Background
We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and organised individual to lead the Information Strategy and Governance (IS&G) Team in the Parliamentary Archives and to be the Secretary to the Information Authority.
The Head of IS&G is a significant and central role in the governance of information strategy and risk in Parliament, and needs to have strong influencing, relationship building, and written and verbal communication skills. It would suit someone with experience supporting a board or group, and an understanding of governance and risk management processes.
The Information Authority is a leadership Board for information, data and cyber security across the two Houses of the UK Parliament. The Information Authority is Chaired by the two Senior Information Risk Owners for both Houses and they are joined on the Board by senior leadership from across digital, security, a senior business representative and a Non-Executive Director.
The IS&G Team forms part of the Parliamentary Archives – based within the House of Lords but a shared service with the House of Commons and jointly funded. The team is a small team of two individuals and matrix management and delivery via projects with key stakeholders is a key part of the remit of the team and of this role.
Key priorities for the team, and this role in the year ahead include:
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Information governance improvements on behalf of the Information Authority, overseeing the delivery of an action plan to improve risk management, governance accountabilities and performance measures.
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Work with colleagues in Data and Information to manage Parliament’s Information and Data Strategy implementation plan, and to inform its development.
The Role
The post-holder will be responsible for:
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Managing and overseeing the work of the Information Authority including the operations of the secretariat function within the team.
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Acting as a liaison for the Information Authority and taking on a key co-ordination role in cross-team projects and work, including with the Restoration and Renewal programme.
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Definition and delivery of priority actions for the Information Authority, which this year will include governance improvements and the implementation plan for the Information and Data Strategy.
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Leading the Information Strategy and Governance Team and representing the team’s interests and wider Office objectives on the Parliamentary Archives Senior Management Team.
The Person
The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:
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Influencing and engagement - Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to influence, persuade and negotiate successfully and effectively at all levels in a complex environment, work inclusively and flexibly with a diverse range of stakeholders to build strong partnerships and networks based on credibility, trust and mutual respect. Excellent communications, including written skills, to influence and persuade at all levels and explain issues simply and compellingly to diverse audiences.
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Planning and organisation - Effective planning and organisational skills, able to deliver to deadlines, manage own work and the work of others and make effective decisions on priorities and adapt to change as required.
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Effective decision making - Proactive ability to take responsibility to seek solutions to problems, with an ability to identify risks and make a judgement on appropriate action.
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People development - Ability to develop people and to manage work across a team and beyond to deliver shared outcomes, creating a productive and inclusive work environment based on mutual trust and respect.
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Governance - Experience working in a governance role and/or as a Board Secretary.
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Subject matter knowledge - A good understanding of information, data and cyber especially relating to the effective and secure management and exploitation of an organisation’s information.