Head of Data Governance

We’re on the lookout for a Head of Data Governance to join the believe housing team.

We believe in life without barriers. If you think you’d be great in the role, we want to hear from you. We’re interested in your skills, experience and personal values and we’re committed to being a supportive and inclusive employer.

A flexible approach that works for you

We’re a family‑friendly organisation, and we encourage everyone to ‘work the believe way’; keeping things simple, focusing on what matters and removing unnecessary tasks.

Your working arrangements will be flexible, based on the needs of the role, our customers and your preferences (agreed with your manager). Our offices are at Seaham and Bishop Auckland, and this role will require an on-site presence for part of the week.

About the role

The Head of Data Governance will define, lead and embed the organisation’s data governance culture and strategy, establishing frameworks, policies and controls needed to ensure high standards of data quality, security, ethics and compliance. Acting as the strategic bridge between directorates, the role will coordinate cross-functional governance activity, implement accountability for data ownership, and strengthen data literacy and capability across the organisation.

The successful candidate will:

lead the design and development of the Data Governance Framework, set clear data governance principles and priorities that promote responsible data behaviors and increase organisational data maturity develop and implement believe housing’s Data Strategy and action plan, in partnership with the Director of Technology and Digital Solutions, ensuring this is aligned to business objectives, data governance requirements, regulatory expectations and evolving data/AI risks define and maintain data and information governance policies, standards and frameworks, embedded across processes, systems and decisions define and maintain the data ownership and stewardship model, ensuring clear roles, accountabilities and responsibilities across departments embed accountability for data quality, definitions, lineage and lifecycle management through appropriate governance forums and controls set data quality standards and measures, establishing dashboards and regular reporting for effective monitoring, governance and assurance lead issue management, root‑cause analysis and remediation across data domains, ensuring quality metrics are regularly reviewed and acted upon oversee compliance with data protection, security, AI governance and ethical standards, ensuring appropriate controls, risk assessments and audits are in place provide expert guidance on data ethics, DPIAs, AI risk mitigation and regulatory change.

What’s on offer?

Our people are our greatest asset which is why we value you, encourage you, look after you, and empower you.

As well as a competitive salary of £85,395 per annum, some of our top benefits and rewards include:

up to 33 days annual leave, plus four volunteering days a competitive pension scheme access to our healthcare scheme flexible working that supports your wellbeing a positive, inclusive culture where growth and development are genuinely encouraged.

Apply now

If you believe that you demonstrate our values and can bring something special to this role, then apply now. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are a disability confident employer, so if you require any adjustments or support throughout our recruitment process, please get in touch.

If you wish to find out more about this opportunity contact Louise Taylor, Executive Director of Governance and Strategy, at louise.taylor@believehousing.co.uk

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to close the position if we receive a high volume of applications.

Closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. All applicants must go through our website. Interviews will take place week commencing 15 June 2026 at our Seaham office.