Job Summary
Join us to lead the Trusts 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, youll set direction, steward delivery and benefits realisation, and partner closely with the CIO, clinical leaders and ICS partners to translate strategy into improved patient experience and operational performance. Youll 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. Youll 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 youll direct the Trusts digital systems with EPR front and centre so clinicians and services have technology they can trust every day. Reporting to the CIO, youll partner with clinical leaders and ICS colleagues to prioritise what matters, shape roadmaps, and deliver change that improves patient experience and operational performance. Youll lead a talented team, manage suppliers and budgets, and ensure upgrades and programmes land safely, governed well and with benefits realised. Youll 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
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
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-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care 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.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Date posted: 13 January 2026
Band 8b, £64,455 to £74,896 a year. Permanent, Full-time. Reference number C9439-2526-1350. Job locations: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX.
Job Description
Job responsibilities
As Head of Digital Systems & EPR, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, delivering, and optimising the Trusts 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
* Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive health informatics vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with national policy, local priorities, and the Trusts clinical and business objectives. You will be the senior delivery lead for informatics programmes, including the EPR, driving transformation and innovation.
* EPR Programme Delivery: Lead the optimisation and ongoing management of the Trusts EPR systems. Work closely with clinical and operational teams to ensure the EPR supports safe, effective, and patient-centred care. Champion the benefits of EPR, ensuring its adoption and integration into everyday practice.
* Systems Management: 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.
* Team Leadership: Manage and develop a skilled team of informatics professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture, supporting staff development, training, and career progression. Lead by example, promoting Trust values and behaviours.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with senior management, clinicians, ICS 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.
* Financial And Contract Management: 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.
* Governance And Quality: Champion information governance, data protection, and cyber security. Ensure systems and processes support clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement. Promote best practice and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
* Research, Innovation, And Sustainability: Support the Trusts 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 Youll 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 needs 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: Youll have the opportunity to 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.
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