Package and Working Pattern
Full time, Monday-Friday 37 hours per week.
Hybrid Working pattern: 60% of time in office.
Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. We pride ourselves on an ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’ll be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills you bring, encourages creativity, and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Lead the Future of Digital Inclusion & Connectivity in Gateshead
The Digital Connectivity and Inclusion Lead is responsible for developing and implementing the Council's Digital Connectivity and Inclusion Strategy. This role aims to achieve equitable access to digital technologies and connectivity for the people of Gateshead, improving connectivity across Gateshead to connect people, businesses and technology. It involves collaborating with various stakeholders to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital connectivity and literacy, and promote inclusive digital practices across the wider region.
What You'll Get To Do
- Lead the strategy for digital connectivity and inclusion across Gateshead, turning vision into real, measurable impact.
- Deliver a clear action plan, tracking progress, outcomes, and benefits to ensure meaningful results for communities.
- Drive connectivity improvements, leading infrastructure projects to enhance broadband coverage, speed, and access.
- Identify and tackle digital exclusion, using insight and research to remove barriers and create practical solutions.
- Champion digital skills and inclusion, designing initiatives that support underserved groups to get online and thrive.
- Build strong partnerships, working with public, private, and community stakeholders to deliver collaborative solutions.
- Influence senior leaders, ensuring digital priorities are aligned with wider council goals and long‑term plans.
- Promote innovation, exploring new technologies and approaches to improve connectivity and inclusion.
- Secure and deliver funding opportunities, leading major programmes in partnership with suppliers and regional partners.
- Manage budgets and delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high standards.
- Play a key leadership role, contributing to the Senior IT Management Team and supporting wider service delivery.
What You'll Bring
- Degree‑qualified (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as technical, project management, management or another appropriate related discipline with a project / programme management qualification.
- Proven leadership experience in digital connectivity, inclusion, or a related area.
- Strong knowledge of broadband and connectivity technologies, including fibre and mobile networks.
- Demonstrable experience delivering digital connectivity or inclusion initiatives, including infrastructure or digital services.
- Track record of developing and delivering strategy and policy within a large or complex organisation.
- Expertise in programme and project management, with experience delivering large‑scale, multi‑stakeholder projects on time and within budget.
- Strong understanding of digital exclusion and inclusion, with the ability to design solutions that improve access and digital skills.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building partnerships across public, private, and community sectors.
- Ability to influence and advise senior leaders and elected members, operating effectively in a politically aware environment.
- Experience managing significant budgets and resources, ensuring effective financial control and value for money.
What’s In It For You
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. In high‑volume recruitment situations, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
