Head of Digital Systems & EPR

Job description

Job responsibilities

As Head of Digital Systems & EPR, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, delivering, and optimising the Trusts digital landscape, with a particular focus on the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) programme. This is a senior leadership position within Health Informatics, reporting to the Chief Information Officer, and responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous improvement of all business and clinical systems across County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement a comprehensive health informatics vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with national policy, local priorities, and the Trusts clinical and business objectives. You will be the senior delivery lead for informatics programmes, including the EPR, driving transformation and innovation.

EPR Programme Delivery:

Lead the optimisationand ongoing management of t he Trusts EPR systems. Work closely with clinical and operational teams to ensure the EPR supports safe, effective, and patient-centred care. Champion the benefits of EPR, ensuring its adoption and integration into everyday practice.

Systems Management:

Oversee the management, maintenance, and development of all business and clinical systems, ensuring they meet Trust, national, clinical, and professional standards. Monitor system performance, manage upgrades and transitions, and ensure robust governance and compliance.

Team Leadership:

Manage and develop a skilled team of informatics professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture, supporting staff development, training, and career progression. Lead by example, promoting Trust values and behaviours.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Build strong relationships with senior management, clinicians, ICS partners, and external suppliers. Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable plans. Represent the Trust at local, regional, and national forums on health informatics and EPR matters.

Financial and Contract Management:

Manage departmental budgets, capital programmes, and contracts with third-party suppliers. Ensure value for money, effective resource allocation, and compliance with Trust and national policies.

Governance and Quality:

Champion information governance, data protection, and cyber security. Ensure systems and processes support clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement. Promote best practice and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.

Research, Innovation, and Sustainability:

Support the Trusts commitment to research and innovation, contributing to projects that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in all aspects of digital delivery.

What Youll Do Day-to-Day

Lead the delivery and optimisation of the EPR and other key digital systems.

Translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.

Manage system upgrades, transitions, and benefits realisation.

Coach and develop your team, ensuring high standards of performance and engagement.

Work with clinical and operational leaders to understand needs and deliver solutions.

Oversee supplier relationships, contracts, and budgets.

Ensure compliance with governance, safety, and quality standards.

Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to stakeholders at all levels.

Drive innovation, research, and sustainability initiatives within Health Informatics.

What Makes This Role Exciting

Impact: Your work will directly improve patient care, safety, and experience by ensuring clinicians and staff have access to reliable, user-friendly digital systems.

Leadership: Youll have the opportunity to shape the future of digital health in the Trust, leading major programmes and influencing strategy at the highest level.

Collaboration: Work alongside talented colleagues, clinical leaders, and external partners in a values-driven, research-active organisation.

Professional Growth: Develop your leadership, technical, and strategic skills in a supportive environment that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Values and Culture: Be part of a Trust that puts patients first, values respect, dignity, compassion, and is committed to quality, sustainability, and staff wellbeing.

Who Should Apply

If you are an experienced digital systems leader with a passion for improving healthcare through technology, strong programme delivery skills (especially in EPR), and the ability to lead teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships, we encourage you to apply. You should be motivated by making a difference, able to communicate complex ideas clearly, and committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable digital solutions.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• -Highly IT literate with a wide-ranging knowledge of systems and network applications.
• -Ability to effectively communicate complex IT issues to non-IT professionals at all levels.
• -Operational leadership skills to lead change through people.
• -Financial management experience and expertise.
• -Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships across diverse groups, and to communicate effectively where there may be significant barriers to acceptance.
• -Ability to anticipate and plan for changes.
• -Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate individuals and teams.
• -Ability to present all work in a clear and concise manner appropriate to the target audience.
• -Proven ability to produce information reports and apply analytical/problem-solving skills.
• -Proven track record of delivering to deadlines.

Desirable

• -Proven leadership ability to set out a clear vision for services, persuade others of the benefits and requirements of the plan for the future, and overcome obstacles.

Experience

Essential

• -Significant experience of successful strategic management at a senior level with responsibility for a wide range of IT activities.
• -Experience and evidence of delivering high standards of performance to achieve national and local targets.
• -Experience of managing major change programmes in a complex IT environment (including developing existing services and implementing new services).
• -Experience of working effectively in collaboration with Senior Management, GPs, Local Authorities, and other stakeholders.
• -Experience of delivering complex IT programmes and projects across multiple healthcare sectors and organisations.

Desirable

• -Experience in dealing with difficult situations, including the resolution of conflict and influencing others to accept demanding outcomes.

Qualifications

Essential

• -Educated to at least Masters degree level in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience and learning.
• -Project management methodologies qualification.

Desirable

• -Postgraduate management qualification or equivalent.
• -Evidence of continuing professional development.
• -PRINCE2 Practitioner certification.

Special Requirements

Essential

• -Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)