As our Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), you'll thrive on transforming public services through technology. We're looking for an inspirational leader who can drive the council's digital strategy and operations. You will head up our Integrated Digital Service (IDS) which provides full digital, information and technology services both in-house and for our NHS partners at NHS West Yorkshire ICB (Leeds Place). This interim role offers a unique opportunity to shape the city's digital ambitions at a pivotal time, ensuring our organisations remain at the forefront of digital innovation, transformation, and service excellence. This role requires notable presence across the city and the region, with some hybrid working. The post holder must be able to work outside normal hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet service needs. As our Interim CDIO, you will have strategic and operational accountability for IDS and for the supply of services to our NHS partners, specifically the GP IT and Open Digital Architecture (ODA) functions. Your primary focus is to deliver integration, efficiencies and savings to the council and the NHS. You will provide specialist advice and leadership across the council and with NHS partners, earning credibility for your expertise in digital technology and transformation. You will ensure strong governance of digital programmes, oversee information security and risk management, and act as deputy Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) when required. You'll develop, own and deliver the council's digital strategy, which will underpin the goals in the Leeds Ambitions and Council Plan. You will also champion partnership working that enables impactful cross‑sector initiatives. You will build and motivate a high‑performing team, driving seamless, secure, and citizen‑focused digital services and a culture of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Develop, own and deliver the Digital Strategy to underpin the achievement of the Leeds Ambitions and Council Plan.
Responsible for placing LCC and Leeds Place ICB at the forefront of developments with regards to the application of digital technology, working with other support services.
Provide strategic leadership, providing advice and expertise to decision makers across the Council.
Provide outstanding leadership to develop a high performing, highly motivated workforce and manage resources to achieve service and overarching objectives in line with the city's agreed prioritisation.
Work with key partners at national, regional and local level and in collaboration with colleagues and partners support the delivery of real change across the city.
Manage the interface and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders including the NHS, business and external agencies.
Work closely with the NHS West Yorkshire ICB (Leeds place) Chief Clinical Information Officer to ensure service provision from IDS to the Health system is effective and efficient.
Lead the definition and delivery of information and technology strategy on behalf of the Council, and linked to the wider system ensuring that we have the capabilities and skills to play a leading role on delivering better outcomes for people through IDS.
Contribute to the business direction of services and execute required business change in support of digitisation, technology and information management excellence, defining and transitioning to new operating models and skill sets as appropriate.
Drive digital leadership by building credibility as a leading authority in digital technology by establishing and maintaining professional advice internally and externally.
As principal digital and ICT advisor and technical expert to the Council's Corporate Leadership Team and its Elected Members, ensure that organisational developments and improvements remain focused on delivering improved outcomes for local people.
Be accountable for the delivery, continuity, information security, risk management and effective support of the Council's ICT infrastructure and business critical systems and cyber security.
Provide professional strategic leadership to related project teams to ensure the council and NHS objectives are met and where possible exceeded.
Be accountable for the achievement of service performance, outcomes, targets and objectives within approved budgets for the service and the City's and Council's portfolio of ICT enabled business projects and programmes.
Embed a culture of continuous improvement, establishing stretching service and customer experience targets to deliver outstanding outcomes.
Work closely with the Assistant Chief Executive to ensure digital related project and programme governance is in place and adhered to, to ensure optimal outcomes and maximum return from investment, and that this is coherent and connected to other wider changes such as workforce, finance etc.
Be accountable for the systematic appraisal, evaluation, delivery and rigorous management of the ICT portfolio of programmes and projects in support of council outcomes.
Be the principal post holder for delegated decision making in respect of the authority's Digital, Information and Technology functions.
Lead and coordinate relevant research and monitor global trends and developments in the digital economy to enable the identification of relevant projects and activities to deliver digital outcomes for the council.
Work with the Information Governance (IG) function to ensure risk assessment and management processes within the Organisation(s) and advise on the effectiveness of information governance and risk management across the Organisation(s) in line with national compliance regimes (e.g. PSN IA Condition, PCI DSS etc) in relation to the Digital responsibilities of the role.
Fulfil the role of the Council's Deputy Senior Information Risk Owner, having responsibility for Information Risk whilst acting as the point of contact through which the Data Protection Officer reports to the Corporate Leadership Team in absence of or as directed by the SIRO.
In absence of the SIRO or as directed, to appropriately consider all high‑risk personal data breaches for notification to the Information Commissioner's Office and individuals with advice and guidance from the Data Protection Officer.
Take responsibility for maintaining effective communications and engagement with staff, service users, councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders and which supports open, inclusive, responsive and accountable government.
Lead, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
Lead and coordinate relevant research and monitor global trends and developments in the digital economy to enable the identification of relevant projects and activities to deliver digital outcomes for the city.
Maintain knowledge of emerging innovations, introducing initiatives as appropriate to improve citizen/patient outcomes, citizen/patient experience and operational excellence.
Initiate and implement a range of sensor technologies within the organisation and city to create an efficient and productive environment in line with City carbon and Health ambitions.
Contribute to the development and maximisation of a modern data culture, enhancing already strong governance and compliance with a data architecture that enables self‑service.
Lead provision of dedicated traded services to external services.
Work with elected members, service users and community representatives in ways which support open, responsive and accountable government providing appropriate advice relating to the work of the Directorate to Members and council officers so as to manage risk and support them in their respective roles.
In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework ensure that effective budget management and control takes place across your service, the planned level and quality of service provided for within the revenue and capital budgets are delivered and that budget pressures are resolved.
Responsibility for the direction and control of a significant budget, the financial integrity of the service and accountable for directing and implementing comprehensive risk management programmes and resources across the service(s).
The service is delivered within budget; value for money is maximised, and operational, regulatory, statutory and financial risk is managed and monitored in compliance with council requirements and with Local Government and national working practices.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.
Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behavioursand codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions.
Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection.
Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
Understand, observe and actively promote Leeds City Council's approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Qualifications
Qualifications MBA, degree level qualification or equivalent qualification in Information and Technology, or substantial experience in working in this field and membership of a relevant professional body is desirable.
Significant senior leadership experience delivering large‑scale, complex change
Strong values‑based approach to leadership, embracing our organisational values and behaviours
Comprehensive understanding of local, regional and national issues relevant to the service area
Strong knowledge of legislation, policies and governance frameworks related to digital, information, safety and data protection
Experience working in politically sensitive environments and with elected members
Proven success in partnership working across sectors, particularly with the NHS
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
Working Context & Essential Requirements
Working Context Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current local, regional and national issues and the legislative and political context relating to IDS.
Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information and relevant strategic functions e.g. health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues including significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team.
Evidence of working with partners and key stakeholders and of forging and driving successful partnership programmes to deliver cross sector priorities and outcomes.
Understanding of and ability to maximise benefits and relationships with other partners in the NHS.
Understanding of the legal, financial and national expectations of the NHS and its structure.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and establish credibility across sectors to enhance reputation and form positive relationships.
Experience of successful leadership and management of large scale complex change programmes with an understanding of the strategic issues that face integrated work.
Evidence of ability to make reasoned and logical decisions allied with high level organisational skills.
Significant successful senior leadership and management experience
Substantial experience of operating in a political environment
Extensive experience of exercising sound judgement and providing clear advice at senior level.
Experience of developing and implementing highly complex strategies leading to successful outcomes.
Benefits
Dir 75%, We offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits focused on your professional development, wellbeing, work‑life balance and finances. Our leadership package includes:
Fair and transparent pay progression structure under the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) for Chief Officers in local government
Annual leave starting at 28 days (33 days after 5 years' service) plus statutory holidays, with the option to purchase additional days through salary sacrifice
Flexible and hybrid working options subject to your role and service need
Professional development with fully funded study for relevant qualifications and supporting your progression through opportunities at work or with our partners
Local Government Pension Scheme administered by West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
Shared cost AVC scheme allowing you to boost your pension in the most tax‑efficient way
Support for your wellbeing through our family friendly policies, flexible working options and 24\/7 employee assistance programme
Exclusive offers on an ultra‑low emission vehicle lease paid for through salary sacrifice
Money‑saving offers including discounts with national retailers and special deals with local businesses
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