Data Governance Lead in Birmingham

We are looking for a Data Governance Lead to join our team!

About Unity Trust Bank

Unity Trust Bank is an award-winning, independent, commercial bank that uses banking to improve the lives of local communities.

Living by our principles of banking with integrity, Unity’s purpose is to help create a better society, not simply maximise profits.

For 40 years we’ve worked with organisations that address social, economic and environmental needs across the UK.

With offices in Birmingham, Manchester and London, we offer a range of day-to-day banking services, including current accounts, savings accounts and loans.

In 2023 Unity achieved the milestone of £1 billion in lending to social enterprises, charities, small businesses, housing associations, and other socially-minded organisations.

In 2024 we received the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of our dedication to delivering social good through our work.

Our values are also embedded in our culture and we were named as one of the Best Places to Work by the Sunday Times in 2024.

Unity was the first UK bank to become a Real Living Wage employer back in 2013 and the first to achieve the Fair Tax Mark in 2014.

We are also a Women In Finance Charter signatory, a member of the Banking Standards Board and we hold the Investors in People Gold standard.

Visit for more information.

The role

The Data Governance Lead will be responsible for our data governance initiatives and ensure the integrity, quality, and security of our data assets.

The Data Governance Lead will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to support our strategic objectives and regulatory compliance requirements.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data governance strategy, including standards, and processes, to ensure the effective management, protection, and utilisation of data assets across the organisation.
• Establish and chair a cross-functional Data Governance Board to oversee data governance activities, drive accountability, and promote collaboration among key stakeholders.
• Define and maintain data governance roles and responsibilities, including data stewards, data owners, and data custodians, and provide guidance and support to ensure their effective engagement in data governance activities.
• Collaborate with business units, IT teams, and other stakeholders to identify critical data elements, define data quality standards, and establish data quality metrics and KPIs to measure and monitor data quality and integrity.
• Assess and support the data maturity of the organisation.
• Implement a new data catalogue for improved oversight and understanding.
• Develop and implement data classification and data privacy policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements such as UK GDPR.
• Lead initiatives to assess, remediate, and mitigate data risks and vulnerabilities.
• Provide guidance and support to business and IT teams on data governance best practices, data management principles, and data-related policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and risk management teams to conduct periodic assessments and audits of data governance controls and processes to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in data governance, data management, and data privacy, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement and innovation.

The person

We are keen to hear from experienced Data Governance Leads who can work collaboratively and have the following skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in data governance, data management, or related roles, preferably in the financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, standards, and best practices, such as ISO 8000.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing data governance strategies and procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex data issues, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions.
• Experience with data privacy regulations such as GDPR

Skills

• Advanced analytical skills and attention to detail (E)
• Excellent verbal and written communication as well as storytelling capabilities. (E)
• Proven ability to quickly learn new applications, processes, and procedures. (E)
• Able and willing to collaborate in a team environment and exercise independent judgment. (E)
• Strategic, intellectually curious thinker with focus on outcomes. (E)
• Advanced knowledge of SQL, Python. (E)

Experience

• Proven track record of data governance implementation within the financial services industry. (D)
• Experience of building and implementing Data Catalog and Master Data Management tooling. (E)

(E = essential D= desirable)

The role will be Birmingham based.