Data Architect - DVSA - SEO

Job summary

The DVSA are in the midst of an incredibly exciting digital transformation. This role will form a part of a new growing team helping change the direction for the agency and contributing to our 2030 vision.

Our Data Strategy has just been refreshed and sets the direction for making the Agency an evidence based and data driven organisation. Our roadmap sets out an ambitious and exciting programme of works covering the next five years. You will work on a wide range of activities from setting the foundations by establishing and delivering our data catalogue and data models through to setting up the Agency to unleash the potential of AI.

There’s never been a better time to join the DVSA. 

Our Digital-first vision  is supported by a clear strategy which allows our staff to develop and grow.   

Click to find out more the award-winning services we work on and what’s on offer for you, helping drive your career forward. 

If you want to find out more about this role, get tips on the application or ask the hiring manager (Chris Barnes - Head of Data Management) any questions, join us for a virtual information session on 15th October at 17:30. Click  here to register. 

Check out Chris Barnes (Head of Data Management) latest blog here.

Job description

You will

• Help to define the principles, policies, processes and specifications for data architecture.
• Assisting in the production of artefacts for data governance and assurance of data within the Agency.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of data governance operating model.
• Deliver specialist advice and best practice to all stakeholders.
• Assist in delivering the DVSA’s data strategy and roadmap.

For further information please see the attached Role Profile.

Additional Information

This role can be based in Bristol, Swansea, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham or Birmingham or Leeds your presence at one of these locations will form part of the working arrangements agreed with you. We operate a hybrid working model giving you greater flexibility about where and when you work. Our expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your time at your base location. Visits to other DVSA sites or work locations count towards this.  

Government Digital and Data Profession Pay Framework

This role is part of the Government Digital and Data profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £40,808. In addition to this, the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £16,592.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.

Please note, the new Capability–Based Pay Framework came into effect on 1st August 2024.

Here are more details on the pay framework.

Person specification

We are looking for individuals who:

• Effectively communicate and demonstrate complex data concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Bridge the gap between stakeholders and technical data teams, translating and relaying key information in plain language and technical language.
• Understand the impact of emerging trends on the organisation in data tools, analysis techniques and data usage.
• Work within a strategic context and communicate how activities meet strategic goals.

Please view the attached role profile for an in depth view of the post.

There may be an element of travel associated with this role to other DVSA offices, with some infrequent overnight stays.

Please take note that DVSA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. 

About Us 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. 

We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles. 

We’re working hard to:  

• Make roads safer.
• Improve services for our customers.
• Make road transport greener and healthier.
• Harness the potential of technology and data.

We’re committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams where everyone is valued. You can grow, develop and progress, and make a real difference to society. 

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice and welcome and encourage applications from everyone, such as ethnic minorities, women, disabled people and those who identify as LGBT+. 

To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace and making DVSA a great place to work visit our Careers website.  

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• Data Architect - Communicating between the technical and non-technical (Skill level: Working)
• Data Architect - Data Governance (Skill level: Working)
• Data Architect - Data Modelling (Skill level: Working)

Benefits

• An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• Exceptional pension with an employer contribution of an average of 27%.
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 each year of service, up to 30.
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Latest IT and Tech devices.  
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues. 
• Excellent learning and development tailored to your role including paid apprenticeships up to Masters level.
• Wide range of discounts schemes on high street names.
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing. 
• Cycle to work scheme and Gym membership offers.
• For more information see visit our careers page.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please structure your CV to provide detailed evidence of each of the following: 

• Experience of engaging and communicating with colleagues of all levels (i.e. giving presentations or training) with the ability to present technical ideas and concepts verbally and via documentation in the language of the business.
• Experience of helping to develop a data strategy and working within and influencing the associated policies.
• Applied experience and expertise in data architecture concepts (e.g. model management, meta-data management, data governance).
• Proven track record of helping to embed data architecture concepts within an organisation.

Sift & Interview Dates  

The sift is due to take place from 29th October 2024.

Interviews are due to take place from the week commencing the 11th November 2024.

This interview will be conducted via a video interview, details of which will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.   

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.  

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment will include: 

• An interview.

You’re encouraged to become familiar with the Role Profile attached, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within. 

The Department for Transport recruits using Success Profiles. For each role, we consider what you need to demonstrate to be successful. 

This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.  

You can read more about Success Profiles here. 

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document 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.

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email DRGComms@dft.gov.uk for assistance.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

Pre-employment Checking

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

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) (opens in a new window)
• 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 (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).