Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced ICT Applications and Systems Manager to join our digital team that has set out an ambitious digital strategy over the next five years to deliver the very best information and digital solutions with patient care at its core.
The Applications and Systems Manager has the responsibility for leading the design, delivery and support of all ICT Applications in use within the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust.
The post holder will oversee the significant modernisation of the Trust's Digital Services which will include the development of its EMS CAD (Emergency Medical Services Computer Aided Dispatch), 111 CAS (Clinical Assessment Service) and EPCR (Electronic Patient Care Record systems and various other digital transformation initiatives across the trusts other services.
The post holder will be responsible for the development of the Application Services team to compliment and support the management and delivery of the Digital work plan, in accordance with the business plans approved by the Senior Management Team and other relevant internal governance arrangements.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
Provide day to day management to the Application and Systems team to deliver and support core applications in use by all operational departments across the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Provide technical expertise in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex application solutions.
Support the Assistant Director of Digital - ICT in the management of all Digital related programmes and projects, ensuring appropriate resources are allocated and the required quality is applied.
Line management of the Application team; directing their work, and ensuring resources are managed appropriately to ensure service delivery.
Contribute to the Trust strategies and lead on projects to support their delivery.
Work closely with personnel overseeing Digital Programmes across the Trust.
About us
#RemarkablePeople
Our workforce is made up of over 4,000 remarkable people who contribute to the delivery of world-class patient care across Wales, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you work in a patient-facing role or within our range of support services, the work that you do enables us to provide high quality care, wherever and whenever we're needed.
The Trust recognises the need for its workforce to represent the diversity of the population it serves across the whole of Wales and seeks to create an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity matters. We are also keen to break down any barriers into the Trust, and would encourage applications from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities and disability groups.
Careers within the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust are diverse and varied, with opportunities arising right across the service. Whatever your skills and background, you're sure to find a career with us which is fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communications
Communicate on a range of technical and complex systems related issues, including those of a confidential and/or sensitive nature. Communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds, e.g. senior management, clinical, non-clinical, technical, and non-technical. Negotiate priorities for the delivery of work plans and manage the expectations of groups of users with often conflicting interests. Use a collaborative approach to systems design involving stakeholders of the various systems. Deliver formal presentations on a range of issues (some of which may be contentious / sensitive in nature), to large groups both internally and externally (e.g. user groups). Provide performance management data for the Digital Applications team. Produce written documents (e.g. business cases, option appraisals and standard operating procedures) regarding information systems development processes. Contribute, as a senior member of the Digital Delivery team, to developing the Digital Strategy and delivering the work plan. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with national Digital groups including MHS Wales health Boards and Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW). Advise the Assistant Director of Digital ICT, Director and Senior Management Team on innovative system initiatives and developments and how they could impact on the work of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Proactively maintain specialist knowledge in a rapidly developing field. Proactively engage and work closely with Welsh Ambulance Service Managers from across all teams, to understand their systems requirements to ensure their needs are met. Provide escalation point for the Application Services staff, to ensure the provision of timely and accurate systems support and development. Keep abreast of any changes to national and local policies and initiatives to identify and review any associated risks or opportunities. The post holder will be expected to establish how such policies are to be interpreted and implemented. Support the professional development of staff to build capacity and capability to support the delivery of high-quality local application service. The post holder will develop work plans and schedules for the team to ensure commitments are achievable, within time and budget and develop alternative approaches and plans to best meet commitments when issues arise. Actively participate in the ICT Out Of Hours On-call rota.
Improvement and Monitoring
Analyse, investigate and resolve complex systems requests and issues/problems. Map out key processes within the existing information systems, e.g. highly complex reports, integration and interoperability of distinct and intricate systems. Conduct complex and highly detailed analysis on the application functions performance indicators and targets where required, highlighting key performance results, trends, forecasts and areas of concern. Provide a consultative role offering expert advice and assistance to support the delivery of complex systems/user requirements. Provide technical expertise in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex requirements to a wide range of stakeholders in formal settings. Recommend the development / purchase of applications to improve performance and meet the needs of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Work with providers of external systems to establish resilient information systems and maintain a robust grip on systems processing and data quality.
Planning and Design
Responsible for the planning and organisation of a broad range of complex digital systems and their data in line with agreed standards. The requirement is to ensure that all clinical and administrative systems are maintained at the highest level and that data quality is maintained and accessible to authorised personnel. Contributes to the formation of the medium and long-term applications strategy for Welsh Ambulance Service, which will impact on all areas of the organisation. Plan and organise how data is suitably stored and when systems need to be re-organised or migrated to suitably protect the data. Responsible for migrating data from existing systems to new and for ensuring that data is maintained throughout at the highest quality. Carry out advanced fault finding and analysis on complex IT systems on a daily basis ensuring that requests for assistance are responded to in a timely manner and according to agreed policies, procedures and service level agreements. Manage the resolution of system problems, co-ordinating with third party suppliers, and users to minimise impact on services. Manage project resources, including team members, hardware and software requirements, and monitor progress against project plans.
Finance and Budget
Responsible for the appropriate and safe use of systems by users. Purchase software/hardware/services to support the application services function. Contributes to budget setting within the department and monitors budgets for major Digital projects. Authorised signatory for staff travels and subsistence expenses. Responsible for maintaining and updating asset register (software & systems) when new equipment is installed, moved or disposed of, in line with Inventory & Computer Equipment Disposal Policy.
Management, Leadership and Training
To line manage the application team on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that all requirements of formal line management, performance and discipline are met. Contribute to the Digital function to ensure that the service provided is in line with the evolving requirements of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Provide training, mentoring and supervision of staff as appropriate. Ensure that agreed development plans are implemented within agreed timescales.
Improvement and Monitoring
Responsible for ensuring the teams adhere to all Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and relevant national policies and procedures in line with the governance framework and regulations. Develop relevant strategies and polices for own area of work, in line with legislation. Manage the implementation service improvements and undertake research activities and testing for own area of expertise in line with business requirements. Handle confidential information in accordance with current policies and procedures. Proposes and implement changes to Digital policy and / or working practices that affect both clinical and non-clinical areas, e.g. introduction of new tools, or processes that require changes in existing procedure. These may be due to legislative changes, or to enhance service delivery. Responsible for the configuration management/software development of changes to existing working practices and systems. The post holder will be required to influence policy and strategy development across the organisation with regards systems development and management.
Digital and Information
Responsible for the planning, review, maintenance and upgrade of a range of business critical Digital systems to meet user group requirements. Responsible for producing detailed reports on project status and progress. Provide technical support and advice on Digital issues to user groups. This requires presenting complex plans ensuring they have a good understanding of the issues and required actions.
Audits Responsible for the testing and, where required, adaptation of a range of Digital systems, including apps and hardware. Develop methodologies for configuration management and development. Evaluate new tools, methodologies and technologies.
Autonomy As required, to deputise for the Assistant Director of Digital - ICT. Work to achieve agreed objectives with freedom to act within broad professional policies. Acts as a team lead and lead specialist in own area. Guided by local and national policies, but required to interpret these for adoption by application team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communications
Communicate on a range of technical and complex systems related issues, including those of a confidential and/or sensitive nature. Communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds, e.g. senior management, clinical, non-clinical, technical, and non-technical. Negotiate priorities for the delivery of work plans and manage the expectations of groups of users with often conflicting interests. Use a collaborative approach to systems design involving stakeholders of the various systems. Deliver formal presentations on a range of issues (some of which may be contentious / sensitive in nature), to large groups both internally and externally (e.g. user groups). Provide performance management data for the Digital Applications team. Produce written documents (e.g. business cases, option appraisals and standard operating procedures) regarding information systems development processes. Contribute, as a senior member of the Digital Delivery team, to developing the Digital Strategy and delivering the work plan. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with national Digital groups including MHS Wales health Boards and Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW). Advise the Assistant Director of Digital ICT, Director and Senior Management Team on innovative system initiatives and developments and how they could impact on the work of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Proactively maintain specialist knowledge in a rapidly developing field. Proactively engage and work closely with Welsh Ambulance Service Managers from across all teams, to understand their systems requirements to ensure their needs are met. Provide escalation point for the Application Services staff, to ensure the provision of timely and accurate systems support and development. Keep abreast of any changes to national and local policies and initiatives to identify and review any associated risks or opportunities. The post holder will be expected to establish how such policies are to be interpreted and implemented. Support the professional development of staff to build capacity and capability to support the delivery of high-quality local application service. The post holder will develop work plans and schedules for the team to ensure commitments are achievable, within time and budget and develop alternative approaches and plans to best meet commitments when issues arise. Actively participate in the ICT Out Of Hours On-call rota.
Improvement and Monitoring
Analyse, investigate and resolve complex systems requests and issues/problems. Map out key processes within the existing information systems, e.g. highly complex reports, integration and interoperability of distinct and intricate systems. Conduct complex and highly detailed analysis on the application functions performance indicators and targets where required, highlighting key performance results, trends, forecasts and areas of concern. Provide a consultative role offering expert advice and assistance to support the delivery of complex systems/user requirements. Provide technical expertise in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex requirements to a wide range of stakeholders in formal settings. Recommend the development / purchase of applications to improve performance and meet the needs of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Work with providers of external systems to establish resilient information systems and maintain a robust grip on systems processing and data quality.
Planning and Design
Responsible for the planning and organisation of a broad range of complex digital systems and their data in line with agreed standards. The requirement is to ensure that all clinical and administrative systems are maintained at the highest level and that data quality is maintained and accessible to authorised personnel. Contributes to the formation of the medium and long-term applications strategy for Welsh Ambulance Service, which will impact on all areas of the organisation. Plan and organise how data is suitably stored and when systems need to be re-organised or migrated to suitably protect the data. Responsible for migrating data from existing systems to new and for ensuring that data is maintained throughout at the highest quality. Carry out advanced fault finding and analysis on complex IT systems on a daily basis ensuring that requests for assistance are responded to in a timely manner and according to agreed policies, procedures and service level agreements. Manage the resolution of system problems, co-ordinating with third party suppliers, and users to minimise impact on services. Manage project resources, including team members, hardware and software requirements, and monitor progress against project plans.
Finance and Budget
Responsible for the appropriate and safe use of systems by users. Purchase software/hardware/services to support the application services function. Contributes to budget setting within the department and monitors budgets for major Digital projects. Authorised signatory for staff travels and subsistence expenses. Responsible for maintaining and updating asset register (software & systems) when new equipment is installed, moved or disposed of, in line with Inventory & Computer Equipment Disposal Policy.
Management, Leadership and Training
To line manage the application team on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that all requirements of formal line management, performance and discipline are met. Contribute to the Digital function to ensure that the service provided is in line with the evolving requirements of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Provide training, mentoring and supervision of staff as appropriate. Ensure that agreed development plans are implemented within agreed timescales.
Improvement and Monitoring
Responsible for ensuring the teams adhere to all Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and relevant national policies and procedures in line with the governance framework and regulations. Develop relevant strategies and polices for own area of work, in line with legislation. Manage the implementation service improvements and undertake research activities and testing for own area of expertise in line with business requirements. Handle confidential information in accordance with current policies and procedures. Proposes and implement changes to Digital policy and / or working practices that affect both clinical and non-clinical areas, e.g. introduction of new tools, or processes that require changes in existing procedure. These may be due to legislative changes, or to enhance service delivery. Responsible for the configuration management/software development of changes to existing working practices and systems. The post holder will be required to influence policy and strategy development across the organisation with regards systems development and management.
Digital and Information
Responsible for the planning, review, maintenance and upgrade of a range of business critical Digital systems to meet user group requirements. Responsible for producing detailed reports on project status and progress. Provide technical support and advice on Digital issues to user groups. This requires presenting complex plans ensuring they have a good understanding of the issues and required actions.
Audits Responsible for the testing and, where required, adaptation of a range of Digital systems, including apps and hardware. Develop methodologies for configuration management and development. Evaluate new tools, methodologies and technologies.
Autonomy As required, to deputise for the Assistant Director of Digital - ICT. Work to achieve agreed objectives with freedom to act within broad professional policies. Acts as a team lead and lead specialist in own area. Guided by local and national policies, but required to interpret these for adoption by application team.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to Master's degree level (Information Technology, Systems Management or related subject) or equivalent demonstrable level of work experience and knowledge.
- In depth understanding of the use of modern Information Technologies and how they contribute to improved systems and services to patients.
- High level knowledge of the design and development of information systems.
Desirable
- Management Qualification
- PRINCE2, MSP, ITIL
- Agile Project Management
Experience
Essential
- Experience and expertise in IM&T management.
- Experience of developing relationships, communicating and working across organisational boundaries.
- Management of staff
- Experience of delivering application development projects
Desirable
- Experience of working with information systems in health.
- Previous experience working as a manager within a software development function.
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Meets all essential criteria
Desirable
- Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Welsh.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Educated to Master's degree level (Information Technology, Systems Management or related subject) or equivalent demonstrable level of work experience and knowledge.
- In depth understanding of the use of modern Information Technologies and how they contribute to improved systems and services to patients.
- High level knowledge of the design and development of information systems.
Desirable
- Management Qualification
- PRINCE2, MSP, ITIL
- Agile Project Management
Experience
Essential
- Experience and expertise in IM&T management.
- Experience of developing relationships, communicating and working across organisational boundaries.
- Management of staff
- Experience of delivering application development projects
Desirable
- Experience of working with information systems in health.
- Previous experience working as a manager within a software development function.
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Meets all essential criteria
Desirable
- Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Welsh.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
