Quality Assurance and Testing (QAT) provides shared services across DDaT. The function supports DDaT with the effective delivery of services and products that are critical for the Home Office and our users.
QAT’s responsibility includes technical QA and testing of functional and non-functional aspects of products being developed and enhanced. The QAT teams are typically embedded within product teams, working with end users and in close partnership with all DDaT Portfolios and Enterprise Services. Testing is automated as far as possible, assessing all aspects of product quality, and often covering complex end to end integration testing. The total service provision is made up of ~750 specialists, including those from external delivery partners. Services are deployed on a full cost recovery basis with annual throughput of ~£85millions. The service is independently accredited to the highest level of industry-recognised maturity standards (TMMi Level 5).
Alongside the QAT service is a relatively new function that is helping to mature the governance, risk and assurance (GRA) posture across DDaT. The Quality, Standards and Assurance (QSA) function is supporting professional leads in establishing their policies and standards to be deployed across all areas of DDaT delivery, supported by a value adding 3 lines of defence assurance model and appropriate governance. The team also coordinate DDaT-level Strategic Risks and are supporting risk management maturity across all DDaT functions. There are strong links to the central QSA role in establishing the GRA Framework and across QAT in supporting practical ‘on-the-ground’ implementation.
Purpose of the role: as a Deputy Director, QAT you will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of QAT/QSA services and setting the strategic direction for the future development and improvement of those services. You will engage positively with your senior stakeholders to ensure the needs of DDaT colleagues are fully understood and routinely being met. You will oversee the supply chain into QAT, ensuring value for money and adopting innovations where beneficial to do so. You will be responsible for further developing and implementing DDaT’s GRA Framework, currently scoped into a ‘Blueprint’ project, including moving DDaT towards Level 4 Risk Management Maturity, instigating 1st Line assurance controls, maturing the 2nd line, and agreeing and implementing a refreshed governance model. You will lead and support a team of ~140 civil servants, investing in their development.
As an active member of the CTO Senior Management Team and DDaT SCS cohort, you will help foster a collaborative approach across DDaT towards the common goal to “design, build and maintain secure and resilient products and services”.
As the leader of QAT services, you will own and set QAT strategy, providing an industry-leading approach to QAT whilst exploiting the latest technologies, techniques and best practices to provide innovative solutions. You will lead all aspects of QAT and be accountable for delivering services across multiple complex delivery environments, ensuring that Home Office services are technically fit for purpose, secure and resilient. Acting as a role model for your teams you will demonstrate positive behaviours and professional excellence, motivating and inspiring others whilst working to create a team environment and community that people want to be a part of.
You will champion and represent QAT across DDaT, the HO and Government, sharing, collaborating, and promoting the value of QAT. You will build strategic, collaborative, and constructive relationships with third-party suppliers and senior stakeholders across DDaT, the HO and Government, focusing on developing, maintaining, and continually improving a joined-up QAT service.
Key responsibilities include:
this senior role is to lead the delivery and development of QAT/QSA services, with key activities to include:
* Understanding the current and future demand for QAT services and ensuring an effective and efficient service provision is in place to meet those demands.
* Establishing and maintaining consensus around the 3–5-year future of QAT and delivering on a prioritised implementation plan to deliver iterative benefits through new or enhanced capabilities.
* Managing services within financial targets and costs agreed with relevant budget holders. Driving efficiencies to reduce costs and provide strong value for money.
* Directing the development of our civil servant capability and capacity. Providing clear and supportive leadership to help engage and motivate your teams.
* Ensuring QAT delivery is aligned to responsible, best-practice financial and commercial management practices, overseeing effective budget management and financial planning to consistently deliver value for money QAT services.
* Setting the direction for the QSA function as it becomes fully established. Working with stakeholders to iterate the design and full implementation of the GRA Framework.
* To act as a single point of contact for third line assurance activities, notably the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) to ensure Audit and Assurance Plans are coordinated with effective and timely resolution of audit-related actions and maintaining a productive working relationship with GIAA Chief Auditor(s).
* Proactively collaborating across CTO/DDaT to ensure fruitful join-up with related functions such as HOCS and SAS.
* The post-holder may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence and training.
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