Executive Director of Strategy and Impact

Description

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a critical part of the UK’s safeguarding landscape. We enable safer recruitment decisions by providing criminal record checks and barring services that protect vulnerable groups. Our work underpins trust in organisations across health, education, social care and beyond. We are committed to being a modern, responsive and influential organisation—one that is visible, trusted and delivers real impact for society. At DBS, we embrace innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that our services meet the needs of citizens and stakeholders in an ever-changing environment.

As Executive Director of Strategy & Impact, you will play a pivotal role in shaping this future. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Executive Team, you will lead the development and delivery of DBS’s strategy, policy, performance management and insight functions. You will translate strategic vision into operational reality, ensuring that our ambitions are supported by robust planning, effective partnerships and clear communication. This role also carries responsibility for business planning and stakeholder engagement, positioning DBS as a trusted partner across government and beyond.

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record in the public sector. You will bring deep knowledge of corporate functions and demonstrate how you have applied this expertise at senior level. Your ability to build strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders, including Board members and government colleagues, will be critical. You will have experience in consulting on strategy, defining business outcomes and converting these into clear, deliverable roadmaps. Equally important is your capacity to create and articulate a compelling vision, grounded in data insights, and to lead communication strategies that engage and inspire both internal teams and external partners.

If you combine strategic acumen with collaborative leadership and a passion for public service, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on safeguarding across the UK.

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