JOB SUMMARY

This is one of the most exciting leadership roles in government right now. You’ll be at the heart of a bold mission to transform how the public sector works: using AI to unlock time, talent and better outcomes for citizens.
The Government Efficiency Accelerator is a flagship programme within the new Government Digital Service (GDS), part of DSIT. It’s all about reimagining how core functions like HR, Finance and Policy operate, starting with rapid pilots and scaling what works. Think of it as a government-backed startup with a mandate to deliver real change, supported by the most senior levels of government.
We’re looking for a strategic, creative and delivery-focused leader to take this programme to the next level. This work sits within the Public Sector AI Adoption Unit in GDS, which leads AI adoption efforts across the public sector

JOB DESCRIPTION

As Deputy Director, you will be responsible for leading the Government Efficiency Accelerator programme, working closely with the Director of Public Sector AI Adoption and senior stakeholders across central government (including Cabinet Office, No.10, DSIT). Responsibilities include:

• Set the vision and lead delivery of the Government Efficiency Accelerator across Whitehall.
• Build a roadmap to scale AI adoption in enabling functions, aligned with the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
• Identify high-impact use cases that deliver measurable productivity gains and cost savings.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team to design, test and roll out AI-powered tools that simplify workflows and automate the boring stuff.
• Partner with departments, academia and industry to trial and scale commercial AI solutions.
• Champion a “build once, use many times” approach to maximise impact.
• Be a visible leader for responsible AI—ensuring fairness, transparency and public trust.
• Brief ministers and senior officials and shape the narrative on how AI can transform government.

WHILE WE VALUE THE USE OF AI TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE OUR DAILY WORK, WE ALSO VALUE THE PERSONAL TOUCH AND URGE APPLICANTS TO WRITE COVER LETTERS WITHOUT THE USE OF AI TO EMPHASISE THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERIENCES.

In the event we receive a high volume of applications, we will conduct the initial sift against the lead criteria which is: A track record of delivering complex programmes at pace across teams or departments.
In the Civil Service, we use Success Profiles to evaluate your skills and ability. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, increases performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We’ll be assessing your technical abilities, skills, experience and behaviours that are relevant to this role.

For this role we’ll be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours:

• making effective decisions
• leadership
• communicating and influencing
• delivering at pace

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

As Deputy Director, you will be responsible for leading the Government Efficiency Accelerator programme, working closely with the Director of Public Sector AI Adoption and senior stakeholders across central government (including Cabinet Office, No.10, DSIT). Responsibilities include:

• Set the vision and lead delivery of the Government Efficiency Accelerator across Whitehall.
• Build a roadmap to scale AI adoption in enabling functions, aligned with the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
• Identify high-impact use cases that deliver measurable productivity gains and cost savings.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team to design, test and roll out AI-powered tools that simplify workflows and automate the boring stuff.
• Partner with departments, academia and industry to trial and scale commercial AI solutions.
• Champion a “build once, use many times” approach to maximise impact.
• Be a visible leader for responsible AI—ensuring fairness, transparency and public trust.
• Brief ministers and senior officials and shape the narrative on how AI can transform government

The standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of:

• a simple application screening process - We only ask for a CV and cover letter of up to 750 words. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “person specification” section above
• a 60 minute video intervie

For this role we’ll be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours:

• making effective decisions
• leadership
• communicating and influencing
• delivering at pac