Data Architect

The Data Architect will help to deliver the strategy and roadmap for moving DVSA to a data led organisation.

The Data Architect will maximise additional value from the Agency’s data through assisting with the implementation of data governance roles, process and procedures. One of the chief goals for the role holder is to identify the key data structures, roles and responsibilities and operating model in DVSA and get best value from data. They will ensure that the data collected is fit for purpose and accessible using common patterns and standards.

Working with the Senior Data Architects, the role holder is responsible for both the creation and then the subsequent maintenance of the current and future data architectures for DVSA and ensuring that all data designs deliver value for money, are robust, perform against specification and are fit for purpose. The role holder is responsible for data design and managing data service provision within DVSA and ensuring that securing the Agency information and data is at the forefront of design.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it’s like working at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - Department for Transport Careers, * Define the principles, policies, processes, specifications and protocols for data architecture as well as assisting in the production of the same artefacts for data governance and assurance of data within the Agency.

• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of data governance operating model.
• Understand and address the risk and security aspects of data architecture and management. Create and maintain data principles which guide the use of data patterns across the agency.
• Proactively seek, gather input from and influence senior Digital and Data and business colleagues to ensure that the data strategies and architectures will support the needs of DVSA.
• Working closely with other members of the Digital and Data team, including third party suppliers, leads the use and management of the Agency’s data.
• Build relationships and networks with architecture colleagues across government, the IT industry and with suppliers to understand the market developments, gain industry insight, case studies and monitor market trends to provide comprehensive recommendations within DVSA on future data options and to enable intelligent data architecture planning for the future., The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application., We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Data architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework - Communicating between the technical and non-technical: Level- Working.
• Data architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework - Data governance: Level – Working.
• Data architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework - Strategic Thinking: Level - Awareness., As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes., All external applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:
• Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
• Threats or acts of violence
• Illegal activity or substance misuse
• Sexually explicit material
• Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle - it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

Feedback Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks., * 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

• To engage and communicate with colleagues of all levels with the ability to present technical ideas and concepts verbally and via documentation in the language of the business.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to translate business need and data requirements into technical language.
• Applied experience and expertise in data architecture concepts (e.g. model management, meta-data management, data governance).

Essential Experience

• Proven track record of helping to embed data architecture concepts within an organisation.
• Experience of helping to develop a data strategy and working within and influencing the associated policies., * Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills, This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills., * To engage and communicate with colleagues of all levels with the ability to present technical ideas and concepts verbally and via documentation in the language of the business.

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to translate business need and data requirements into technical language.
• Applied experience and expertise in data architecture concepts (e.g. model management, meta-data management, data governance).
• Experience of helping to develop a data strategy and working within and influencing the associated policies.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Employee discount
• Employee assistance programme
• Company pension, You can be based at any of the above locations, however if your chosen location is Yeading/Uxbridge please note:

This role is advertised as being based in Uxbridge; however, the contractual base will be Yeading.

While estate works are being carried out at the Yeading site, all roles will be temporarily located in Uxbridge. Successful applicants will therefore begin their employment at the Uxbridge location.

Please be aware that all employees will be required to work from the Yeading site once it reopens in 2028.

Employees based at Uxbridge will receive a London Weighting allowance of £4,000. This allowance will continue when the location moves to Yeading., Alongside your salary of £44,241, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £12,816 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

Offered Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies .