Chief Digital Information Officer

Job overview

Make a system-wide impact as our Chief Digital Information Officer

Are 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 job

About Us

Berkshire 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 Trust

We 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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The opportunity

We 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 will:

• Lead 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 Responsibilities

• Lead 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 Bring

We 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.

• 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.

• Experience of working across organisational boundaries and influencing at system level.

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.