Digital and transformation executive – exciting career opportunity
We are inviting applications for a new role on our NHS executive team to lead the digital and transformation agenda for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, serving Derbyshire and Derby. This role will lead the strategic integration of digital, data, technology and organisational change — unlocking new capabilities, driving innovation and transforming how we deliver services for the benefit of the patients and communities we serve.
You may like the sound of the role, but how much do you know about us? Chief executive Jim Austin recorded this short video to summarise who we are, what makes us tick, our achievements to date and our aspirations for developing health services for the future needs of patients and service users which tap into the best of digital and transformational capabilities. Which is where you could be pivotal. Please take a look at what Jim has to say:
The Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) provides strategic leadership to ensure technology, innovation and service redesign are fully aligned with Trust priorities and wider system objectives.
The postholder will act as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and Cyber Security Lead, providing assurance to the Board that digital infrastructure, information governance and cyber security arrangements are robust, secure and future‑focused.
This is a high‑profile executive leadership role requiring strong Board‑level credibility, influence and the ability to lead complex change in partnership with key stakeholders.
You can find the official Job Description here.
- Board‑level leadership – Contribute as a full Trust Board member, shaping strategy, providing expert advice and constructive challenge on digital, data and transformation matters.
- Transformation and service redesign – Lead large‑scale transformation programmes that enable new models of care, digital innovation, agile working and service sustainability.
- Digital and data strategy – Develop and deliver the Trust’s digital and IMT strategy, ensuring systems support safe, effective and efficient care and high‑quality decision‑making.
- Information governance and cyber security – Fulfil statutory responsibilities as CIO and SIRO, ensuring strong data protection, information governance and cyber resilience.
- Partnership and system working – Build strong relationships across the Joined Up Care Derbyshire system to support collaborative transformation and shared digital ambition.
- Financial stewardship – Provide strategic oversight of digital and transformation investment, ensuring value for money and long‑term organisational benefit.
We are seeking an executive with established credibility and influence at Board level. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience at executive/Board level within the NHS or a comparably complex environment.
- An understanding of NHS and social care operating environments and the associated digital landscape
- A demonstrable track record of leading large-scale organisational change and transformation.
- Strong digital, data and technology leadership, with the ability to translate strategy into measurable improvement.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to work across organisational boundaries and with diverse stakeholders.
- A compassionate, inclusive and values‑driven leadership approach
To arrange an informal discussion about the role with Jim Austin, Chief Executive Officer, or Darren Tidmarsh, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief People Officer, please contact eva.hardy1@nhs.net.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application or to discuss support available, please contact Georgina Hanson, Interim Head of Resourcing on Georgina.hanson2@nhs.net
To apply, please send a CV and covering letter outlining how your skills and experience align to the requirements of this role as detailed in the job description and person specification to georgina.hanson2@nhs.net. Closing date for applications is midnight on 6 April 2026. Applications should be authored by the applicant and demonstrate personal reflection on the role and organisation. Submissions that appear to be wholly or largely generated using artificial intelligence tools may not be progressed.
If you are invited to interview, please be aware that the selection process will consist of a stakeholder panel via Microsoft Teams and an in-person interview on 28 April 2026 held at Trust Headquarters, Ash Green Learning Disability Centre, Ashgate Road, Ashgate, Chesterfield.