Head of Digital Applications (Dorset Providers) | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Lead people. Shape the future. Build what comes next.

This is not a typical digital leadership role.

Dorset's health and care organisations are entering a significant period of digital transformation as we prepare for the implementation of a single electronic patient record and the evolution of our digital services.

We're looking for an experienced NHS digital leader to lead our

Applications function through this transition

maintaining high-quality services today while helping shape the future operating model for tomorrow.

This role will particularly suit leaders who gain satisfaction from developing people, building partnerships and leading organisations through change, rather than those seeking a primarily technical or programme-management focused position.

As Head of Digital Applications, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of clinical and corporate applications that support health and care services across Dorset.

You will lead experienced teams responsible for the safe and effective operation, optimisation and development of existing systems, while helping define how application services develop as our digital transformation programme progresses.

This is a role that will continue to develop over time. As our digital transformation journey progresses, priorities, challenges and opportunities will shift and we need a leader who is comfortable working through ambiguity, adapting to changing circumstances and helping others do the same.

You will work closely with clinical leaders, operational colleagues, digital teams and senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries, balancing immediate operational priorities with longer-term strategic objectives.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of digital services across Dorset.

You will lead committed and knowledgeable teams, play a key role in one of the region's most significant digital transformation programmes, and have the opportunity to leave a lasting positive impact on both services and people.

We are looking for a leader who can deliver change while maintaining trust, build collaboration where others see boundaries, and lead with humanity as well as ambition.

A Final Word

No candidate will meet every requirement perfectly.

If you are an experienced NHS digital leader who has successfully led through complexity, built strong relationships, developed high-performing teams and helped people navigate change, we would love to hear from you.

This advert closes on Sunday 8 Nov 2026