Band 9 - Director of Digital Strategy | West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust


Company:	West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Salary:	£115,052 - £132,053 pa inc. HCA
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Watford, WD18 0HB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	12 Aug 2026
Closing date:	11 Sept 2026

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Summary

We are seeking an experienced, credible and commercially astute digital leader to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust as Director of Digital Strategy.

This Band 9 role will own, develop and drive delivery of the Trust’s Digital Strategy 2025–2030, translating our ambitions into a robust, measurable delivery plan.

The postholder will provide strategic direction across major digital priorities, including preparation for the Watford Combined Scheme and New Hospital Programme requirements, Electronic Patient Record strategy, partnership working across the South and West Hertfordshire Health and Care Partnership, and the development of funding and business cases. This is a significant opportunity to shape the Trust’s digital future and improve care for patients and staff.

The postholder will lead the development, delivery and assurance of the Trust’s digital strategy, ensuring priorities are clear, measurable and aligned with national NHS policy, the New Hospital Programme and wider organisational strategy.

They will provide senior oversight of major digital programmes, lead strategic Electronic Patient Record work, support digital requirements for the Watford Combined Scheme, and represent the Trust across system, regional and national forums.

The role requires exceptional strategic thinking, programme governance, communication, negotiation and influencing skills, alongside the ability to build trusted relationships with senior clinical, operational, finance, digital and external partners.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Key responsibilities include maintaining the Digital Strategy 2025–2030 delivery plan; defining and reporting milestones, risks, benefits and key performance indicators; leading digital input to New Hospital Programme business cases; shaping the Trust’s strategic Electronic Patient Record direction; supporting the South and West Hertfordshire Health and Care Partnership digital agenda; developing funding bids and investment cases; and assuring delivery of major programmes through robust governance.

The role will work closely with the Chief Information Officer, Director of ICT, Director of Finance, Director of Business Intelligence, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Chief Nursing Information Officer and senior external partners. Core hours are Monday to Friday, with flexibility required to meet the demands of a senior leadership role, including occasional early morning, evening and external meetings. Full details will be discussed at interview.

This advert closes on Sunday 30 Aug 2026

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