Job summary
We are seeking an outstanding digital leader to join the GP Support Unit (GPSU) as Director of Data and Digital Transformation. This highimpact role will shape Somersets digital future, driving innovation across General Practice and Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
You will lead countywide digital transformation programmes, optimise clinical systems, and develop robust data and analytics capabilities that improve patient access, operational efficiency, and workforce sustainability. Working closely with the ICB, ICS, Somerset LMC, and national partners, you will influence strategic decisions and position Somerset as a leader in digital health.
You will have proven experience of leading digital transformation and data strategy in healthcare or the public sector, together with a strong understanding of NHS digital systems, information governance, and analytics. You will also have excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills and experience in managing highperforming teams and delivering complex programmes.
Main duties of the job
Key areas of responsibility include:-
* Strategic Leadership
* Digital Transformation
* Digital Core Provision
* Data and Analytics
* Stakeholder Engagement
* Team and Programme Management
About us
The GP Support Unit (GPSU) exists to champion, strengthen, and elevate general practice in Somerset. Acting as an extension of the practice team, we provide practical support, expert guidance, and innovative solutions to help GPs and primary care professionals navigate challenges and excel. Through collaboration, shared expertise, and handson delivery, we reduce operational burden, unlock systemwide value, and enhance patient outcomes. Trusted by practices and recognised across the Somerset system, the GPSU is dedicated to making general practice more resilient, sustainable, and futureready.
Details
Date posted
13 February 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
Depending on experience
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Flexible working
Reference number
E
Job locations
Abbey Manor Business Centre
Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2EN
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job summary
As Director of Data and Digital Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership to shape and define the digital future of General Practice across Somerset. You will champion digital innovation by optimising the use of clinical systems and digital tools, embedding datadriven decisionmaking across General Practice and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and leading the ongoing development of resilient, secure, and futureready GPIT infrastructure. By enabling smarter use of technology and actionable insights, you will support practices to deliver excellent patient outcomes, improve operational performance, and enhance workforce sustainability. You will also help drive financial efficiencies and economies of scale through more effective digital, data, and GPIT solutions. This role also ensures alignment with the ICB Target Operating Model and contributes to the ongoing improvement and digital maturity of the Somerset Integrated Care System (ICS) and its wider cluster, including Dorset, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Define and deliver a comprehensive primary care focused digital and data strategy aligned with ICB, ICS, and NHS England priorities.
Lead digitally enabled transformation programmes that enhance primary care access, care quality, and operational performance.
Provide strategic leadership for the safe, ethical and effective adoption, governance and use of AI across primary care, ensuring compliance, data readiness, and measurable service improvement.
Link the strategic direction and delivery programme into internal and external planning cycles.
Act as the principal digital advisor to the GPSU Board, PCNs, and member practices, ensuring informed decisionmaking and digital maturity.
Bid for NHS or external funding opportunities to support programme delivery.
Collaborate closely with the ICS Chief Data Officer on the Linked Data Platform and other regional and national initiatives.
Digital Transformation:
Ensure full compliance with national digital and data standards across all programmes.
Drive the adoption of the NHS App, online consultation platforms, and advanced telephony solutions.
Commission digital technologies aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan and national transformation priorities.
Support practices to close capacity gaps, optimise workflow, and strengthen workforce sustainability.
Champion digital inclusion and proactively address barriers linked to digital poverty.
Digital Core Provision:
Work with partners to ensure GPIT infrastructure is provided effectively, in line with the GP contract, and maximising efficiencies and standardising best practice across the area.
Support the ongoing development of GPIT infrastructure across Somerset, ensuring it is resilient, secure, and futureproof; and collaborate with suppliers, ICB digital teams, and GP practices to deliver robust, interoperable systems that meet national standards.
Data and Analytics:
Lead the development of data infrastructure to enable population health management and predictive analytics.
Ensure legislatively compliant, data governance and Information Governance.
Deliver actionable insights that inform strategy, decisionmaking, and continuous improvement.
Align data and analytics initiatives with ICS and ICB priorities to maximise system impact.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Build strategic partnerships across Somerset and nationally to strengthen influence, collaboration, and innovation.
Represent the GPSU at key forums and position Somerset as a digital leader within primary care and the wider NHS.
Engage patients and communities in codesigning inclusive, accessible, and usercentred digital services.
Establish effective governance structures and user forums required to support programme delivery to ensure transparency, alignment, and continuous improvement.
Team and Programme Management:
Lead a multidisciplinary digital team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Manage budgets, contracts, and supplier relationships to ensure value for money and highquality delivery.
Ensure the timely and effective execution of strategic initiatives to achieve organisational goals
Embed robust assurance processes, actively manage risk logs, and capture lessons learned to strengthen organisational performance.
Use the corporate project and programme management approach.
Highlight reporting and stakeholder communication.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job summary
As Director of Data and Digital Transformation, you will provide strategic leadership to shape and define the digital future of General Practice across Somerset. You will champion digital innovation by optimising the use of clinical systems and digital tools, embedding datadriven decisionmaking across General Practice and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and leading the ongoing development of resilient, secure, and futureready GPIT infrastructure. By enabling smarter use of technology and actionable insights, you will support practices to deliver excellent patient outcomes, improve operational performance, and enhance workforce sustainability. You will also help drive financial efficiencies and economies of scale through more effective digital, data, and GPIT solutions. This role also ensures alignment with the ICB Target Operating Model and contributes to the ongoing improvement and digital maturity of the Somerset Integrated Care System (ICS) and its wider cluster, including Dorset, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Define and deliver a comprehensive primary care focused digital and data strategy aligned with ICB, ICS, and NHS England priorities.
Lead digitally enabled transformation programmes that enhance primary care access, care quality, and operational performance.
Provide strategic leadership for the safe, ethical and effective adoption, governance and use of AI across primary care, ensuring compliance, data readiness, and measurable service improvement.
Link the strategic direction and delivery programme into internal and external planning cycles.
Act as the principal digital advisor to the GPSU Board, PCNs, and member practices, ensuring informed decisionmaking and digital maturity.
Bid for NHS or external funding opportunities to support programme delivery.
Collaborate closely with the ICS Chief Data Officer on the Linked Data Platform and other regional and national initiatives.
Digital Transformation:
Ensure full compliance with national digital and data standards across all programmes.
Drive the adoption of the NHS App, online consultation platforms, and advanced telephony solutions.
Commission digital technologies aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan and national transformation priorities.
Support practices to close capacity gaps, optimise workflow, and strengthen workforce sustainability.
Champion digital inclusion and proactively address barriers linked to digital poverty.
Digital Core Provision:
Work with partners to ensure GPIT infrastructure is provided effectively, in line with the GP contract, and maximising efficiencies and standardising best practice across the area.
Support the ongoing development of GPIT infrastructure across Somerset, ensuring it is resilient, secure, and futureproof; and collaborate with suppliers, ICB digital teams, and GP practices to deliver robust, interoperable systems that meet national standards.
Data and Analytics:
Lead the development of data infrastructure to enable population health management and predictive analytics.
Ensure legislatively compliant, data governance and Information Governance.
Deliver actionable insights that inform strategy, decisionmaking, and continuous improvement.
Align data and analytics initiatives with ICS and ICB priorities to maximise system impact.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Build strategic partnerships across Somerset and nationally to strengthen influence, collaboration, and innovation.
Represent the GPSU at key forums and position Somerset as a digital leader within primary care and the wider NHS.
Engage patients and communities in codesigning inclusive, accessible, and usercentred digital services.
Establish effective governance structures and user forums required to support programme delivery to ensure transparency, alignment, and continuous improvement.
Team and Programme Management:
Lead a multidisciplinary digital team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Manage budgets, contracts, and supplier relationships to ensure value for money and highquality delivery.
Ensure the timely and effective execution of strategic initiatives to achieve organisational goals
Embed robust assurance processes, actively manage risk logs, and capture lessons learned to strengthen organisational performance.
Use the corporate project and programme management approach.
Highlight reporting and stakeholder communication.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
* Visionary and pragmatic leadership
* Excellent communicator and collaborator
* Commitment to innovation and improvement
* Empathetic, inclusive, and patient-centered
* Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* NHS digital systems and IG protocols
* Strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement
* Advanced analytics and BI tools
Desirable
* Familiarity with GPIT Operating Model and What Good Looks Like
* Proficiency in EMIS, SystmOne, AccuRx, Power BI, RPA, Ambient Voice, AI
Qualifications
Essential
* Degree or equivalent in relevant field
* Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
* Relevant postgraduate qualification
Experience
Essential
* Leading digital transformation in healthcare/public sector
* Managing high-performing teams and complex programmes
* Contributing to national digital initiatives
Desirable
* Working with GP practices and PCNs
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
* Visionary and pragmatic leadership
* Excellent communicator and collaborator
* Commitment to innovation and improvement
* Empathetic, inclusive, and patient-centered
* Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* NHS digital systems and IG protocols
* Strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement
* Advanced analytics and BI tools
Desirable
* Familiarity with GPIT Operating Model and What Good Looks Like
* Proficiency in EMIS, SystmOne, AccuRx, Power BI, RPA, Ambient Voice, AI
Qualifications
Essential
* Degree or equivalent in relevant field
* Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
* Relevant postgraduate qualification
Experience
Essential
* Leading digital transformation in healthcare/public sector
* Managing high-performing teams and complex programmes
* Contributing to national digital initiatives
Desirable
* Working with GP practices and PCNs
Employer details
Employer name
GPSU - General Practice Support Unit
Address
Abbey Manor Business Centre
Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2EN
Employer details
Employer name
GPSU - General Practice Support Unit
Address
Abbey Manor Business Centre
Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2EN