Vacancy at the Parliamentary Archives, London: Head of Information Strategy and Governance (mat ...

22 November 2021

London

Fixed Term

We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and organized individual to lead the Information Strategy and Governance (IS&G) Team at the Parliamentary Archives and to serve as the Secretary to the Information Authority.

The Head of IS&G plays a central role in governing information strategy and risk within Parliament. The ideal candidate will possess strong influencing, relationship-building, and communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience supporting a board or group and an understanding of governance and risk management processes are essential.

The Information Authority is a leadership board overseeing information, data, and cyber security across the UK Parliament's two Houses. It is chaired by the two Senior Information Risk Owners for both Houses and includes senior leadership from digital, security, a senior business representative, and a Non-Executive Director.

The IS&G Team is part of the Parliamentary Archives, based within the House of Lords but shared with the House of Commons and jointly funded. The team comprises two members, and the role involves matrix management and project delivery with key stakeholders.

Key priorities include:

• Implementing information governance improvements, overseeing an action plan to enhance risk management, governance accountability, and performance metrics.
• Collaborating with Data and Information colleagues to manage and develop Parliament's Information and Data Strategy implementation plan.

The post-holder will be responsible for:

• Managing the Information Authority's work and the secretariat functions within the team.
• Acting as a liaison and coordinating cross-team projects, including with the Restoration and Renewal programme.
• Defining and delivering priority actions, including governance improvements and strategy implementation.
• Leading the IS&G Team and representing its interests within the Parliamentary Archives Senior Management Team.

The successful candidate will have:

• Influencing and engagement: Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate across complex environments. Ability to work inclusively with diverse stakeholders and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Planning and organization: Effective planning skills, ability to meet deadlines, manage own and others' work, and adapt to change.
• Decision-making: Proactive problem-solving skills, risk identification, and sound judgment.
• People development: Ability to develop team members and manage work to deliver shared outcomes in a productive, inclusive environment.
• Governance experience: Background in governance roles or as a Board Secretary.
• Subject matter knowledge: Good understanding of information, data, and cyber security, especially related to secure management and exploitation of organizational information.