Expression of Interest for the UK Government's Digital Skills Council

About the Digital Skills Council (DiSC)

Co-chaired by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety, the Digital Skills Council (DiSC) is an influential advisory body that provides strategic leadership and facilitates collaborative action between industry and government. The DiSC focuses on addressing the UK's current and future digital skills needs to ensure the workforce is prepared for the future of work, develops thriving regional digital skills ecosystems, and creates clear pathways for individuals to progress from foundational to advanced digital skills.

Role Description

The Department for Science, Technology & Innovation, a Government department, is seeking exceptional individuals with a deep understanding of the digital skills landscape and a passion for shaping the future of the UK workforce to join the refreshed DiSC.

Please note this opportunity is open to all, not only techUK members.

As a Council Member, you will play a key role in:

• Analysing the digital skills landscape to identify current and emerging needs, with a particular focus on preparing the workforce for emerging technologies like AI, automation, and data science.
• Championing a regional-first approach by contributing to regional skills analyses, supporting localised training initiatives, and promoting best practices across different areas.
• Driving tangible outcomes by participating in focused sprints and initiatives that directly address skills gaps and support workforce development.
• Convening stakeholders and supporting the development of industry-led projects to address priority skills gaps, including regional skills gaps and localised training initiatives.
• Defining clear skills standards and promoting accessible training and career pathways across all levels and areas of digital skills, including those related to emerging technologies.
• Guiding and supporting the development of skills related to emerging technologies.
• Promoting and supporting the development of thriving regional digital skills ecosystems.

Expectations of DiSC Members

DiSC members are expected to actively participate in the Council’s activities and contribute to its success. This includes:

• Attending quarterly meetings and engaging in ad hoc activities as needed. This may include:
  • Leading or participating in working groups focused on specific skills gaps.
  • Contributing to the development of policy recommendations.
  • Participating in regional workshops and events to promote best practices and engage with local stakeholders.
  • Contributing to pilot programmes and initiatives designed to address priority skills needs.

The specific time commitment will vary depending on the DiSC’s initiatives and priorities, but members should be prepared to dedicate the necessary time to fulfil their responsibilities.

• Members are expected to actively contribute to the DiSC’s work, including contributing to meeting agendas, participating in pilot initiatives, and where possible, providing dedicated resources or funding opportunities to support the DiSC’s objectives.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the DiSC’s strategic vision.
• Working effectively with other members, stakeholders, and the DiSC secretariat.
• Promoting the DiSC’s mission and recommendations to a broader audience.
• Taking ownership of specific tasks and projects, and delivering high-quality results.

Structure of the DiSC

The DiSC will comprise 10-15 members and be co-chaired by Baroness Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety, and Phil Smith CBE FREng, alongside other senior leaders from across the public and private sectors.

Term Length and Limits

The typical term for Council members is one year, with members generally serving two terms (two years total). While there is a presumption against exceeding this limit, exceptions may be made based on the Council's needs and the member's availability and contributions. Shorter or longer service durations are possible in certain circumstances.

Essential Criteria

• Strategic vision and leadership: Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the digital skills landscape and contribute to the development of a national vision.
• Industry expertise and influence: Deep understanding of the digital skills needs of industry, particularly in key sectors and emerging technology areas.
• Commitment to collaboration: Willingness to actively participate in the DiSC, contribute to its work, and collaborate with other members to achieve shared goals.
• Regional representation: Representation from diverse regions of the UK to ensure a broad understanding of local needs and priorities.
• Experience in leading collaborative initiatives across diverse stakeholder groups to address complex challenges.
• A track record of implementing and delivering results.
• Commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the digital workforce, ensuring opportunities are available to all, regardless of background or location.

Desirable Criteria

• Diverse perspectives: Representation from underrepresented groups in tech (women, minorities, people with disabilities) to ensure inclusivity and address a wide range of needs.
• Educational expertise: Experience in education and training, with an understanding of curriculum development, pedagogy, and learning pathways.
• Cross-Sector experience: Knowledge of digital skills needs and challenges in sectors beyond technology, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
• Communication and advocacy skills: Ability to effectively communicate the DiSC's vision and advocate for its recommendations to a wider audience.

To Apply

Please submit your application through the following form. Your application should include:

• A supporting statement (500 words maximum) outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria, and how you plan to actively contribute to the DiSC's mission.
• Information relating to anything that could be deemed a potential conflict of interest.
• Diversity monitoring information (optional).
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) that provides your qualifications, employment history, directorships, membership of professional bodies, and details of any relevant publications or awards.  

They encourage applications from a diverse range of individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of the UK’s digital skills landscape and are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the DiSC’s work.

They are particularly interested in individuals who are willing to contribute their expertise and networks to achieve the DiSC's goals, even with limited resources.

Applications must be submitted before Friday 3 January 2025. 

Please refer any application related questions to [email protected].