Job Summary
Digital, data and technology are central to how we deliver safe, reliable and joined‑up care for our communities. We are recruiting an Interim Head of Digital, Data and Technology on a fixed‑term basis to provide senior leadership across digital and solution architecture, data capability, cyber security, information governance, operational IT foundations and team development.
Role Overview
* Define and maintain a clear, coherent digital, data and technology architecture across systems, infrastructure, data, applications and integrations.
* Establish solution architecture principles and design governance to ensure new systems, integrations and digital changes are safe, supportable, secure and aligned to the wider architecture.
* Develop realistic, costed road‑maps for digital, data and technology improvement aligned to organisational priorities and future growth.
* Lead the data capability, including governance, reporting, analytics, business intelligence and data engineering.
* Provide senior leadership to the growing data team (Senior Data Engineer, Senior Business Analyst and Data Scientist).
* Lead the digital/IT support function, including first and second line support, service levels, escalation routes and supplier support.
* Build and develop a high‑performing Digital, Data and Technology function with clear roles, standards, priorities and ways of working.
* Keep digital infrastructure secure, reliable, scalable and resilient, supporting 24/7 service delivery.
* Act as Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), overseeing information risk, governance and data protection arrangements.
* Provide assurance to the CEO, Directors and Board on digital risk, cyber security, information governance, data protection and service resilience.
* Lead cyber security arrangements, including accreditations, incident preparedness and proactive risk management.
* Ensure data is collected, stored, processed, shared and reported lawfully, securely and effectively.
* Oversee maintenance and development of applications to keep them supportable, secure and aligned to operational needs.
* Collaborate with the Business Transformation Lead to ensure wider change is digitally safe, data‑informed and operationally sustainable.
* Manage digital, data and technology budgets with the Commercial and Finance Director to ensure value for money.
* Lead suppliers and contracts as an intelligent client, holding providers to account and advising on internal versus third‑party delivery.
* Support Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) by ensuring digital, data and technology arrangements enable safe and responsive services.
* Build strong working relationships across clinical, operational, corporate and leadership teams.
Essential Qualifications
* Significant senior leadership experience in digital, data and technology functions.
* Proven record of delivering digital, data and technology improvements with organisation‑wide impact.
* Strong ability to define, own and maintain a digital, data and technology architecture across systems, infrastructure, data and integrations.
* Deep understanding of solution architecture, how systems, integrations, data flows, cyber security, user needs and operational requirements fit together.
* Operational IT leadership experience, including responsibility for service continuity in complex or 24/7 environments.
* Experience building, developing or reshaping high‑performing digital, data or technology teams.
* Experience leading or providing senior direction to data capability, including governance, reporting, analytics, business intelligence and/or data engineering.
* Practical application of recognised service management and project delivery frameworks (e.g., ITIL, PRINCE2).
* Ability to translate organisational strategy into clear, prioritised digital, data and technology plans.
* Demonstrable experience managing budgets, contracts and supplier relationships.
* Strong grasp of information governance, data protection, cyber security and information risk in regulated environments.
* Confidence operating in SIRO‑level roles, providing assurance to senior leaders and Boards.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to explain complex technical issues to non‑technical audiences.
Desirable Qualifications
* Leadership experience within healthcare, primary care, urgent care, the NHS or a regulated public service environment.
* Knowledge of NHS or NHS‑adjacent digital, data, contractual and regulatory contexts.
* Experience with the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit, Caldicott principles or similar governance arrangements.
* Experience establishing or strengthening digital governance, such as architecture boards, design authority, risk reporting and assurance routes.
* Experience leading blended teams across in‑house digital/IT colleagues, data specialists, suppliers and managed service providers.
* Experience reviewing legacy systems and creating realistic road‑maps for rationalisation, resilience and improvement.
* Experience strengthening cyber security arrangements, incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity.
* Experience supporting EPRR through robust digital, data and technology arrangements.
Personal Attributes
* Demonstrates confidence, integrity and sound professional judgement when operating with high levels of autonomy and organisational impact.
* Resilient and composed under pressure, able to manage challenge and uncertainty without loss of focus or credibility.
* Adaptable and pragmatic, able to adjust approach in response to organisational need while maintaining clear priorities.
* Collaborative and inclusive, building trust and effective working relationships across professional and organisational boundaries.
* Clear and constructive when challenge is needed, balancing risk, pace, cost and operational need.
* Develops people and creates the conditions for a high‑performing team.
* Outcome‑focused and accountable, taking ownership for delivery, risk and organisational impact rather than personal activity.
Important Eligibility Information
BrisDoc is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must therefore have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.
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