AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Lead Data Governance and Assurance Specialist Inside IR35 for a 6 months contract based hybrid York or Newcastle

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
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• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

As a Lead Data Governance and Assurance Specialist, your main responsibilities will be:

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading delivery of the MMO Data Maturity Improvement Programme
• Driving improvements in organisational data governance and maturity
• Implementing governance frameworks, operating models and assurance controls
• Establishing data ownership, stewardship and accountability arrangements
• Delivering corrective actions associated with enterprise data risks
• Improving visibility, control and management of critical data assets
• Producing executive-level reporting, dashboards and assurance evidence
• Facilitating governance forums and engaging with senior stakeholders
• Supporting compliance with Defra Group data and information management requirements
• Preparing the organisation for assessment, audit and assurance activities
• Developing practical guidance, standards and processes to embed best practice
• Supporting the September 2026 Data Maturity Assessment and future reassessments

Essential Experience

We're looking for candidates with:

• Extensive experience delivering enterprise-wide data governance programmes
• Proven success improving organisational data maturity
• Strong experience implementing governance frameworks and operating models
• Experience establishing data ownership, stewardship and accountability models
• Expertise in data risk management, assurance and compliance activities
• Experience with data cataloguing, metadata management and/or data lineage solutions
• Strong understanding of data quality, information management and data lifecycle practices
• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across complex organisations
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into practical delivery outcomes

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following would be beneficial:

• Public sector, regulatory or Defra Group environments
• Data maturity assessment frameworks
• Information governance and data protection requirements
• ICO Accountability Framework
• Audit, assurance and risk review activities
• Fisheries, environmental, scientific or regulatory datasets

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".