Helen Mills
People and Change Director, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Helen joined the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in 2023 with no HR infrastructure in place. Within a year, she has built the HR function from scratch, supporting the growth of DSIT from 2,500 to 3,500 staff through two Machinery of Government changes. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping DSIT’s organisational strategy, workforce design, and people operations during a time of significant transition.
Helen has worked across Government to manage complex TUPE/COSOP transfers, Union engagement, and major logistical changes involving systems, office locations, and resourcing. She established clear HR policies and built a high-performing HR Business Partnering team to underpin DSIT’s delivery and priorities.
A champion of innovation, Helen launched the first-ever Innovation Academy in Government, supporting DSIT’s mission to lead in science and technology. She also sponsored the Expert Exchange Programme, which brought over 100 secondments from academia and industry into DSIT—one of the most successful schemes of its kind across Government.
Helen prioritised EDI and L&D, ensuring DSIT fosters a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. She has provided trusted counsel to the Permanent Secretary and senior leadership during ongoing organisational change, leading strategic workforce planning and corporate service reviews ahead of the Government’s Spending Review.
Beyond her core role, Helen mentors aspiring professionals and offers guidance to colleagues across the department, reflecting her commitment to developing others. Her extraordinary impact, strategic leadership, and people-first ethos have been foundational to DSIT’s success.