Description
Search 'Job title' or 'reference number' on Civil Service Jobs and click to APPLY
-
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 12th January 2026
- Location:
- MOD Corsham, Westwells Road, SN13 9NR,
- MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH,
- MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB
Please note that there will be regular travel across all sites, along with other Defence and partner locations in the UK. There may occasionally be a requirement for overseas travel.
- Salary: £61,630
- Reference number: 439978
At the Defence AI Centre (DAIC), our mission is to advance the power of artificial intelligence to give the MOD a decisive edge. We drive the ambitious, safe, and responsible adoption of AI across Defence, to make the difference where it matters most.
Joining the DAIC means becoming part of a world-leading, multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of AI innovation. You’ll be working closely with partners across the MOD, international allies, government agencies, industry leaders, and academic experts to shape the future of UK Defence AI.
Step into the forefront of innovation at the DAIC and become part of a pioneering team that's at the forefront of transforming Defence technology!
Watch our video to see what we do at Defence Digital!
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
Join DAIC as our AI Assurance Lead and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence within our organisation.
You will lead the delivery of a comprehensive programme of guidance, governance and tools that enable teams to deliver AI-enabled projects which are safe, reliable and follow ethical principles. You’ll also contribute to the wider development and adoption of AI for defence through your expertise in AI safety, risk, ethics and assurance.
Responsibilities
- Lead delivery of our AI assurance programme including guidance, governance and tooling
- Provide line management, mentoring and support for a small team working on AI Assurance
- Engage with stakeholders, communicate and advise on the safe, responsible and ethical of AI use for defence purposes
- Contribute to AI capability implementation and strategic development
This role aligns to the Data Ethics Lead in the Government Digital and Data Framework; For more information please refer to this link: Data Ethics Lead
Person specification
This is a high-impact strategic role for an experienced leader who can drive assurance across a large, complex organisation. You’ll combine technical understanding with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, ensuring robust governance and confidence in AI adoption at scale.
You will be an expert in assurance, ethics, safety and risk management for digital systems and ideally have an appreciation of the specific requirements of AI-enabled systems.
When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role. Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and provide a personal statement (max.1250 words) demonstrating the essential criteria listed below:
- Proven leadership in designing and implementing risk, safety, or ethical assurance frameworks within large, complex organisations.
- Track record of delivering practical solution, such as training, guidance, and tools, that empower teams and organisations to achieve effective assurance outcomes.
- Deep knowledge of AI ethics, safety, and governance principles, with the ability to apply them in real-world contexts.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse audiences.
Do you want to hear more about this role? We would love for you to join us, and learn more from members of the team, at our upcoming candidate brief, being held 16/12/25 @ 5pm. To confirm your attendance, please email us, using your personal email at ukstratcomdd-hr-talentacqdel@mod.gov.uk with your name and the CSJ reference number. We will then forward you a Microsoft Team’s invite to be able to join on the day.
Upcoming DAIC roles
The DAIC will also soon be recruiting for a range of other exciting roles across our growing team, so keep an eye on the Civil Service Jobs website for upcoming vacancies. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly impactful, stay tuned!
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Communicating between the Technical and Non-Technical
- Product Ownership (Data Ethics)
- Managing Decisions and Risks
Benefits
- Flexible working options- we understand the importance of adapting work to your life.
- Inclusion and diversity- our culture celebrates uniqueness and encourages collaboration of diverse thought.
- Generous annual leave- starting with 25 days and growing to 30 after just 5 years.
- Pension contribution: 28.97%
- Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to volunteer for military or emergency service reserve commitments.
- Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
- You can read more here- Civil Service Employee Benefits , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Equality and Diversity
Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.
Professional Framework Statement
Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing. Within Defence Digital each profession is led by a Professional Head of Community who will lead professional development and support the Continuous Professional Development path for their group.
Learning & Development
In Defence Digital we have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing:
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- Professional and Personal Development of skills
- Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by MOD
- Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD
The MOD is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout the transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with all personnel and Trade Unions.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience. Please upload your CV in the relevant section on the Civil Service Jobs dashboard, ensuring it clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (1250 - Word count) Please provide evidence of how you meet the criteria.
Here is a link to our video which gives you helpful tips and guidance on the CS Jobs application process: Watch
The interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.
At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and Statement of suitability.
At interview, you will be assessed against the following behaviours and technical skills:-
- Seeing the big picture
- Changing and improving
- Delivering at pace
- Leadership
- Communicating between the Technical and Non-Technical (technical skill)
- Product Ownership (Data Ethics) (technical skill)
- Managing Decisions and Risks (technical skill)
Please refer to this link for further information on the technical skills: Data Ethics Lead
If invited to interview you will be expected to deliver a short presentation on a related topic. The subject of this will be advised nearer the interview time. We anticipate that applications will close 12 Jan 26, with interviews currently planned for week commencing 26 Jan 26 to provide those called forward for interview with time to prepare. We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for interviews or assessments.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
We are proud supporters of Women in Data. Connect, engage and belong to the largest free female data community in the UK – visit: www.womenindata.co.uk to join our community.
“Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on career opportunities and more.”