Chief Administrative Information Officer; CAIO

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 15 October 2026

We are seeking an inspiring Chief Administrative Information Officer toprovide Trust-wide professional leadership for our Administrative Professionals. This new Band 7 role offers a unique opportunity to build astrong professional community, influence organisational decision-making andshape how administrative services support safe, efficient and high-quality patient care. You will lead the Administrative Professionals Network and workwith operational, clinical and digital leaders to simplify processes, strengthen professional development and make effective use of digital technology,automation and innovation.

This role will suit an experienced NHSadministrative or operational professional who can build relationships,influence without direct authority and turn ideas into measurable improvements for patients and colleagues.

You will establish and lead the Trusts Administrative Professionals Network, giving colleagues a clear voice and creating opportunities to share learning, develop skills and celebrate good practice. Working across ca regroups, corporate services and Digital Services, you will identify where administrative pathways can be simplified, standardised or digitally enabled.

You will facilitate engagement, translate operational challenges into practical improvement initiatives and ensure administrative requirements are represented in EPR and wider transformation programmes. You will also promote career development, digital capability, wellbeing and inclusion across the profession;advise and mentor colleagues leading change; contribute to business cases and benefits realisation; and represent the Trust in relevant regional and national networks.

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Description s can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Professional leadership and engagement
Provide Trust-wide leadership and advocacy for Administrative Professionals.

Lead the Administrative Professionals Network, develop an engaged community of practice and ensure administrative expertise informs organisational decisions,service redesign and transformation.
Service improvement and digital transformation
Work with administrative colleagues, operational managers, clinicians and Digital Services to review patient and administrative pathways. Identify opportunities to reduce duplication and administrative burden, standardise processes and improve quality, productivity, patient experience and staff experience. Champion effective use of the EPR, Microsoft 365, automation,artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Workforce development
Promote professional standards, continuing development, career pathways,digital capability, succession planning, wellbeing and recognition. Provide advice, coaching and mentorship to colleagues involved in improvement and innovation.
Influence and delivery
Build effective relationships across Trust services and with external partners.

Facilitate meetings, workshops and engagement activity; communicate complex information clearly; develop recommendations and contribute to business cases,improvement initiatives and benefits realisation. Monitor relevant policy, best practice and technology, representing the Trust at appropriate internal,regional and national forums.

The post holder will work flexibly across Trust sites and may…