UK Government CTO Hunt: When a King’s Birthday Off Trumps a Paycheck
The UK government is seeking a new CTO, but the offered salary might not be tempting enough. While the role promises prestige, starting pay lags behind private sector standards. With digital transformation high on the agenda, the challenge is to find someone who values public service over pounds—or who really loves birthday cake.
Hot Take:
What’s the best way to find a new Chief Technology Officer for the UK government? Apparently, start by offering a salary that makes an average London CTO laugh so hard, they spill their Earl Grey. It’s like trying to buy a Tesla on a tricycle budget. But hey, there’s always the pension and the King’s birthday off, right?
Key Points:
- The UK government is seeking a new CTO with a starting salary significantly lower than the industry average.
- The role is part of the Government Digital Service, within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- The government’s digital spending is estimated around £23 billion, yet the CTO role pays considerably less than similar private sector roles.
- There is a significant shortage of digital and technology professionals in the UK civil service, exacerbated by uncompetitive pay.
- While public servant salaries may seem high, the cost of failing digital initiatives can be much higher.
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