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 for the wider health and care system. You will work in partnership with the Chief Data and Analytics Officer, under the DG, 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.

Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms -- enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services.

We lead the NHS in England by:

• 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

Earlier this 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.

If successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the process.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

Key priorities

As Interim CIO, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for national digital and technology services supporting millions of patients and staff every day.
• Support ministers, 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.
• This is an executive level role operating in a complex, high profile and politically aware environment, requiring confidence, judgement and the ability to deliver through influence as well as authority.

Who we are looking for

This interim opportunity will suit a proven Chief Information Officer or Chief Digital Officer (or equivalent) with a strong track record operating at board or enterprise level within large, regulated, datarich organisations. You will bring:

• 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…