Director of Data and Digital Transformation

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.

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

Employer details

Employer name

GPSU - General Practice Support Unit

Address

Abbey Manor Business Centre

Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2EN