Elevating digital leadership across government
The Government Digital Service (GDS) and government departments are working to develop expert digital leaders. We’re equipping senior decision-makers with the skills and confidence to drive innovation and deliver smarter, more user-centred services.
Our goal
Every public sector organisation has senior digital leaders shaping decisions and forming connections across government.
What this means for you
This initiative does not cover the whole UK. Whether it applies depends on the service and where it is available. The Devolved Governments decide how it will apply in their area.
- Expert digital leadership: if you work in the public sector, you’ll benefit from stronger, more expert digital leadership driving real change. This will enable you to deliver smarter, faster and more user-centred services on secure, reliable platforms.
Our progress so far
May 2025: expanded the Digital and Data Capability Framework into the senior civil service
GDS published standardised role profiles for the most senior digital and data roles in government, including chief technology officer, chief digital information officer, chief data officer and chief information security officer. This will help to improve recruitment, progression and performance management by setting consistent standards and expectations.
July 2025: upskilled senior leaders at Ministry of Defence (MoD) in digital-first leadership
The Defence Leaders Learning Programme delivered 17 targeted learning sessions for MoD’s most senior leaders, equipping them with the skills to lead effectively in the digital age. This has helped to improve strategic decision-making and shape the digital priorities highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review.
July 2025: strengthened the pipeline of future digital and data senior leaders
GDS developed succession plans for all digital and data director and director general roles in central government. This will ensure government departments have the skills and support needed to deliver strong digital services into the future.
What we’re planning to do next
2025 to 2026: Cabinet Office lead AI immersion workshops for Civil Service Leadership Group
The Cabinet Secretary, working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will lead a series of AI immersion workshops for the Civil Service Leadership Group, which is made up of 300 senior civil servants. These workshops, involving government’s strategic AI partners, will help to highlight new industry insights and strengthen cross-government collaboration on key AI challenges.
March 2026: establish cross-government leadership development programme
This programme will focus on supporting the development of high potential technical leaders and their career progression into the SCS and will include topics such as strategic leadership, commercial acumen and system-level thinking.
April 2026: ensure all new directors and director generals in the civil service have the digital and data skills needed to lead a modern digital government
Assessment of all newly appointed directors and director generals will include digital and data skills and behaviours, with digital expectations stated in job descriptions and reflected in performance objectives.
December 2026: expect digital leaders at executive level
Central and local government will be expected to have a digital leader on their executive committee and a digital non-executive director on their board. This will ensure that digital and data is consistently represented in the most senior decision-making forums across the public sector.
More information
For more information about this work, contact:
Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Team
Government Digital Service
GDD-profession-capability-team@dsit.gov.uk