Chief Information Officer

Shape the digital future of the NHS at a moment of national importance

NHS England is seeking an outstanding interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) to provide strategic leadership for digital and technology across the NHS in England at a critical point in its transformation journey.

Last year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and waste. As the two organisations come together, there is an opportunity to reshape how technology, digital, and data services are delivered across the health and social care system.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior leader with deep experience of large‑scale digital, technology and cyber‑critical environments to operate at the heart of one of the UK’s most complex and mission‑critical systems. The role carries national responsibility, significant influence, and the chance to make a tangible difference to patient care, workforce experience and value for the taxpayer.

Reporting to the Director General for Technology, Digital and Data, the Interim CIO is accountable for the provision, resilience and evolution of digital and technology capabilities that underpin the NHS—both for NHS England itself and the wider health and care system. You will work in partnership with the Chief Data and Analytics Officer to deliver the Digital, Data and Technology programmes of work.

You will lead national digital platforms and services that are part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure, set and enforce system‑wide technology standards, and provide authoritative leadership on architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity and legacy modernisation. Working in close partnership with the Chief Data and Analytics Officer and senior leaders across regions and Integrated Care Systems, you will balance national consistency with local delivery and innovation.

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where people can develop and make a difference.
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care.
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation.
• Delivering value for money.

• Provide strategic leadership for national digital and technology services supporting millions of patients and staff every day.
• Support ministers, the Joint Executive Team, and colleagues at all levels to successfully deliver the DHSC‑NHSE Transformation programme.
• Ensure the security, resilience and performance of critical infrastructure in a constantly evolving threat landscape.
• Drive progress from legacy technology to modern, cloud‑enabled, product‑based services.
• Set and uphold clear digital, technology and information standards across the NHS in England.
• Lead and inspire senior digital and technology professionals, strengthening capability and pace of delivery.
• Represent NHS England credibly with ministers, cross‑government partners, regulators and major suppliers.
• Exercise executive‑level judgment, confidence, and influence within a complex, high‑profile and politically aware environment.

• Deep expertise across digital strategy, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity and large‑scale service delivery.
• Experience leading complex technology estates spanning modern digital platforms and legacy systems.
• Credibility working with senior stakeholders, including ministers, boards and executive peers.
• Strong commercial and governance capability, with experience overseeing significant budgets and suppliers.
• The resilience, clarity and adaptability required to lead through ambiguity and change.

Experience of the NHS or wider public sector is valuable but not essential; what matters most is the ability to operate effectively at national scale and pace.

Regular travel to London and Leeds offices will be required.

To meet National Security Vetting requirements for DV Clearance, you must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 10 continuous years immediately preceding the point of application. Candidates who have been posted abroad for HM Government, Armed Forces, or within a UK government role will still be considered. Failure to achieve DV Clearance after an offer will result in the job offer being withdrawn.

Further advice: …

Further information on National Security Vetting:

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered this role on a secondment basis only; agreement must be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.

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