Who is Charity Bank?

Charity Bank is a savings and loans bank with a mission to use money for good. We use the money our savers entrust to us to make loans to charities, social enterprises and organisations with charitable purposes. Our community of borrowers, savers, shareholders and staff are all working towards one goal – helping to create lasting social change in our communities. If you believe that banks have a vital role to play in creating a world, we all want to live in and you want to live your values at work, apply for this vacancy today.

Charity Bank Recruitment Process

At Charity Bank, we prioritise inclusion and fairness in our recruitment process. Our use of recruitment software helps mitigate unconscious bias by incorporating skill-based questions alongside CVs. Responses and CVs are anonymised and reviewed in random order by our hiring team to ensure an equal chance for all candidates, regardless of background. Demographic questions are strictly for statistical purposes, ensuring a balanced candidate pool. Opting out of these questions is an option.

The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar) is permitted in the application process. However, we advise against copying and pasting answers from AI tools, as this often results in generic responses. We encourage you to showcase your own experiences, voice, and style in your answers

We review all applications within two weeks after the closing date, so expect feedback shortly thereafter. If you require reasonable adjustments during the application process, please email us at recruitment@charitybank.org.

Disability Confident Scheme

Under the Equality Act 2010, a person with a disability is someone who has – or has had in the past – a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

As an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Committed employer, we actively encourage applications from people who consider themselves to have a disability falling within this broad definition. To access the Disability Confident Scheme, as an applicant with a disability/long term health condition/mental health condition, you are simply required to:

• Show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification.

• Answer ‘yes’ to both the following questions on the Bank’s application form, ‘according to the definition of disability do you consider yourself to have a disability?’ and ‘do you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme?’

You are not required to share the name or nature of your condition; you are simply stating the fact that you have a disability or long-term health condition/mental health condition. If you do not answer ‘yes’, your application will not be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme.

Adjustments for the application process and interview can be made if needed, so please contact us at recruitment@charitybank.org if you require this.

We are keen to recruit from as diverse a talent pool of applicants as possible, so the scheme gives you not a guaranteed job offer but an opportunity to be fairly and equally assessed in interview along with other candidates who meet the criteria for the role.

Hiring managers do not automatically know the details of your condition(s), they are allowed only to ask what adjustments you may need before the interview or when you are in receipt of a job offer.

Be reassured that any adjustments you require will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not form part of any aspect of the assessment.

If a job offer is made to you, we will discuss with you any adjustments that you may need in the workplace to enable you to perform the duties required. These will not be discussed at the interview.

In your application, please ensure you demonstrate clearly how you meet the essential criteria.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact us recruitment@charitybank.org.

Four-Day Week with Full-Time Pay 

Charity Bank's Four-Day Week initiative, open to all employees from day one, champions work-life balance by providing four days of work with full-time pay. This innovative approach underscores productivity, equal compensation, and the creation of an inclusive workplace in line with Charity Bank's social mission. The 32-hour workweek typically spans four eight-hour days, offering flexibility to typically choose Friday or Monday as the day off. Days off are protected and treated like weekends, ensuring uninterrupted personal time. The arrangement is flexible, adapting to part-time employees on a pro rata basis. 

JOB PROFILE                                                                                        

Job Title:                   Head of Data and System Integration

Contract:                  Permanent

Location:                    Tonbridge, Kent (hybrid working available under agile working policy)

Responsible to:    CIO

Direct Reports:          x1 (Data Analyst)

Date:                           June 2025

_____________________________________________________________

Overall Purpose of the Role:

·       Build and lead a bank-wide data and systems integration function to deliver a trusted, single source of truth for internal (operational performance, strategic decisions), external (including client interactions/campaigns, regulatory, financial, and impact), and stakeholder reporting.

·       Build the data capability and architecture to support high-quality insight, strategic decision-making, client engagement, business performance, and risk management.

·       Drive up maturity in data quality, culture, and accountability.

·       Align systems and data flows to enable efficient operations, scalable data access, and innovation across the organisation.

Key Accountabilities:

1.     Develop and implement the bank’s data strategy and architecture so that a robust and governed data platform underpins reporting, analytics, and operational decision-making.

2.     Improve data quality and integrity, including the implementation and refinement of data validation, cleansing and reconciliation processes.

3.     Design and lead a cohesive integration approach across systems and platforms so that data is accurate, timely, and accessible across the bank.

4.     Establish data ownership and stewardship models with business units so that KPI definition, data quality, and usage remain business-led and accountable.

5.     Build and manage a small but high-performing team (including future data analysts, engineers, and domain stewards) so that delivery capability grows alongside organisational needs.

6.     Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in data practices, encouraging the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and tools.

7.     Engage with stakeholders at all levels to ensure data initiatives align with business goals and meet the needs of various departments.

8.     Support the development of data literacy and skills across the bank to empower teams and improve data-driven decision-making.

9.     Ensure compliance with internal policies, data governance standards, and regulatory expectations so that risk is managed and audit readiness is maintained at all times.

Key Contacts

Internally:

·       CIO and wider Technology team

·       Executive Committee

·       Functional heads (e.g., Marketing, Finance, Risk, Lending, Operations)

·       Business analysts and report owners

·       IT service and project management leads

Externally:

·       Data platform and BI vendors (e.g., Power BI, Azure, ETL tools)

·       System integrators and third-party solution providers

·       Regulators and auditors (as required for data-related queries or reviews)

Other Requirements:

·       Flexibility to work extended hours on occasion to meet critical delivery deadlines or regulatory reporting cycles.

PERSON PROFILE                                                                                

 Essential Experience:

·       Significant experience in leading enterprise data strategy, system integration, and governance within a regulated environment — ideally financial services.

·       Proven track record of delivering scalable data platforms and tools that support operational and analytical use cases.

·       Involvement in implementing or transitioning to Data Mesh or federated data ownership models.

·       Experience in managing, mentoring, or building a cross-functional data team.

·       Experience in using data to drive deeper customer insight, segmentation, and service personalisation to support commercial and social outcomes.

·       Strong attention to detail and ability to ensure both strategy and execution are carried through to a high standard.

·       Experience in the definition and execution of enterprise-wide data governance frameworks, controls, and policy.

Desirable Experience:

·       Experience working within the social finance, not-for-profit, or values-led banking sector.

·       Familiarity with UK financial services regulation (e.g. PRA/FCA) and how regulatory expectations influence data handling and reporting.

·       Proficiency in applying AI/ML techniques to enhance reporting, decision-making, or operational efficiency] .

·       Working knowledge of how to query and integrate with MS SQL databases

·       Working knowledge of CRM (Salesforce/ MS Dynamics)

·       Experience with REST based API’s using JSON

Skills

·       Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills — able to translate data needs into business value.

·       Ability to work proactively and independently, able to roll up sleeves, as well as recognising when issues require senior input or strategic escalation.

·       Competent with BI tooling (Power BI essential) and familiar with cloud data environments (Azure preferred).

·       Strong system integration skills using APIs, ETL tools, and data pipeline frameworks.

·       Strong project delivery and prioritisation skills in cross-functional and time-sensitive environments.

·       Able to lead through influence and foster collaboration across technical and non-technical teams.

Knowledge

·       Deep understanding of data governance frameworks (e.g. DAMA, DCAM, or equivalent best practices).

·       Knowledge of data privacy, banking regulation, and compliance (e.g. GDPR, PRA/FCA expectations).

·       Degree in Computer Science, Data Management, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

·       Knowledge of Data Mesh principles and federated data ownership models.