AI and Model Governance Specialist
Job summary
The NHS Business Services Authority is seeking an AI and Model Governance Specialist to support the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI across the organisation.
NHSBSA manages over £100 billion of NHS spend annually, supporting organisations, healthcare professionals, patients, and the public. Data and AI are central to its ambition to become fully data-driven, improving decision-making and outcomes across health and care.
You'll join a dedicated team in an organisation recognised among the 2025 Global Top 100 Most Inspiring Employers, a 2025 UK Inspiring Workplaces finalist, and one of the UK's best places to work by Best Companies.
Please note this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received, so early application is encouraged.
What do we offer?
- Hybrid working - offering flexibility to work predominantly from home with the opportunity to be office based should you prefer, or if business needs require it.
- 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays.
- Opportunities for development
- Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
- Excellent pension
- Various salary sacrifice schemes
- Employee Assistance programme, offering free 24/7 support for you and your loved ones
- Access to a wide range of benefits and high street and online discounts.
Main duties of the job
As an AI and Model Governance Specialist at NHSBSA, you will play a critical role in enabling the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI technologies.
You will lead the development and implementation of responsible AI frameworks and governance practices, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, enterprise architecture, and organisational strategy. Bridging technical execution with ethical, legal, and business considerations, you will oversee the lifecycle of AI systems- promoting transparency, accountability, and innovation to support improved services and data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
About us
Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.
We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we're proud to be part of something meaningful, that touches millions of lives.
We design our services around customer needs and place people at the heart of our organisation. That's why when you join us, you'll be empowered and supported to help your career grow.
As one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, we're connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.
We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every colleague is heard, supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, and you can join our Lived Experience Networks who help us bring our authentic selves to work.
We're committed to being a flexible employer and we try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible, through hybrid working, flexible hours and more.
Alongside a competitive salary with pay progression, we offer a people-centric benefits package, connecting you to the rewards and benefits you value most!
Ready to join us in delivering business service excellence to the NHS, helping people live longer, healthier lives? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.
We are people connected to care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for: AI governance frameworks 1. Develop and implement Responsible AI frameworks, policies, and controls and lead the establishment of an AI governance capability with supporting structure and operating model.2. Contribute to AI strategy development; apply advanced analytical reasoning to embed governance principles into AI strategy, requiring extended periods of critical thinking, evaluation of complex trade offs, and synthesis of large amounts of technical and regulatory information to inform organisational decision making.3. Define and support human-in-the-loop processes for high-risk AI systems to ensure accountability and intervention capability including prolonged assessment of model risk profiles, failure modes, operational workflows, and human decision boundaries.
Monitoring, compliance and risk management 4. Ensure responsible and compliant AI practices through regular monitoring, risk and impact assessments, gap identification, and remediation aligned with ethical, privacy, security and regulatory standards (eg GDPR, ISO 42001:2023, UK Gov Code of Practice for the Cyber Security of AI, NCSC's Guidelines for secure AI system development and machine learning, UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025,).5. Lead the planning, coordination and regular delivery of internal audits and external assurance reviews relating to AI systems, ensuring systematic data collection, analysis, and evidence collation to evaluate the effectiveness of governance controls and support ongoing service improvement. Advise on procurement and assess risks associated with third-party AI models and services, ensuring contractual, ethical and governance considerations are met.6. Maintain and evolve AI governance documentation, including registers, policies, and audit trails.7. Support incident response processes for AI systems, including ethical breaches, model failures, and escalation protocols.8. Develop performance metrics and AI governance reporting to track effectiveness and report to relevant stakeholders.
AI Model Inventory and Lifecycle 9. Define and oversee model lifecycle governance, including documentation standards, prompt libraries, and integration of monitoring and explainability tooling10. Monitor model inventory for new models, including in relation to third parties, subject to AI requirements (e.g. transparency, individual rights) and implement appropriate processes to ensure these are met.11. Develop and implement explainability standards for AI systems to ensure decisions can be understood by stakeholders.
Collaboration, leadership and enablement 12. Collaborate closely with technical and non-technical teams (eg Privacy, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Data, Information Security, Technology and other functions) to integrate governance approaches and ensure compliance with broader enterprise frameworks and standards.13. Provide expert guidance and thought leadership on fairness, transparency, and AI risk management, acting as a trusted advisor across the organisation. Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to educate, influence, and support responsible AI practices, including system capabilities, limitations, ethical considerations, and the identification of opportunities and risks.14. Work in partnership with wider and existing arrangements like DDaT and corporate governance.15. Design and deliver training programs to build awareness and capability in Responsible AI across the organisation.
External engagement, learning and innovation 16. Take responsibility for your own continuous professional development.17. Actively contribute to research, surveys, and consultations led by external bodies and regulators, gathering and providing organisational evidence, monitoring emerging standards, and supporting the development of improved policies and practices based on evolving regulatory expectations. Represent the organisation in industry forums on Responsible AI, ethics, or governance.18. Foster a culture of responsible innovation and continuous learning.19. Supporting the development of talent within the team by delivering specialist training and providing ongoing coaching
Finance and Change 20. Contribute to continuous business plans including budget monitoring21. Contribute to and prepare proposals for change including producing necessary estimates, mandates, and business cases within the relevant departments In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to: Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager. Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work. Encourage an environment where your own and colleagues safety and well-being is promoted. Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion. Follow NHSBSA policies, procedures, and protocols as they apply to your role.Working relationships
Responsible to: DDaT People Manager and AI Lead
Key relationships and connections: AI Lead Data Colleagues AI Team
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
- A doer with strategic mindset who takes personal accountabilities to scope, prioritise and drive AI governance initiatives with pace, precision, and impact.
- Strong intellectual curiosity and an inquisitive approach to emerging technologies and strategic challenges.
- High integrity and commitment to ethical AI practices.
- Positive, proactive approach to teamwork and problem-solving.
- Personally motivated, proactive and resilient in navigating ambiguity and complexity.
- Committed to continuous professional development in Responsible AI.
- Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and their societal implications, including e.g. model development methodologies, algorithm design, and AI system deployment and operations.
- Strong understanding of statutory legislation relevant to AI, including freedom of information, data protection, and equalities.
- Strong understanding of risk management principles and practices, including enterprise risk management frameworks and the three lines of defence model.
- Understanding of human oversight mechanisms in AI systems, particularly for high-risk use cases.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus across diverse functions, levels, and geographies
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language for executive and board audiences.
- Ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and responsible AI use.
- Ability to design and deliver training to build Responsible AI capability across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Knowledge of UK Gov Code of Practice for the Cyber Security of AI, NCSC's Guidelines for secure AI system development and machine learning.
- Understanding of agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban
Experience
- Deep understanding and significant experience of implementing responsible AI frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001:2023 and EU AI act adherence
- Significant hands-on experience in AI governance, compliance, risk management, and data ethics.
- Proven track record in developing and implementing governance frameworks, policies, and control environments in complex, large organisations.
- Experience with model documentation, explainability (XAI), and auditability.
- Experience in change management and driving cultural transformation in large organisations.
- Experience of organisations which prioritise strategic, high impact applications of data and AI.
- Experience supporting incident response processes for AI systems, including ethical breach management and escalation protocols.
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Ethics).
- Evidence of continuous professional development in AI governance.
- Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Ethics or a related discipline.
Employer details
Employer name
NHS Business Services Authority
Address
Stella House
Goldcrest way, Newburn Riverside
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 8NY
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/