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Job OverviewMake a system-wide impact as our Chief Digital Information OfficerAre you an experienced digital, data and technology leader ready to operate at Board-level and shape the future of diagnostics across one of the NHS’s leading pathology networks?This is a rare opportunity to take on a Board-level digital leadership role within one of the leading services of its kind in the UK.This is more than a traditional IT leadership role. You will shape how digital, data and technology enable modern diagnostics across multiple organisations, driving measurable improvements in performance, resilience and patient care.You will lead digital transformation across a network serving millions of patients, at a pivotal moment for diagnostics and the wider healthcare system.Main duties of the jobAbout UsBerkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) is a joint venture between five NHS Trusts: Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS TrustWe are one of the country’s largest, most thriving and ambitious NHS pathology networks, widely recognised as one of the top-performing services of our kind in the UK. We operate a hub and spoke model, delivering high-quality, timely and reliable diagnostic services for millions of patients each year across a large and diverse geography. We are entering a new phase of transformation to modernise our services, improve patient care and maximise value for our partner organisations.We are a clinically led and patient centred organisation, providing a highly engaged and supportive environment for our people. Our friendly, supportive and open culture makes BSPS a unique place to work.Working for our organisationFrimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.Frimley Health Trust benefits on VimeoDetailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesThe opportunityWe are seeking an exceptional Chief Digital Information Officer to lead and transform our digital, data and technology function into a high-performing, system-wide capability across the network. As CDIO, you will be the most senior digital, data and technology leader across BSPS and a full member of the Board and Executive Team, ensuring that systems, data and digital services are reliable, secure and future-ready.You WillLead the development and delivery of a multi-year DDaT strategy and technical roadmap across a complex, multi-organisation environment.Be accountable for live digital service performance, cyber security, data governance and supplier ecosystems.Drive major transformation programmes, including cloud migration, digital pathology, AI adoption and automation.Drive innovation and transformation across all pathology domains, improving efficiency, user experience and care quality.Design and implement a modern DDaT operating model, building a high-performing, system-wide capability.Influence and align with partner Trusts, ICS/ICB colleagues and national bodies to maximise strategy, collaboration and investment.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage DDaT operations, including service availability, incident/problem/change management and major incident reviews.Define and deliver a robust reference architecture and roadmap to modernise legacy systems.Ensure high standards of cyber security, data governance and regulatory compliance.Develop and deliver a portfolio of digital transformation programmes, supported by robust business cases.Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships, ensuring performance, value for money and risk management.Establish effective service management practices to improve reliability, resilience and user experience.What You’ll BringWe are seeking a visionary, credible and strategic digital leader with the ability to operate at Board-level within a complex, multi-partner, multi-stakeholder environment.Significant senior (Board-level) experience leading digital, data and technology functions in complex environments.Deep knowledge of digital infrastructure, cyber security, cloud technologies, data platforms and technical architecture.A track record of delivering digital transformation at scale, including AI, automation and digital pathology innovations. Experience of working across organisational boundaries and influencing at system level.Strong commercial and financial acumen, including managing large-scale programmes and supplier ecosystems.The ability to balance operational excellence with innovation and long-term strategy.Why Join Us?This is a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation for a major NHS pathology network at a critical time for both diagnostics and the wider health system. You will play a leading role in shaping the future of digital services that support clinicians, patients and population health across multiple acute and primary care settings.If you are motivated by the opportunity to influence system-wide change, drive innovation and build a leading digital function, we would love to hear from you.For a comprehensive list of the tasks and responsibilities of this role please refer to the candidate pack and job description, person specification.Person specificationQualificationsEssential criteriaMasters degree in a relevant discipline with significant experience in a senior managerial and leadership role, including IM&T services developmentSignificant knowledge of current NHS national and regional health policy in relation to the digital agendaDesirable criteria Managing Successful Programmes or similar programme management qualification.ExperienceEssential criteria Evidence of having held one or more roles in an executive board level position or equivalent experienceDesirable criteriaExperience of working within a Pathology network or healthcare environment.SkillsEssential criteriaExperience of managing and prioritising budgets of multiple millions of poundsDesirable criteriaLeadership skillsFrimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) is proud of its strong reputation, record of achievement and ambition for the future. We serve a population of over 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire, and remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.Our new organisational strategy – FHFT 2030 – sets out our ambition to be the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS. Underpinned by our Trust values – Committed to Excellence, Working Together, Facing the Future, and being a modern, compassionate, Healthcare Organisation – we are creating a culture where our people can thrive and patients always come first.We continue to invest heavily in our services and facilities. This includes the development of a new hospital at Frimley Park, major expansion of diagnostics and inpatient capacity, and the continued transformation of services across our sites. We have already delivered a brand-new £100m state-of-the-art Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m upgrade to maternity services.We are also committed to sustainability and the NHS Net Zero ambition. Our new hospital and estate developments are being designed to be environmentally responsible, energy efficient, and future-proofed, featuring on-site renewables energy and intelligent energy systems. Through our green plan, we are embedding sustainable practices across all areas of care and operations, ensuring we reduce our environmental impact while improving population health and wellbeing. Our staff are key to helps us deliver on our ambition and to ensure sustainability is a core component of care delivery and our operations.Alongside estates’ investments, we are embedding a strong focus on digital innovation and quality improvement. Our electronic patient record (Epic), launched in 2024, is already enabling safer, more connected, and more effective care for patients, while giving staff the tools they need to do their best work. Our electronic patient record also supports safe and effective digitised care pathways, savings time and carbon, whilst delivering excellent quality of care.Everything we do is guided by our values, shaping how we care for patients, support colleagues, and build a sustainable future for healthcare together.Apply online now
