Job Description

Transformation Lead - Digital Innovation

Location:

Hybrid - Leeds/Harrogate/Halifax

Salary:

55k-65k

Reporting to:

Director

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full-time/37.5 hours per week

First stage interviews will be held on the 29th and 30th September 2025.

Successful candidates invited to second stage interviews will be held on 7th October 2025.

Ready to lead digital innovation that changes lives?

At Oakdale, we believe in transforming care, not just delivering it. We're a not-for-profit, community-rooted organisation with over 25 years of experience providing high-quality, evidence-based psychological therapies and assessments for people of all ages. From autism and ADHD to trauma and mental health, our services reach NHS partners, local authorities, schools - and most importantly, individuals and families who need support.

Now, we're looking for a

Transformation Lead - Digital Innovation

to help shape the future of how we deliver these services. If you're a bold thinker with a passion for digital transformation, service redesign, and real-world impact, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

About the Role

This is more than a tech role - this is a leadership post that sits at the intersection of digital innovation, clinical excellence, and user experience. You'll lead the digital transformation of our Neurodevelopmental Assessment Services, ensuring accessible, efficient, and person-centred pathways in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

From exploring cutting-edge technologies and AI tools to co-designing digital solutions with clinicians and clients, you'll be the driving force behind meaningful, measurable change.

About you

As an experienced and forward-thinking professional you will join Oakdale ready to lead the transformation of our services using digital and technology - ensuring we deliver accessible, efficient, and person-centred care.

You'll be fundamental in driving the digital transformation of our Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service, ensuring we deliver accessible, efficient, and person-centred care in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

You'll be inspired by leading our work in horizon scanning, testing, and scaling new and emerging technologies that have the potential to transform patient care, operational delivery, and staff experience.

You'll be ready to act as a catalyst for evidence-informed innovation by bridging front-line insight, clinical priorities, and external innovation ecosystems.

This is a pivotal role at the intersection of clinical innovation, digital strategy, and service improvement. The successful candidate will lead on the design, implementation, and optimisation of digital tools, platforms, and workflows that enhance clinical delivery, support early identification, and improve access to diagnosis and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD.

Key ResponsibilitiesDigital Strategy & Transformation

Lead identification, due diligence, and structured assessment of new technologies across digital health, AI, and care delivery innovation. Embed an innovation lifecycle approach from ideation and proof-of-concept through to scaling and commissioning. Lead the development and delivery of a digital roadmap for the service, aligned with NHS England's priorities (e.g., interoperability, digital-first care, data-driven planning). Ensure that all pilots adhere to data protection (GDPR), cyber security, DCB standards, and clinical risk frameworks. Maintain an organisational innovation pipeline and create transparent prioritisation frameworks. Share insights and learning through publications, events, and contribution to regional or national digital forums. Identify opportunities to integrate promising innovations into mainstream care models. Build internal innovation capability through training, mentoring, and staff engagement initiatives. Monitor national and international trends and translate insights into actionable innovation opportunities. Develop business cases to be presented at board level Support the transition from current ways of working to new digitised methods of healthcare delivery. Identify opportunities to introduce digital tools that improve triage, screening, waiting list management, and follow-up.

Technology Delivery

Project manage the implementation of digital platforms (e.g., electronic health records, online assessment tools, appointment systems). Liaise with IT teams, clinical leads, and external vendors to ensure safe and effective technology deployment. Ensure compliance with NHS cyber security, CQC, information governance, and clinical safety standards.

User-Centred Design & Clinical Engagement

Engage clinicians, administrators, clients and families to co-design digital processes that are inclusive, accessible, and effective. Lead training and change management for clinical and admin staff adopting new systems. Work closely with the Neurodevelopmental Service Development Lead to ensure effective prioritisation and deployment of initiatives

Data, Reporting & Quality Improvement

Work with MI teams to develop dashboards and reports that support service performance, equity of access, and outcome measurement. Use data to inform service planning, demand forecasting, and quality improvement.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field (such as Digital health, Health informatics, Business administration, Project or programme management,IT, Computer Science, or related discipline) Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to transformation, digital innovation, or change management Experience leading digital innovation, transformation or technology projects in healthcare or public sector settings. Experience implementing user-centred design or co-production approaches. Proven ability to manage uncertainty, iterate rapidly, and make evidence-informed decisions. Experience developing pilot protocols, evaluation frameworks, and dissemination plans. Experience developing business cases and presenting to executive audiences.

Knowledge

Familiarity with health technology trends including AI Understanding of NHS digital and data strategy, including the NHS Long Term Plan and What Good Looks Like framework. Understanding of IG, ethics, and evidence standards for digital health interventions Working knowledge of clinical systems, interoperability standards, and digital accessibility.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong project management skills Good communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate and engage effectively with stakeholders including clients and clinical staff Proven ability to communicate complex digital or technical information clearly and effectively to non-specialist audiences, adapting language and approach to suit a range of stakeholders Strong organisational and time-management abilities including ability to manage own time and workload, managing competing demands simultaneously to meet required outcomes Ability to work as part of a team, contributing to effectiveness, quality of services, skills and expertise Excellent IT skills Strong literacy skills with excellent accuracy and attention to detail Strong skills in managing multi-stakeholder projects with academic, commercial, and NHS partners. Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with external suppliers.

Qualities and Values:

Evidence of a positive and proactive attitude, motivated and solution-focused. Collaborative and flexible working style with a focus on improving client outcomes and the ability to foster a supportive team environment. Demonstrates values consistent with those of Oakdale Commitment to Oakdale's values. Commitment to the principles of inclusivity, equality and diversity, demonstrated in practice. Recognition of the need to be accountable for work through supervision, performance management and other relevant processes. Demonstrates a commitment to delivering high quality services. Commitment to ongoing professional development Able to work according to organisational policies and procedures

Desirable:

Experience in clinical research, product development, or digital health validation Involvement in health tech accelerators or pilot evaluation methodologies. Knowledge of implementation science, behavioural insights, and clinical pathway redesign. Experience securing innovation grants or collaborating funded projects. Familiarity with the NICE evidence standards framework for digital health technologies. Experience in services for mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. Knowledge of NHS procurement and digital governance processes. Familiarity with clinical safety standards (e.g., DCB0129 / DCB0160). Recognised project or change management certification (such as Agile or Prince2 certification)

What we offer:

In return for the hard work and dedication of our teams, we offer the following benefits:

Salary of 55,000 - 65,000 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising after the length of service) Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) Cycle to work & enhanced car schemes Simplyhealth Programme including Employee Assistance Programme, GP and priority physiotherapy access Fully funded flu vaccines Enhanced Pension Employee discount scheme Technology salary sacrifice scheme for home appliances, tablets, mobiles, TV's, fitness trackers, and more A supportive culture that values work-life balance including agile working and the option to apply for flexible working from day one Ongoing CPD (internal & external) - we work with experts to bring high-quality CPD to our teams, to help further their skills and knowledge, and to improve the support we provide.

Advert closes 17th September 2025.Shortlisting will take place on the 18th and 19th September.

First stage interviews will be held on the 29th and 30th September 2025.

Successful candidates invited to second stage interviews will be held on 7th October 2025.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 55,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Leeds LS18 4RJ