

As Data Ethics Lead, you will work with stakeholders to implement, refine, and embed the Council's emerging approach to data ethics, and support important projects in identifying, addressing, and mitigating their data ethics risks.

Hosted within the corporate Information Governance function, but also engaging closely with a range of organisational stakeholders, you will support those facing data ethical dilemmas to identify, address and mitigate these, ensuring the council does the right thing, above and beyond solely complying with its legal obligations around data.

The initial focus will be to embed and deliver the 12-month pilot phase of Surrey County Council's Data Ethics Framework, as part of our Data Strategy, including developing and implementing a communications plan to raise awareness of the framework.

Beyond this, the role would undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the framework during the pilot year, and make recommendations for the approach moving forward, such that data ethics contributes to our overall data principles, namely that:

• We value data as an asset
• We actively manage data
• We share data appropriately
• We use data to support decision making

About the Team

At Surrey, our vision is to help create better lives, a better place, and a county where no-one is left behind. To help deliver this vision we are committed to transforming the way the Council manages and uses data and creates insight.

Our Data Strategy Programme has made some great progress over the last couple of years and is moving into an important delivery phase. It's an exciting time to join our dedicated data strategy and Information Governance teams and to be involved in this ambitious transformation.

About You

As part of the application process, you will be asked to answer the following questions along with uploading your CV:

1. Describe a situation where you had to navigate the ethical considerations of a data-related project. How did you ensure an inclusive approach, and what impact did it have on the project's outcome?
2. Share an example of a framework, guide, or resource you have developed for data ethics or a related field and how you ensured its effectiveness.
3. Discuss a project where you had to communicate complex data ethics concepts to stakeholders with varying levels of expertise. How did you tailor your communication to different audiences?
4. Describe a project where you demonstrated strong organisational and project management skills, particularly in leading and influencing stakeholders across different levels of seniority.

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your answers to the above questions and your CV will clearly evidence the following shortlisting criteria:

You will have a strong understanding of ethics, and legislation relating to data, as well as a keen interest in the latest research and academic developments in data ethics. You will also have experience in developing and creating frameworks, guides, and resources for data ethics or a related field in a way that makes complex information simple and accessible.

You will have excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with an ability to work across organisational and service boundaries and engage as a peer with experts in data, analytics and technology.

You will have great organisational and project management skills, including experience of leading and influencing individual and group stakeholders across all levels of seniority and able to demonstrate an inclusive approach to consensus building as well as the ability to incorporate disparate views of underrepresented groups in evolving products and policy work.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/04/2024.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.