The National Data Guardian for Health and Care

The Minister for Health Innovation and Safety is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the next National Data Guardian (NDG) for Health and Care.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how health and care data is used across England at a pivotal moment for the NHS, social care and the wider health system. As advances in technology, data science and artificial intelligence continue to transform healthcare, the NDG plays a critical role in ensuring that innovation is underpinned by public trust, transparency and the highest standards of confidentiality and security.

The National Data Guardian is the independent champion for patients and the public on matters relating to the use, protection and sharing of health and adult social care information. The NDG provides trusted advice, guidance and challenge to government, the NHS, social care organisations and the wider health and care system, helping to ensure that confidential information is safeguarded while enabling its responsible use to improve services, patient outcomes and research.

Created in 2014 and established in law by the Health and Social Care (National Data Guardian) Act 2018, the role carries significant influence across the health and care landscape. The NDG has statutory powers to issue official guidance on the processing of health and adult social care data in England, to which public bodies and organisations delivering NHS and publicly funded adult social care services must have regard.

The successful candidate will provide visible national leadership on some of the most complex and important issues facing health and care today. They will engage with senior leaders across government, the NHS, social care, academia, industry and the voluntary sector, helping to shape policy and practice at a time when the opportunities presented by data have never been greater.

We are looking for a respected and influential leader with a strong track record of operating at a senior level and delivering impact in complex environments within the private, public or voluntary sectors. You will bring extensive experience of the secure and ethical use of sensitive health data, together with a deep understanding of the evolving technologies that underpin modern health and care services.

You will possess excellent judgement, independence and credibility, with the ability to influence, challenge and build consensus across a diverse range of stakeholders. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to connect with patients and the public while engaging effectively with leaders across government and the health and care system.
Above all, you will be committed to ensuring that the responsible use of data improves outcomes for patients and citizens, while maintaining public confidence in how personal information is used and protected.

This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of health and care data in England and make a lasting contribution to the wellbeing of citizens.

Remuneration will be £63,000 per annum for a time commitment of 3.5 days per week.  The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care determine the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 3 years.

For more information, please visit the Public Appointments website: https://apply-for-public appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/9039 

If you require an alternative format, please call Karen Dinsdale on 0113 254 5625 or Ben Jones on 0113 254 6557 quoting the reference VAC-9039.

The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday, 01 September 2026.

The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.