Chief Data and Analytics Officer
Job summary
Lead the data and analytics transformation of the NHS
NHS England is seeking an exceptional Interim Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) to provide national leadership at a pivotal moment for the health and care system. This is a rare opportunity to shape how data, analytics and emerging technologies are used at scale to improve patient outcomes, reduce inequalities and support the sustainability of the NHS.
Last year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and waste. As the two organisations come together, there is an opportunity to reshape how technology, digital, and data services are delivered across the health and social care system.
This executive-level interim role sits at the heart of government, policy and delivery--offering significant scope, influence and challenge for a senior leader with a strong track record in data-driven transformation.
Main duties of the job
The role
Reporting to the Director General for Technology, Digital and Data, the Interim CDAO is accountable for building and leading a world-class Data and Analytics function for NHS England and the wider health and care system. You will work in partnership with the Chief Information Officer, under the DG, to deliver the Digital, Data and Technology programmes of work.
You will provide strategic and professional leadership for national data and analytics services, ensuring that high-quality, timely and secure data underpins clinical care, operational performance, planning, research and innovation. Working in close partnership with the Chief Information Officer and senior leaders across government, regions and Integrated Care Systems, you will help move the NHS decisively from analogue to digital.
The role carries responsibility for major national programmes, significant investment, and stewardship of sensitive health data on behalf of citizens.
About us
Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms -- enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services.
We lead the NHS in England by:
- Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities
- Making the NHS a great place to work, where people can develop and make a difference
- Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
- Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
- Delivering value for money
In 2025, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and waste.
If successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the process.
Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.
Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key priorities
As Interim CDAO, you will:
- Set the strategic direction for data, analytics and insight across the NHS in England
- Support ministers, Joint Executive Team, and colleagues at all levels to successfully deliver the DHSC-NHSE Transformation programme.
- Lead major national transformation programmes that improve decision-making, productivity and patient care
- Champion the ethical, safe and transparent use of health data, building and maintaining public trust
- Strengthen system-wide data quality, interoperability and analytical capability
- Provide thought leadership on the use of advanced analytics, AI and emerging technologies in health and care
- Build, lead and inspire senior data and analytics professionals across a complex national system
This is a highly visible role, requiring confidence operating in a complex, politically aware environment and the ability to deliver at pace through collaboration and influence.
Who we are looking for
This interim opportunity will appeal to an established Chief Data Officer, Chief Analytics Officer, Chief Digital Officer or equivalent, with experience operating at board or enterprise level in large, complex and regulated organisations.
You are likely to bring:
- A strong track record of leading data, analytics or digital transformation at scale
- Deep understanding of data strategy, analytics, governance and modern data platforms
- Credibility with senior stakeholders, including ministers, executives, clinicians and external partners
- Experience balancing innovation with risk, assurance and public accountability
- Personal resilience, sound judgement and the ability to lead through ambiguity
Experience within the NHS or public sector is valuable but not essential; applications are welcomed from leaders with relevant experience across government, arms-length bodies, academia or regulated industries.
Additional Information
Regular travel to our London and Leeds offices will be required.
Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.
You can find further details about the job, in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.
Please note that the reason for the fixed term of this contract is due to the DHSC-NHSE Transformation Programme.
Important: Please be aware there are residency requirements you need to meet:
This role requires the successful candidate to undergo DV level clearance as a minimum.
To meet National Security Vetting requirements for DV Clearance, you must have resided in the UK for a minimum 10 continuous years, immediately preceding from the point of application.
Candidates who were posted abroad for service with HM Government, Armed Forces or within a UK government role - will still be considered.
Please make sure you meet these requirements before applying for this role. You don't need to have Developed Vetting already, however, failure to achieve the requirements for Developed Vetting after offer, will result in the job offer being withdrawn.
For further advice please check https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels#security-check-sc.%E2%80%99
For further information on National Security Vetting please check National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK, information on the Security Vetting and Clearances Intranet page or contact england.securityvetting@nhs.net.
You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.
Secondments
Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Educated to Masters' level or equivalent experience with evidence of continuing professional development
- Postgraduate management or professional qualification at Doctorate level or equivalent experience
Experience
- Track record in development and delivery of a data strategy and capability building across complex multi-partnership organisations.
- Proven leader with strategic vision, influencing skills, strong decision making, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrable experience of anticipating major change and preparing the organisation to respond and maximising opportunities to develop capability faster considering changes such as the COVID-19 pandemic
- Proven leader in the NHS, able to work collaboratively with effective relationship building skills at executive level. Able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and suppliers for digital, data and analytics services, as well as other business leaders and cross government department and other ALB (CQC; DHSC) leaders.
Skills
- Strong leadership and engagement skills to create high performing, self-motivating, customer-focused teams in the context of changing requirements and ambiguity.
- Engagement and credibility with ministers, senior executives in academia, supplier organisations and in industry, and with the ICO.
- Proven ability to operate effectively at board level and beyond
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders across the Health and Social Care system.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
NHS England
Address
Any NHS England Office
Nationally
LS1 4AP
Employer's website
https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/