Head of Digital Systems & EPR
| Posting date: | 13 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £64,455.00 to £74,896.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £64455.00 - £74896.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 January 2026 |
| Location: | Darlington, DL3 6HX |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9439-2526-1350 |
Summary
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.