Head of Digital Programmes

Overview

The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities within a fast‑paced environment. They will have experience leading complex change programmes, using strong partnership working to deliver improved outcomes for the people of Gloucestershire. They will be data‑driven and focused on delivering measurable benefits, with a track record of developing high‑performing teams, supporting programme and project managers, managing escalations and removing delivery barriers. The post holder will communicate complex issues clearly to engage stakeholders and encourage collaboration, build strong system‑wide relationships and oversee digital improvement programmes, maintaining a clear focus on governance, assurance and benefits realisation.

Responsibilities

• Run the Digital Project Management Office (PMO), including oversight of all programmes and line management of staff.
• Oversee the workload of Programme Managers within the Digital PMO.
• Report progress monthly to Digital Senior Leads and to executive forums, at the discretion of the CDIO.
• Lead the continued development of the Digital programme management tool, championing its adoption across Digital and the wider Trust.
• Ensure effective project and programme governance and assurance using PRINCE2 methodology, supplemented with Agile where appropriate.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in best practice delivery.
• Provide compassionate leadership, development and support for the whole PMO.
• Direct effective costing of projects to ensure effective use of resources for the NHS.
• Alongside the Transformation pillar, support benefits baselining, analysis and delivery for digitally enabled projects.
• Provide advice, guidance and service‑improvement methodology expertise to support the development of schemes.
• Ensure the clinical engagement and technical requirements are met in all project governance.
• Set‑up processes to measure the quality and financial benefit of schemes.
• Ensure that sufficient and realistic schemes have been identified with clear and deliverable action plans.
• Conduct appraisals and one‑to‑one interviews with direct reports, documenting personal development plans.
• Lead effective team‑working by transferring skills and knowledge to appropriate staff, ensuring working procedures are properly documented and maintained.
• Mentor and coach junior staff.
• Maintain knowledge of the latest thinking and best‑practice application of technical solutions and other related fields elsewhere in the UK.
• Manage Programme Leads to manage project risks, supporting risk clarification and mitigation processes.
• Ensure all projects are in line with and contribute to the Trust’s wider priorities and strategy.
• Promote compliance with agreed principles and processes, including periodic review.
• Provide escalation, reporting, governance, oversight and support frameworks throughout project delivery to ensure projects remain on track and deliver maximum value.
• Ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
• Deputise for Senior Leads and/or CDIO as required.
• Promote a collaborative approach to engage clinicians and other staff in delivery of digital change programmes.
• Manage, motivate, inspire and develop staff within the team, creating a healthy culture that reflects the Trust’s inclusive approach to leadership and team development.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
• Achieve mutual commitment and consensus on tasks, deliverables, roles and responsibilities.
• Liaise with local ICSP (Integrated Care System Partners) to develop local digital strategy.
• Identify interdependencies, manage risks, model the potential impacts on the wider organisation and determine resource requirements, building in contingency where required.
• Lead an overall programme structure for delivery that ensures coordination across different activities, defines programme milestones and reports on the delivery of objectives.
• Lead the strategic programme planning process, delivery of priorities and management of consequential adjustments to activities.
• Chair or attend meetings with varied internal and external key stakeholders to facilitate delivery of the Programme objectives.
• Lead the development of a business case for digital interventions that need investment.
• Manage own workload, providing direction to project and direct team members.
• Ensure the development of all materials for regular reporting to leadership forums as required.
• Ensure the development of effective project plans to deliver the required changes in processes, technology, behaviours, etc.
• Negotiate and agree with others how to put in place sufficient support to ensure programmes and projects are delivered successfully.
• Alongside the Transformation pillar, initiate projects including participation in writing of business cases and other project documentation using standard project documentation templates.
• Ensure effective engagement from Digital and Finance colleagues to quantify and evidence system benefits and savings.
• Build positive and collaborative relationships within Digital and with partners in the ICSP.
• Maintain an effective annual communication plan with Digital and Trust communications teams.
• Ensure resources are allocated to projects so sufficient resources are available to deliver each programme efficiently.
• Negotiate and secure appropriate resources (people and funding) to ensure successful outcomes.
• Ensure that value for money is integrated into the work being undertaken.
• Organise and manage resources to ensure projects are delivered on time.
• Ensure necessary physical resources committed to the projects are made available as agreed.
• Establish and implement a performance management process for all programme staff.
• Work autonomously within delegated levels of authority and maintain high professional standards.
• Use managerial and judgemental skills to analyse highly complex situations and formulate appropriate solutions.
• Be responsible for organising own and team workload, prioritising to meet the needs of the Trust.
• Ensure financial controls for multiple delegated digital budgets and expenditure comply with the Trust’s best practice.
• Benchmark services to ensure lean, efficient and cost‑effective services that are value for money.
• Manage and monitor programme budget allocations and oversee multiple project budgets, authorising spend within delegated limits.
• Liaise with internal and external advisors regarding VAT status of project activities.
• Contribute to and work within a safe working environment, comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and minimise risk of healthcare‑associated infections.
• Abide by relevant professional conduct codes applicable to the role.
• Take part in regular performance appraisal and undertake mandatory training such as Manual Handling.

Qualifications

• Relevant Masters or significant equivalent experience.
• Certifications: Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner (MSP), PRINCE2 Practitioner, Change Management Practitioner.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Significant experience delivering complex digital programmes or portfolios in a large, complex organisation, ideally within an NHS setting.
• Experience leading governance, assurance and escalation arrangements across a programme or portfolio environment.
• Experience producing high quality reporting, briefing papers and business cases for senior leaders, boards or formal governance forums.
• Experience working with clinicians, operational leaders and technical teams to shape and deliver service improvement or digital change.
• Experience of financial and resource oversight within programmes or portfolios, including planning, budget management or securing value for money.
• Experience leading and developing a Programme Management Office or equivalent portfolio delivery function.

Benefits

• Excellent package with exclusive benefits and flexible working opportunities.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to the NHS pension scheme.
• Competitive bank rates.
• Discounts at local shops and restaurants.
• Two on‑site nurseries.
• Discounted public transport.
• Reward and recognition programmes.
• Range of health and wellbeing initiatives.