County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Head of Digital Systems & EPR
The closing date is 27 January 2026
Join us to lead the Trust’s digital systems, including a prominent EPR programme, so clinicians and services have reliable, safe and user‑centred technology every day. As Head of Digital Systems & EPR you’ll set direction, steward delivery and benefits realisation, and partner closely with the CIO, clinical leaders and IC S partners to translate strategy into improved patient experience and operational performance. You’ll manage a skilled team, vendor relationships and budgets, ensuring our business and clinical systems meet national standards and local priorities. This is a role for a collaborative leader who can simplify complexity, drive change, and champion quality, safety and governance through digital. You’ll be part of a values‑driven, research‑active, sustainability‑focused organisation where your work genuinely improves lives.
Main duties of the job
As Head of Digital Systems & EPR you’ll direct the Trust’s digital systems with EPR front and centre so clinicians and services have technology they can trust every day. Reporting to the CIO, you’ll partner with clinical leaders and IC S colleagues to prioritise what matters, shape roadmaps, and deliver change that improves patient experience and operational performance. You’ll lead a talented team, manage suppliers and budgets, and ensure upgrades and programmes land safely, governed well and with benefits realised. You’ll champion standards, security and sustainability, communicate clearly across all levels, and turn complex needs into simple, usable solutions. If you love leading people, delivering outcomes and making digital work for patients and staff, this is the role for you.
About us
We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester‑Leek, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and care delivered in patients’ homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Job responsibilities
As Head of Digital Systems & EPR, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, delivering, and optimising the Trust’s digital landscape, with a particular focus on the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) programme. This is a senior leadership position within Health Informatics, reporting to the Chief Information Officer, and responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous improvement of all business and clinical systems across County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement a comprehensive health informatics vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with national policy, local priorities and the Trust’s clinical and business objectives.
* Lead the optimisation and ongoing management of the Trust’s EPR systems. Work closely with clinical and operational teams to ensure the EPR supports safe, effective, and patient‑centred care.
* Oversee the management, maintenance, and development of all business and clinical systems, ensuring they meet Trust, national, clinical and professional standards.
* Monitor system performance, manage upgrades and transitions, and ensure robust governance and compliance.
* Manage and develop a skilled team of informatics professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing culture, supporting staff development, training and career progression.
* Build strong relationships with senior management, clinicians, IC S partners and external suppliers. Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable plans.
* Represent the Trust at local, regional and national forums on health informatics and EPR matters.
* Manage departmental budgets, capital programmes and contracts with third‑party suppliers. Ensure value for money, effective resource allocation and compliance with Trust and national policies.
* Champion information governance, data protection and cyber security. Ensure systems and processes support clinical governance, patient safety and quality improvement.
* Support the Trust’s commitment to research and innovation, contributing to projects that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
* Promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in all aspects of digital delivery.
What you’ll do day‑to‑day
* Lead the delivery and optimisation of the EPR and other key digital systems.
* Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
* Manage system upgrades, transitions and benefits realisation.
* Coach and develop your team, ensuring high standards of performance and engagement.
* Work with clinical and operational leaders to understand and deliver solutions.
* Oversee supplier relationships, contracts and budgets.
* Ensure compliance with governance, safety and quality standards.
* Communicate progress, challenges and successes to stakeholders at all levels.
* Drive innovation, research and sustainability initiatives within Health Informatics.
What makes this role exciting
* Impact: Your work will directly improve patient care, safety and experience by ensuring clinicians and staff have access to reliable, user‑friendly digital systems.
* Leadership: You’ll shape the future of digital health in the Trust, leading major programmes and influencing strategy at the highest level.
* Collaboration: Work alongside talented colleagues, clinical leaders and external partners in a values‑driven, research‑active organisation.
* Professional growth: Develop your leadership, technical and strategic skills in a supportive environment that values innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement.
* Values and culture: Be part of a Trust that puts patients first, values respect, dignity, compassion and is committed to quality, sustainability and staff wellbeing.
Who should apply
If you are an experienced digital systems leader with a passion for improving healthcare through technology, strong programme delivery skills (especially in EPR), and the ability to lead teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships, we encourage you to apply. You should be motivated by making a difference, able to communicate complex ideas clearly, and committed to delivering high‑quality, safe and sustainable digital solutions.
Person specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Highly IT literate with a wide‑ranging knowledge of systems and network applications.
* Ability to effectively communicate complex IT issues to non‑IT professionals at all levels.
* Operational leadership skills to lead change through people.
* Financial management experience and expertise.
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships across diverse groups, and to communicate effectively where there may be significant barriers to acceptance.
* Ability to anticipate and plan for changes.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate individuals and teams.
* Ability to present all work in a clear and concise manner appropriate to the target audience.
* Proven ability to produce information reports and apply analytical/problem‑solving skills.
* Proven track record of delivering to deadlines.
* Proven leadership ability to set out a clear vision for services, persuade others of the benefits and requirements of the plan for the future, and overcome obstacles.
Experience
* Significant experience of successful strategic management at a senior level with responsibility for a wide range of IT activities.
* Experience and evidence of delivering high standards of performance to achieve national and local targets.
* Experience of managing major change programmes in a complex IT environment (including developing existing services and implementing new services).
* Experience of working effectively in collaboration with Senior Management, GPs, Local Authorities and other stakeholders.
* Experience of delivering complex IT programmes and projects across multiple healthcare sectors and organisations.
* Experience in dealing with difficult situations, including the resolution of conflict and influencing others to accept demanding outcomes.
Qualifications
* Educated to at least Masters degree level in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience and learning.
* Postgraduate management qualification or equivalent.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
Special Requirements
* Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr