Head of Data

The Care Inspectorate is the independent scrutiny, assurance and improvement support body for social care and social work in Scotland. We provide public assurance about the quality of social care, social work and early learning services, promote innovation and drive continuous improvement.

The Head of Data & Information will lead the Care Inspectorate’s data and information strategy, ensuring that data is robust and leveraged effectively to drive insights, inform decision-making and enhance scrutiny, assurance, and quality improvement effectiveness. The post holder will be responsible for the Intelligence and Analysis Manager and the Planning Team Manager.

Working with the Strategic Management Group and other senior leaders across the organisation, you will shape how the organisation collects, analyses, retains and uses data to support the Care Inspectorate to carry out scrutiny, assurance, and quality improvement activities in a collaborative way, to support improvement in the quality of care in Scotland.

You will provide visible leadership to consolidate excellence in all aspects of our work, support the achievement of our cultural aspirations and ensure continued investment in our skilled and confident workforce, with a strategic focus on collaboration in all that we do.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to support the formulation and communication of the Care Inspectorate’s strategic vision. Ensure that strategic plans are effectively articulated to all stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of organisational goals
• Champion a culture of collaboration across the organisation by coordinating joint strategies and initiatives. Facilitate workshops and meetings that encourage teamwork and collective problem-solving to drive improvements and meet the Care Inspectorate’s strategic priorities
• Serve as the strategic lead for data and information management. Develop and implement a comprehensive data and insights strategy that aligns with the organisation’s objectives, ensuring that data-driven decision-making is embedded in all levels of the organisation

Operational Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction to specialist functions, ensuring that all activities comply with relevant legislative requirements and align with the Care Inspectorate’s priorities. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these functions to ensure high quality service delivery
• Foster a supportive environment for team members by conducting regular one-on-one supervision sessions, performance reviews, and personal development planning. Encourage continuous professional development through training opportunities and mentorship
• Take responsibility for promoting the health, safety, and welfare of all employees. Ensure that health and safety policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to, creating a safe working environment in compliance with the Care Inspectorate and legislative standards
• Establish and maintain robust performance management systems to monitor employee performance and ensure consistency in practice. Implement feedback mechanisms that allow for continuous improvement and accountability
• Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing data processes and tools. Utilise advanced analytics, including predictive analytics and machine learning, to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in service delivery and regulatory practices

Relationship Management Responsibilities:

• Develop and nurture strong internal networks to facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration within the Directorate and across the organisation
• Act as a liaison between departments to ensure alignment and synergy in achieving organisational goals
• Actively promote the Care Inspectorate’s values in all interactions. Support staff in embodying these values in their daily work and interactions with colleagues, fostering a positive organisational culture
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of external stakeholders, including government agencies, community organisations, and service users. Engage in regular dialogue to gather feedback and improve service delivery
• Proactively raise public awareness of the Care Inspectorate’s work through outreach initiatives, public speaking engagements, and participation in community events. Ensure that the organisation’s mission and achievements are well communicated to the public
• Prepare and present detailed reports to internal governance groups, including the Strategic Management Group and the Board. Utilise data insights to inform discussions and guide strategic decision making, ensuring transparency and accountability

Preferred Candidate Background

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Significant experience in data leadership, ideally within the public sector or a regulated environment
• Proven experience in leading diverse, professional teams
• Evidence of implementing strategic data initiatives and transformational change
• Evidence of translating data to actionable insights across an organisation
• Significant experience in both operational and strategic leadership and management
• Experience in managing substantial budgets
• Experience in developing, implementing, and managing data-driven strategies
• Expertise in identifying and implementing innovative data strategies to enhance data practices and insights
• Proven ability to develop and communicate strategies that align with the Care Inspectorate’s ethos, ensuring sustainable change through diplomacy and practicality
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with proficiency in data analytics and visualisation tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, SAS)
• In-depth understanding of data governance, security, and compliance standards relevant to the sector
• Effective communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders
• Politically astute with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments effectively
• Proficient in advanced data tools and technologies, utilising effective methods for information management and communication
• Ability to challenge traditional approaches constructively, fostering a culture of innovation
• Articulate and positive communicator both in verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage, influence and lead the development of a wide range of key stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally
• Ability to assist the Executive Director to set, in consultation with others, the overall strategic agenda, long term objectives and performance standards for the organisation
• Analytical and systematic approach to problem solving

If this is a position that suits your experience and career ambitions, please apply at your earliest convenience.