Senior People Data Governance Analyst

The Senior People Data Governance Analyst is a new role that will play a key role in ensuring workforce data is defined, governed, and managed consistently.

Working within the People Analytics and Insights team (PAI), the post holder will lead the consistent capture, maintenance, and verification of people data metric definitions, the capture of data lineage, and compliance with Data Protection and security, enabling the delivery of trusted workforce insights and evidence-based decision making.

The role will act as the principal liaison between PAI, the Cabinet Office, and other data teams within Defra, including Data and Analytics Teams within the COO directorate and the Office of the Chief Data Officer, ensuring that workforce reporting aligns with cross-government standards and departmental requirements.

Key Responsibilities

People Data Governance

• Review existing governance documentation and arrangements for workforce and people data and analysis products within PAI.
• Act as a subject matter expert on workforce data standards, definitions, and governance practices.
• Support government governance forums and contribute to the development of policies, standards, and guidance relating to workforce data.
• Ensure workforce data assets are documented, managed, and governed in line with organisational requirements.
• Identify and escalate risks relating to the governance and use of people data.

Workforce Data Standards and Definitions

• Own and oversee maintenance of the People Data Dictionary and associated documentation.
• Develop, document, and communicate standard definitions for workforce metrics and key people data assets.
• Ensure consistent application of agreed definitions across reports, dashboards, and analytical products.
• Manage changes to workforce metrics and definitions through appropriate governance processes.
• Promote the use of common standards and a single source of truth for workforce reporting.

Cabinet Office and Cross-Government Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for Cabinet Office workforce metric definitions and reporting standards.
• Maintain awareness of emerging cross-government requirements relating to people data.
• Coordinate the implementation of new or revised workforce metrics and definitions.
• Represent the organisation at relevant cross-government communities of practice, working groups, and professional networks.

Data Lineage and Metadata Management

• Develop and maintain documentation describing workforce data flows from source systems through to analytical outputs.
• Establish and maintain data lineage and definitions for key workforce metrics and reporting products.
• Assess the impact of changes to systems, processes, and reporting requirements on workforce data assets.
• Support assurance, audit, and compliance activities through clear documentation and traceability of data.

Collaboration and Assurance

• Work closely with colleagues responsible for Data Protection, Information Governance, Security, and Corporate Data Management.
• Promote good data governance practices across HR, workforce planning, and analytical communities.
• Work with colleagues across HR and wider Defra to ensure positive relations and good understanding of governance.
• Act as the gatekeeper for access to sensitive data and dashboards.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working with data, analysis, or information management in a complex organisation.
• Experience of producing clear governance documentation, guidance, or standards.
• Knowledge of data governance principles, including data standards and data lineage.
• Experience of developing and maintaining data definitions, business glossaries, or data dictionaries.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence colleagues at different levels.
• Ability to communicate complex data concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skills

• GSS Technical competency - strand - Acquiring data and understanding customer needs.

Benefits

• Salary of £44,052 - £46,765 per year
• Employer contribution of £12,761 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%