Location: Liverpool, Darlington or Remote

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 5th October 2026

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) plays a vital role in protecting the public and supporting safer recruitment decisions across the United Kingdom. Our services help organisations make informed decisions about those working with vulnerable groups, underpinning trust across sectors including health, education, social care and policing. As we continue our ambitious transformation journey, technology and digital innovation are central to how we improve services, enhance customer experience and deliver greater impact. This is an exciting time to join an organisation that combines public purpose with a determination to modernise and innovate.

We are now seeking an exceptional Associate Director for Digital to lead the next phase of our digital evolution. Reporting to the Executive Director for Technology and Innovation, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering a clear digital vision that supports organisational priorities while ensuring services remain accessible, secure and focused on user needs. This is a highly influential leadership position operating at the heart of organisational decision-making, with responsibility for translating strategy into tangible outcomes that improve services for customers, staff and partners.

You will oversee the end-to-end development, operation and continuous improvement of digital services, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, accessibility and performance. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will champion modern delivery approaches, embed user-centred design principles and create an environment where innovation thrives. As DBS continues to modernise its operating model, you will play a leading role in driving cultural change, strengthening digital capability and ensuring technology remains a strategic enabler of organisational success.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leading large-scale digital transformation programmes within complex environments. You will have experience of shaping organisational strategy, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering high-quality digital services that achieve measurable outcomes. Equally important will be your ability to inspire teams, develop capability and build strong partnerships across government, suppliers and wider stakeholders.

This role offers a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership with genuine public impact. As Associate Director for Digital, you will help shape the future of a nationally important organisation, ensuring that digital services continue to support safeguarding, build public confidence and deliver lasting value for society. For further information contact: dbsdigital@gatenbysanderson.com