Chief Information Officer | NHS England

Posting date:	25 February 2026
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	£161,601 per annum
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	27 March 2026
Location:	National, LS1 4AP
Company:	NHS England
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	7818985/990-TDD-CIO-EC1069-E

Summary

Shape the digital future of the NHS at a moment of national importance

NHS England is seeking an outstandingInterim Chief Information Officer (CIO)to provide strategic leadership for digital and technology across the NHS in England at a critical point in its transformation journey.

Last year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and waste. As the two organisations come together, there is an opportunity to reshape how technology, digital, and data services are delivered across the health and social care system.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior leader with deep experience oflarge‑scale digital, technology and cyber‑critical environmentsto operate at the heart of one of the UK’s most complex and mission‑critical systems. The role carries national responsibility, significant influence, and the chance to make a tangible difference to patient care, workforce experience and value for the taxpayer.

Reporting to theDirector General for Technology, Digital and Data, the Interim CIO is accountable for theprovision, resilience and evolution of digital and technology capabilitiesthat underpin the NHS—both for NHS England itself and for the wider health and care system. You will work in partnership with the Chief Data and Analytics Officer, under the DG, to deliver the Digital, Data and Technology programmes of work.

You will lead national digital platforms and services that are part of the UK’sCritical National Infrastructure, set and enforce system‑wide technology standards, and provide authoritative leadership onarchitecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity and legacy modernisation. Working in close partnership with the Chief Data and Analytics Officer and senior leaders across regions and Integrated Care Systems, you will balance national consistency with local delivery and innovation.

Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms — enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services.

We lead the NHS in England by:
• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where people can develop and make a difference
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
• Delivering value for money

Earlier this year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and waste.

If successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the process.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

Key priorities

As Interim CIO, you will:
• Provide strategic leadership for national digital and technology services supporting millions of patients and staff every day.
• Support ministers, Joint Executive Team, and colleagues at all levels to successfully deliver the DHSC-NHSE Transformation programme.
• Ensure the security, resilience and performance of critical infrastructure in a constantly evolving threat landscape.
• Drive progress from legacy technology to modern, cloud‑enabled, product‑based services.
• Set and uphold clear digital, technology and information standards across the NHS in England.
• Lead and inspire senior digital and technology professionals, strengthening capability and pace of delivery.
• Represent NHS England credibly with ministers, cross‑government partners, regulators and major suppliers.
• This is an executive‑level role operating in a complex, high‑profile and politically aware environment, requiring confidence, judgement and the ability to deliver through influence as well as authority.

Who we are looking for

This interim opportunity will suita proven Chief Information Officer or Chief Digital Officer(or equivalent) with a strong track record operating at board or enterprise level withinlarge, regulated, data‑rich organisations.You will bring:
• Deep expertise across digital strategy, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity and large‑scale service delivery.
• Experience leading complex technology estates spanning modern digital platforms and legacy systems.
• Credibility working with senior stakeholders, including ministers, boards and executive peers.
• Strong commercial and governance capability, with experience overseeing significant budgets and suppliers.
• The resilience, clarity and adaptability required to lead through ambiguity and change.

Experience of the NHS or wider public sector is valuable but not essential; what matters most is the ability to operate effectively at national scale and pace.

Additional Information

Regular travel to our London and Leeds offices will be required.

Please note that the reason for the fixed term of this contract is due to the DHSC-NHSE Transformation Programme.

Important: Please be aware there are residency requirements you need to meet:

This role requires the successful candidate to undergo DV level clearance.

To meet National Security Vetting requirements for DV Clearance, you must have resided in the UK for a minimum 10 continuous years, immediately preceding from the point of application.

Candidates who were posted abroad for service with HM Government, Armed Forces or within a UK government role - will still be considered.

Please make sure you meet these requirements before applying for this role. You don’t need to have Developed Vetting already, however, failure to achieve the requirements for Developed Vetting after offer, will result in the job offer being withdrawn.

For further advice please check https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/nationa…

For further information on National Security Vetting please check National security

vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK, information on the Security Vetting and Clearances Intranet page or contact england.securityvetting@nhs.net.

You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.
Secondments

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.


This advert closes on Wednesday 11 Mar 2026