What's Happening?
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has initiated a recruitment campaign to appoint a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The successful candidate will be responsible for spearheading a three-year
transformation journey, which includes transitioning the department's digital services from Google Integrated Corporate Services to Microsoft. This role is pivotal in joining the cross-government Matrix shared-services program, which aims to enhance service resilience and governance across various government departments. The new CTO will report directly to Khurum Sethi, the department's Chief Digital and Information Officer, and will be based in either London or Manchester. The position offers a starting salary of £81,000, with the potential for higher pay for existing civil service candidates within the Senior Civil Service Pay Band 1.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment marks a significant step in the UK government's broader strategy to modernize its digital infrastructure and improve service delivery across departments. By transitioning to Microsoft and integrating into the Matrix shared-services program, DCMS aims to enhance its operational efficiency and data management capabilities. This move is expected to strengthen the department's ability to make informed policy decisions and improve its service offerings. The appointment of a visionary leader as CTO is crucial for driving this digital transformation, which will ultimately benefit public administration and service users by providing more reliable and secure digital services.
What's Next?
The application process for the CTO position is open until February 4, 2026. Once appointed, the new CTO will begin implementing the strategic transition to Microsoft and integrating with the Matrix program. This will involve collaborating with other government departments to ensure a seamless transition and the successful adoption of new digital tools and practices. The focus will be on stabilizing high-risk services, embedding best practices, and fostering a customer-centric approach to service delivery. The outcome of this transformation will be closely monitored by stakeholders to assess its impact on the department's efficiency and service quality.
