Chief Digital and Information Officer

Description

The National Audit Office (NAO) is the UK’s independent public spending watchdog. We support Parliament in holding government to account and we help improve public services through our high quality audits. Through this work, we provide Parliament, government and the public with trusted assurance, authoritative insight and practical recommendations that support transparency, accountability and better outcomes for citizens. In 2024 we identified financial impacts totalling £5.3 billion. 

As governments today face an era of unprecedented complexity, striving to provide modern and affordable public services that meet the needs and expectations of today’s society, our ability to operate with impact has never been more important. The appointment of our first Executive level CDIO is an exciting development that will be central to the delivery of our 2025-2030 strategy, which places digital at the heart of our mission.

Reporting to the Comptroller & Auditor General and regularly liaising with the Board, you will set a compelling vision for digital, data, AI and technology innovation at the NAO. You will drive strategy and deliver excellence as a highly visible and active member of the Executive Team. Working in partnership with the executive leads for audit you will catalyse change and provide challenge and insight to enable us to continuously evolve our use of technology in audit delivery to strengthen quality, insight, efficiency and resilience. Success in doing so will result in the provision of user‑centred, interoperable platforms, products and services, underpinned by modern engineering practices, a robust information and cyber security stance and strong governance.

We are seeking an exceptional leader with the credibility and track record to lead digital, data, AI and technology innovation at scale in a complex, data-rich setting. With breadth of expertise across modern digital and engineering disciplines, including architecture, cyber security, data and AI, you will be an inspiring, inclusive leader, able to build high‑performing teams, elicit strong performance from partners, and influence confidently at Board and executive level. Strategic, resilient and politically astute, you will combine intellectual rigour with pragmatism, challenge constructively when needed, and operate with integrity, humility and strong commitment to public service values and the NAO’s mission.

This is a rare opportunity to help elevate the capabilities of the NAO at a pivotal moment in its evolution. We invite you to play a leading role in shaping how digital, data and AI drive public sector impact.

To apply or for a confidential discussion, please email Russell Brandon at russell.brandon@gatenbysanderson.com

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is central to who we are as an organisation and how we deliver our work. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported and able to contribute fully.

We recognise that diversity of thought, skills and experience strengthens our work and supports better outcomes. We therefore welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented at senior levels.

We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment processes and will work with candidates to ensure they are able to demonstrate their skills and experience at every stage.

Reasonable Adjustments and Guaranteed Interview Scheme
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to provide appropriate support.

The NAO operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role and who identify as disabled. Where criteria are met, candidates will be progressed in line with the scheme.

Further information about reasonable adjustments and the Guaranteed Interview Scheme is available on request.

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