Head of Data and Analytics Operations

Police Digital Service (PDS) is recruiting on behalf of the NPCC National Data & Analytics Office - a dedicated national capability transforming data and analytics provision and insights in policing.

We are looking for a Head of Data and Analytics Operations with salary starting at £85,000 pa. This role is a Fixed Term for 12 months and you will be seconded from PDS into the NPCC & Data Analytics office.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking function within policing which will shape the future of data and analytics in UK law enforcement and help to utilise policing data to better protect the public. The NDAO will ensure:

• Responsible data use across law enforcement
• Improved data governance and standardised datasets
• Enhanced data analytics services to support operational decision-making
• Professionalisation of data roles within policing
• A more integrated data-sharing ecosystem across forces

The Head of Data and Analytics Operations will lead the operational implementation of data and analytics capabilities across the National Data and Analytics Office (NDAO).

Working closely with the Head of Technical Data and Analytics Delivery this role will ensure analytical tools, platforms, and products are not only technically robust but operationally viable, user-centred, and ethically deployed.

The postholder will translate national strategy into tangible delivery, ensuring adoption, impact, and measurable improvement in public safety outcomes. The role provides the opportunity to manage a newly established data function and design an operational analytics and insights function from scratch as the office develops, based on the centralisation of Policing data sets.

Why Join us?

You can find out more here:

Benefits - Police Digital Service )

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the offices operational data and analytics function setting the strategic direction, operating model, and governance framework to ensure effective data and analytics use across forces and national bodies.
• Develop a scalable analytical capability, intrinsically linked to the offices data operations, that enables the policing community to harness cutting edge analytical techniques and tools to generate actionable insights and evidence-based decision-making.
• Build and nurture relationships across the analytical community, including police forces, Home Office, partner agencies, and academia, to promote collaboration, share best practice, and align on analytical standards and priorities.
• Ensure access to and optimisation of advanced analytical tooling and platforms, working with technical partners to select, implement, and maintain the most effective tools for data integration, analysis, and visualisation.
• Champion data quality, governance, and ethical data use, ensuring that analytical outputs meet high standards of accuracy, transparency, and compliance with legal and ethical frameworks.
• Commission and oversee national data quality reviews, audits, and improvement plans..

What you need to succeed in the role

• Knowledge of how to design and deliver large scale data and analytics transformation and building a new and innovative function, including stakeholder management, business case development and benefits realisation.
• Strong awareness of the link between data quality and analytics outcomes.
• In-depth understanding of data management, governance, and data quality frameworks across a complex organisation or groups.
• Understanding of policing data sources/structures(e.g., crime, intelligence, custody, safeguarding, HR, command & control) systems and standards including how data is collected shared and governed across forces and agencies.
• Comprehensive awareness of data protection legislation, security classifications, and ethical considerations in the use of sensitive and personal data.
• Experience of using data and analysis to generate insights and impact, translating complex analytical findings into clear and actionable insights that can inform decision making at a local, regional and national level.

Key Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to translate policy and strategy into operational data management practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skilled in balancing compliance, usability, and innovation in data governance.

Experience:

• Proven experience leading large-scale data management or governance programmes, ideally in the public sector or law enforcement.
• Demonstrated success improving data quality and establishing national or enterprise-level data standards.
• Track record of managing multi-disciplinary data teams and delivering organisational change.
• Experience working across multiple agencies or complex federated structures.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate on any grounds. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible span of experience. All applicants will be considered without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, nationality, neurodiversity or disability status.

Working Arrangements

This is a remote role with occasional travel required to attend meetings.

All applicants must be eligible to undergo NPPV3 (Non Police Personnel Vetting Level 3) and SC vetting clearances. Successful applicants will require NPPV3 clearance to have been cleared before starting with PDS.

Please note, we may choose to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications for this role so please endeavour to to complete your application as soon as possible.