Head of Digital Economy Act Debt and Fraud Data Sharing Secretariat

Job summary

Summary

The Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) is responsible for holding departments and arms-length bodies to account for their handling of fraud in the public sector. The Authority will write the standards for counter fraud work across government and hold public bodies to account against these. Working in the PSFA offers access to a wide range of stakeholders across government and the opportunity to work with various sectors in a high profile policy area with high media, parliamentary and ministerial interest.

The Team

As well as being part of the PSFA, a new authority established in 2022, you will also be part of the Government Counter Fraud Function (GCFF). The PSFA is at the centre of this function but a role in this team will make you part of a Counter Fraud Function that spans government and has members in all departments, at all levels, in all sectors. The PSFA is outcome and performance driven, offers a depth and breadth of expertise and works jointly with HMT to tackle fraud in the public sector.

The PSFA, whilst sitting within the Cabinet Office, reports jointly to the Cabinet Office and Treasury Ministers. Maintaining close working relationships with HMT colleagues is key to ensure the PSFA can deliver its mandate effectively. The PSFA is a team of c.140 staff members with locations across the country – including Manchester, York, Glasgow and London. As a result, hybrid working is fully embraced and teams are encouraged to collaborate in the various Cabinet Office Hubs around the country.

Within that team, the Digital Economy Act (271) Debt and Fraud Data Sharing Secretariat, promotes and facilitates debt and fraud data sharing across the public sector and private entities through the DEA gateway. The Team readily and actively collaborates with bodies to manage & reduce debt and to combat fraud. From conception, scoping to delivery the Team provides expert advice including legislative and data governance support, pilot design and delivery, governance and management of Ministerial permissions/sign offs and further into business as usual.

Job description

The post holder will be responsible for leading the operational delivery of the Digital Economy Act (DEA) Data Share Secretariat Team. This role requires operational expertise, focusing on delivering and expanding secure, compliant data-sharing opportunities under the DEA framework. You will oversee compliance with the legislative requirements and the associated code of practice, including ensuring an effective Review Board (membership and operation). This will include ensuring complete paperwork is submitted to the Board, in line with the Code requirements, and driving the continuous improvement of processes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of efficiency and accountability.

You will work closely with stakeholders, to facilitate data-sharing initiatives, helping to unlock insights that support public services, while maintaining a strong commitment to data privacy and legal compliance.

We are looking for an experienced data sharing lead who is passionate about continually improving the government's ability to manage and reduce debt and fraud. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve change and deliver results. You will also have strong leadership and team management skills, experience of overseeing formal board secretariat support.

1. Lead the operational delivery of the DEA Data Share Secretariat.
2. Oversee data-sharing initiatives under the DEA, ensuring compliance and transparency.
3. Provide expert guidance on data-sharing policy, governance, and best practices to support public sector collaboration.
4. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting effective and secure data-sharing practices.
5. Drive better understanding of the opportunities the Digital Economy Act fraud and debt data sharing powers can afford to public authorities and develop a pipeline of pilots factoring in wider government priorities.
6. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, increase impact, and advance innovation across the DEA.
7. Ensure compliance with the legislative/statutory requirements to have a Review Board of expert advisors and maintain a public register of DEA data matching activity.
8. Ensure provision of secretariat services to support the effective operation of the review board.
9. Provide high quality briefing and advice for Ministers, working collaboratively with the press office where appropriate
10. Work with other senior leaders to develop and deliver the agreed strategic vision for the DEA.
11. Provide wider support and contribute to the collective leadership of the PSFA.
12. Provide line management to around 4 direct reports.

Note: An employee may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence and training; the post holder may also occasionally be required to carry out responsibilities at a higher level.

Person specification

Essential

• Understanding of the Digital Economy Act (DEA) (including its Code of Practice), policy, and legislation related to debt and fraud data sharing.
• Experience in data-sharing policy, governance, best practices, and data protection requirements.
• Experience of delivering/facilitating delivery and evaluation of data sharing pilots.
• Experience of developing a pipeline of data sharing pilots across a range of stakeholders
• Experience in managing an exterior, public facing Review Board with a range of stakeholders
• Experience of working with legal and data protection officers/teams
• Knowledge of parliamentary process and management of data breaches.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning, risk management, and programme management.
• Ability to lead, manage, and prioritise a varied and challenging workload, driving continuous improvement and streamlining processes.
• Experience maintaining and developing relationships with a complex range of key stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience drafting up to Ministerial Communications level and presenting effectively to large audiences.
• Experience managing or leading a team across multiple locations and a commitment to developing a positive team culture.
• Strong team working skills with the ability to work both cooperatively and autonomously.

Desirable

• Comprehensive understanding of fraud, including how the public sector can be defrauded.
• Core knowledge of debt management, including causes, resolutions, fairness principles, vulnerability support, and Government Debt Management Policy

Additional information:

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,204, Cabinet Office contributes £16,571 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.