Based in the central department, a newly recruited senior digital chief will be charged with ensuring that a wider transformation programme throughout government will make best use of new technologies
The Cabinet Office has launched a recruitment campaign to find an “AI innovation director” as part of the Future Civil Service reform programme.
It is offering a salary of up to £163,000 to the successful applicant, who will answer to the newly appointed Future Civil Service director-general, Jerome Glass. The new director will also work closely with cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo and the prime minister’s artificial intelligence adviser, Jade Leung.
According to the Cabinet Office, the role will involve being part of a team that reimagines the future workforce and business model for the civil service, drives adoption of AI tools across departments – and champions, coordinates and tracks activity across government.
The department said embracing innovative technological advancements and adopting and scaling up the use of AI “must be centrally wired into the reform programme”.
Writing in the applicant pack for potential candidates, cab sec Romeo said the Future Civil Service programme will transform Whitehall so it is recognised for excellence in delivery, innovation and improved productivity.
Romeo said the SCS Pay Band 2 role offers a “genuine opportunity to shape the civil service of the future”.
“The AI and innovation director will be responsible for bringing the civil service’s approach to AI and innovation into a clear, single strategy, and ensuring that the opportunities presented by the technology lead to workable policies and delivery plans,” she said. “They will also support and lead departments to adopt AI tools across the civil service.
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“This work is central to the Future Civil Service programme as we understand what AI means for the future size and shape of the civil service. The role will work closely with me, permanent secretaries, and senior leaders across government to ensure that the civil service is equipped to meet the challenges of the modern era.”
Romeo said the successful candidate will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of AI technologies, including deploying generative and traditional AI solutions, combined with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts simply to stakeholders at all levels.
“You will build trust across government as a strategic leader, galvanising the system to deliver ambitious, long-lasting change,” she said. “We are seeking an exceptional individual who is an experienced strategic leader, can deliver under pressure, and will help shape the direction of the civil service at a pivotal time.”
According to the Cabinet Office, part of the new director’s role will involve working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Civil Service HR to “deploy pay, contractual and talent frameworks at pace”, ensuring the civil cervice can attract and retain “frontier AI capability”.
The department’s advertisement states that “essential” qualities for the successful candidate include being a “natural influencer” with “strong collaboration skills”. It also stipulates an “entrepreneurial mindset” along with “high ownership and accountability in ambiguous working environments”.
The London-based role is open to applications until 23:55 on 13 July.