Laying the foundations for a digital-first future for British Columbia Energy Regulator (BCER)

The British Columbia Energy Regulator wanted to bring in a leader to enact major transformation within the organisation.

This wasn’t just a hire, it was a step change in how the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) thinks about digital, delivery, and leadership. The team wanted this leader to help embed data-informed decision making across the organisation and continue to drive positive transformation.

The BCER had recently undergone a major transformation: a new name, a new structure, and a bold new strategy that prioritised collaboration with Indigenous communities and a broader focus beyond oil and gas.

To realise their ambitions – and deliver smarter, more responsive public services – the executive team knew they needed digital leadership. That meant creating a role that reflected the right blend of technical depth, strategic thinking, and public service values.

So in early 2024, the BCER asked Public Digital to help them do just that.

From the outset, it was clear this work was about more than filling a vacancy. We started by speaking to senior leaders and reviewing key documents to understand the outcomes they were aiming for. The goal wasn’t simply to digitise existing services, it was to embed digital thinking across the whole organisation.

With that in mind, we helped the BCER define the role: not a traditional CIO, but a Chief Digital Officer – someone focused on user needs, better data use, and continuous delivery.

We led sessions across the organisation to explain the purpose of the role, how it would differ from classic IT leadership, and how it would support other teams. These conversations helped build alignment and excitement internally, laying the groundwork for the new leader to succeed.

Once we had clarity on the role, we developed a strategic job description that met both government requirements and the expectations of top digital talent. We created a dedicated microsite, crafted a social media plan, and tapped into our networks to reach high-calibre candidates from across Canada.

We also partnered with a recruitment firm to extend our reach, particularly with underrepresented groups in digital leadership. Alongside the BCER, we co-designed an interview process that balanced technical skills, values, and leadership behaviours.

For the team at the BCER, this wasn’t just about recruitment success – it was a foundational moment in their digital journey. And for us, it was a privilege to support a public institution taking such a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to leadership.