Head of Digital & Skills Development, Band 8b; Maternity Cover

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 23 July 2026

The proposed interview date is 3rd August

Senior specialist role responsible for leading organisational digital change, workforce capability development, and digital adoption across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The postholder is a key member of the Digital, Technology & Insights senior leadership team.

Leads the development of digital literacy, confidence and capability across clinical and corporate services, ensuring staff have the skills and support needed to embrace new technologies and ways of working.

Working closely with operational, clinical and system partners, the postholder will design and implement digital training programmes, change management approaches and engagement initiatives that drive sustainable adoption and measurable benefits.

Champion inclusion, accessibility and user-centred design, supporting staff through change and embedding a culture of innovation, continuous learning and digital confidence.

Provides strategic leadership for digital skills development, workforce readiness and cultural transformation, ensuring investment in digital technology translates into improved patient care, service efficiency and staff experience.

As part of the wider Integrated Care System, the Head of Digital Change & Skills Development will collaborate with partners to strengthen digital capability and support the successful delivery of transformation across organisational boundaries.

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Strategic Leadership & Digital Literacy Development

• Develop and lead the Digital, Technology and Insights strategy for digital change and skills development across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and partner organisations, ensuring alignment with national policy and workforce planning objectives.
• Translate the Trusts Digital Strategy and national into practical training and change programmes (e.g. Building a Digital Ready Workforce, Topol Review), digital literacy pathways, and workforce capability frameworks.
• Work with Human Resources, Learning & Development, and Digital teams to integrate digital skills training into induction programs and ongoing professional development.
• Design and implement interactive learning experiences, including e-learning modules, workshops, and peer-led training to ensure staff at all levels feel supported in adopting digital ways of working.
• Develop tailored digital training approaches for different staff groups, including frontline clinicians, administrative staff, and leadership teams.
• Evaluate the impact of digital training initiatives through staff feedback, uptake metrics, and service improvement data, adapting the approach as needed.
• Advise senior leadership and Trust Board on digital skills strategy, progress, risks, and measurable impact.
• Build organisational change leadership capacity by embedding structured change methodologies (Kotter, ADKAR) into leadership development programmes, strengthening change capability and culture across divisions.
• Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends within digital technology and apply these insights to enhance the Digital, Technology and Insights training and support.

Change Management & Adoption of Digital Solutions

• Apply proactive change management methodologies that not only support colleagues through digital transformation but also drive faster adoption and earlier delivery of benefits, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care.
• Ensure that new digital tools and processes are aligned with the realities of frontline healthcare delivery, listening to staff concerns and addressing barriers to adoption.
• Develop tailored support plans for teams implementing new digital solutions, ensuring that they receive hands-on guidance, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Work closely with operational managers and Digital teams to ensure…