Vacancy: National Statistician’s Data Ethics Advisory Committee Chair

The closing date for applications is 30 October 2026 at 23:55pm

The National Statistician’s Data Ethics Advisory Committee (NSDEC) provides the National Statistician and executives of the UK Statistics Authority with independent and expert advice on the ethical use of public data for research and statistical purposes. As the volume, complexity and societal importance of data continue to grow rapidly, NSDEC plays a critical role in maintaining public trust and ensuring that data is used ethically, responsibly and for the public good.

We are now seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of NSDEC from January 2027 onwards.

About the National Statistician’s Data Ethics Advisory Committee

NSDEC advises the National Statistician and, in their absence, senior leaders of the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) and Office for National Statistics (ONS) on whether proposals to access, use or share public data are ethical, transparent and aligned with the UK Statistics Authority’s ethical principles.

Projects considered by NSDEC range across government, academia and the wider research sector, including innovative data linkage work, sensitive topics, and new forms of data.

The Committee’s advice is grounded in the following principles:

• Public Good
• Confidentiality and Data Security
• Methods and Quality
• Legal Compliance
• Public Views and Engagement
• Transparency

Staff from UKSA’s Centre for Applied Data Ethics (CADE) provide the Committee’s Secretariat.

The role

As Chair, you will provide authoritative leadership and support NSDEC in delivering high‑quality, independent and transparent ethical advice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership to ensure NSDEC effectively fulfils its remit.
• Chairing NSDEC meetings, encouraging constructive challenge and collaborative decision‑making.
• Representing NSDEC publicly, when required, as an ambassador for ethical, trustworthy use of data.
• Maintaining the Committee’s independence, integrity and credibility with stakeholders across government, academia, research and the public.

Person specification

We are seeking a distinguished leader with:

General competencies

• A track record of visible leadership within a comparable organisation or committee.
• Strong strategic thinking, able to analyse complex issues clearly.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging stakeholders with a range of perspectives.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach, with confidence leading robust but respectful debate.

Specialist skills and experience

• Strong working knowledge of data use, including the ethical issues involved in accessing, linking, sharing, and analysing public data.
• Understanding of the UK statistical system, research landscape or public sector data environment.
• High standards of integrity and judgement, with the presence to command respect internally and externally.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Time commitment and term

Three‑year appointment, with potential for renewal.

Approx. 8 days per year, including preparation, attendance at four Committee meetings annually, and occasional external representation.

Meetings are usually held virtually, with occasional in‑person sessions in London.

The Chair will also be required to comment on project proposals in between meetings by correspondence.

Remuneration

• An annual honorarium of £5,000 per year
• This position is non-pensionable

Eligibility and conflicts of interest

Candidates should have no personal or professional interests that might conflict with their responsibilities as Chair of NSDEC. Any potential conflicts should be declared during the application process.