Data, Insight and Information Governance Lead

Job Introduction Are you experienced in using data, insight and evidence to improve public services? Can you bring organisations together to overcome barriers to data sharing and turn complex information into clear recommendations? We are looking for a Data, Insight and Information Governance Lead to join the West Midlands Changing Futures Programme. Changing Futures Phase 2 is a national programme funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government until March 2029.

It aims to improve outcomes for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, substance misuse, poor mental health, domestic abuse and involvement with the criminal justice system. The West Midlands has been selected to deliver the programme for the first time, bringing together partners from housing, health, social care, local government, criminal justice and the voluntary sector to provide more joined-up, person-centred and trauma-informed support.

The programme will focus on driving system change across Birmingham, Sandwell and Wolverhampton, helping services work more effectively together to improve outcomes for residents and reduce reliance on crisis-led interventions. Based within the Office for Public Sector Innovation (OPSI), the Changing Futures team plays a key role in supporting public service reform through collaboration, innovation and learning.

Working closely with colleagues and partners across the region, the team develops and shares insight, evidence and best practice to inform wider system change and improve outcomes for people facing complex challenges. This is a regional role with the opportunity to shape how data, intelligence and evidence are used to understand need, improve outcomes and support wider public service reform. You will act as the regional subject matter expert for data, insight and information governance.

You will work across local government, health, housing, criminal justice and the voluntary and community sector to strengthen collaboration and make better use of information. You will bring together data, lived experience and professional knowledge to support better decisions and system-wide learning. This role is being advertised as a 2.5 year fixed term contract. What you will be doing. Lead the development and implementation of the regional Data, Insight and Information Governance function for Changing Futures.

Act as WMCA’s strategic lead for data, insight and information governance within the programme. Develop a shared regional approach to understanding need, outcomes, system pressures and repeat crisis demand. Champion the use of evidence and intelligence to support prevention, system reform and improved outcomes. Promote evidence-informed decision making across the programme. Influence regional approaches to data sharing and information governance, helping partners overcome barriers to collaboration.

Build and maintain relationships with data, insight, research and information governance professionals across partner organisations. Establish and coordinate the regional Data, Insight and Information Governance Network. Bring together intelligence from multiple organisations to develop a richer understanding of multiple disadvantage. Identify barriers to data sharing and support partners to develop practical solutions and common approaches.

Support the development of Information Sharing Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements and appropriate governance arrangements. Produce regional insight reports, dashboards, briefings and evidence summaries. Support the collection and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Combine data, lived experience insight and practitioner knowledge to improve understanding of system performance and outcomes.

Support the development of common reporting frameworks and shared outcome measures. Ensure data and intelligence inform programme governance, learning cycles and System Maturity Framework reviews. Act as a trusted advisor and critical friend