Head of Information and Data Governance

Role Purpose

This role is accountable for defining information and data governance policies, standards and control expectations, and for providing independent oversight, challenge and monitoring of adherence across the organisation.

While first‑line business areas retain accountability for executing data controls, the Head of Information and Data Governance will influence senior stakeholders to ensure these responsibilities are effectively discharged. The role will lead a continuous improvement agenda to enhance the maturity of data governance practices across the business.

This senior leadership position requires expertise in information and data governance and a proven track record of strengthening control environments within complex organisations. Experience working with material outsource rs and an understanding of emerging risks, including those associated with AI, are highly desirable. A strong background in financial services and familiarity with platform‑based business models, alongside knowledge of key regulatory bodies such as the ICO, FCA and PRA, is essential.

The ability to translate complex governance concepts into clear, business‑relevant insights, enabling effective decision‑making at Executive Committee and Board level, and strong stakeholder engagement skills are critical.

The role holder will oversee the effective operation of the data governance function within a regulated environment, including managing team performance, capacity, budgets, and associated risks and controls. Responsibilities include business partnering, review and approval of impact assessments, and supporting change and transition initiatives. As an experienced people leader, the role holder will build and develop a high‑performing, engaged team to support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Nucleus is one of the UK’s leading independent financial planning and retirement‑focused platforms, operating from offices across the UK. The business administers over £100bn of customer assets for more than 5,000 financial advisers and 250,000 underlying clients, and relies on material outsource rs such as FNZ and Bravura.

• Own and evolve the Group Information and Data Governance strategy, aligned to business priorities and transformation objectives
• Define the target operating model for information and data governance, including roles, accountabilities and federated ownership across the Group
• Establish policies, standards and principles covering data quality, ownership, lineage, metadata, retention and ethical use
• Ensure governance aligns with regulatory expectations while remaining commercially pragmatic and scalable
• Act as a thought leader on emerging data trends (AI, data products, cloud ecosystems) and their governance implications
• Work collaboratively with other members of our Technology leadership team to inform and deliver on our broader Data Strategy

• Build strong relationships with ExCo, SLT and senior business leaders to embed information and data governance as a business priority
• Influence business areas to take ownership of data controls and outcomes, rather than centralise delivery
• Develop and lead a data governance community / network (e.g. data owners and stewards)
• Champion a data‑led culture, promoting accountability, literacy and value realisation
• Act as a trusted advisor on data governance implications of transformation, M&A and strategic initiatives

• Lead the creation of clear, concise and insight‑driven reporting for Executive Committee and Board
• Translate technical and regulatory topics into business risk, customer impact and commercial outcomes
• Provide forward‑looking insight on risks, maturity and investment priorities
• Ensure consistent and compelling communication of information and data governance progress, gaps and value delivered

• Define, own and maintain the Group Data Governance Control Framework, including mandatory controls, control objectives and assurance requirements aligned to UK…