Strong digital and data leadership is essential to delivering better public services.
As technology becomes more central to how organisations operate, the need for strong digital and data leadership continues to grow.
Many experienced technical specialists want to move into leadership roles but may not have had opportunities to develop the wider skills needed.
The Chief Digital and Data Leader Programme has been created to help bridge this gap and support the transition.
Supporting the transition
from expert to leader
The programme is designed for experienced technical professionals who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.
It focuses on helping participants develop the strategic, commercial and leadership skills needed for senior digital and data leadership roles.
The programme aims to support individuals to:
- Combine technical expertise with leadership capability.
- Develop crucial business strategy and executive leadership skills and the resilience necessary.
- Develop comprehensive strategies to evolve into strategic technology leaders who can extract value from technology.
This is becoming increasingly important as digital, data and technology play a bigger role in organisational strategy and service delivery.
Building leadership capability
through practical learning
The programme brings together professionals from different organisations and sectors, creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and peer support.
A key feature of the programme is its focus on real-world leadership challenges. Participants take part in practical learning experiences designed to help them develop the skills and behaviours required of senior digital and data leaders.
Rather than focusing solely on technical knowledge, the programme encourages learners to think strategically, build influence and develop their own leadership approach.
During the first residential session, participants worked through simulation-based scenarios centred on strategic storytelling, influence and leadership development.
These exercises gave learners the opportunity to practise responding to complex organisational challenges and explore what effective leadership looks like in a digital and data environment.
Looking ahead
The programme also aims to support longer-term workforce development across the digital and data profession.
Learning from the pilot programme will help inform the development of a proposed future apprenticeship standard for senior digital and data leaders.
The learning will help us understand what future development routes could support experienced technical professionals moving into strategic leadership roles.
While there are existing apprenticeship standards covering leadership and technology professions, there is currently no dedicated route focused specifically on preparing senior technologists for executive digital and data leadership roles.
A future apprenticeship standard could help employers across England develop leadership capability at scale and create more opportunities for talented technical professionals to progress into senior leadership positions.
Helping shape the future
of digital leadership
Employers will play a key role in shaping this future development.
Organisations from the public, private, and SME sectors are invited to join a Trailblazer Group that will help define the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for future senior digital and data leaders.
The group will bring together employers from different sectors to help ensure any future apprenticeship standard reflects the needs of modern organisations and the challenges faced by today's digital leaders.
By contributing to this work, organisations can help shape a future leadership pathway that supports both individual career development and long-term organisational capability.
Find out more
As organisations continue to increase their reliance on digital and data capabilities, investment in leadership development will be critical to future success.
The Chief Digital and Data Leader Programme is helping to build a pipeline of leaders who can combine technical expertise with strategic leadership, creating stronger organisations and better outcomes for the people they serve.
To learn more about the programme or to express an interest in joining the Trailblazer Group, contact Digitalscstalent@dsit.gov.uk.
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