The UK government has announced the appointment of the former chief information officer of the Guardian News and Media Group as its new deputy chief technology officer (CTO).

Andy Beale, who joined the government in late 2012 following a five-year spell as technology director at The Guardian, moves from its present role as director of common technology services at the Government Digital Service (GDS) to take up a new post as deputy to Liam Maxwell, the government CTO.

In a blog post, Maxwell said Beale’s new role would bring together a number of government technology teams within GDS for the first time. These include architecture, policy and standards, service assurance and controls, and strategic change.

“The role will ensure government technology is even better placed to support the technology leader community across government,” said Maxwell. “Andy will also join forces with colleagues in our commercial and cyber functions to ensure technology leaders gain the support they need across these disciplines and can focus on delivery.”

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Maxwell added that Beale had “been pivotal to so much of the reform in government technology that has delivered £3.5bn in savings”.

According to Beale’s LinkedIn page, he will have primary responsibility for the government’s technology function within GDS and the Cabinet Office. He will also act as lead director on government technology strategy and policy including information security.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to better support CTOs by joining up IT reform efforts and the great teams we have across the Cabinet Office,” said Beale.

“I’m incredibly proud of the transformation of civil service technology, starting with the Cabinet Office Technology Project and continuing with the creation of CTS. And I’m delighted that Iain Patterson now takes over the reins to make CTS the industrial strength function that government needs.”