Chief Administrative Information Officer (CAIO)

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Chief Administrative Information Officer (CAIO)

The closing date is 15 October 2026

We are seeking an inspiring Chief Administrative Information Officer toprovide Trust-wide professional leadership for our AdministrativeProfessionals. 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-qualitypatient care. You will lead the Administrative Professionals Network and workwith operational, clinical and digital leaders to simplify processes, strengthenprofessional 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 improvementsfor patients and colleagues.

Main duties of the job

You will establish and lead the Trusts Administrative ProfessionalsNetwork, giving colleagues a clear voice and creating opportunities to sharelearning, develop skills and celebrate good practice. Working across caregroups, corporate services and Digital Services, you will identify whereadministrative pathways can be simplified, standardised or digitally enabled.You will facilitate engagement, translate operational challenges into practicalimprovement initiatives and ensure administrative requirements are representedin EPR and wider transformation programmes. You will also promote careerdevelopment, digital capability, wellbeing and inclusion across the profession;advise and mentor colleagues leading change; contribute to business cases andbenefits realisation; and represent the Trust in relevant regional and nationalnetworks.

About us

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 Descriptions 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.

Job responsibilities

Professional leadership and engagementProvide Trust-wide leadership and advocacy for Administrative Professionals.Lead the Administrative Professionals Network, develop an engaged community ofpractice and ensure administrative expertise informs organisational decisions,service redesign and transformation.Service improvement and digital transformationWork with administrative colleagues, operational managers, clinicians andDigital Services to review patient and administrative pathways. Identifyopportunities to reduce duplication and administrative burden, standardiseprocesses and improve quality, productivity, patient experience and staffexperience. Champion effective use of the EPR, Microsoft 365, automation,artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.Workforce developmentPromote professional standards, continuing development, career pathways,digital capability, succession planning, wellbeing and recognition. Provideadvice, coaching and mentorship to colleagues involved in improvement andinnovation.Influence and deliveryBuild effective relationships across Trust services and with external partners.Facilitate meetings, workshops and engagement activity; communicate complexinformation clearly; develop recommendations and contribute to business cases,improvement initiatives and benefits realisation. Monitor relevant policy, bestpractice and technology, representing the Trust at appropriate internal,regional and national forums.The post holder will work flexibly across Trust sites and may provide linemanagement for designated staff where applicable.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience in NHS administrative or operational services.
• Leading or supporting service improvement, transformation or change.
• Reviewing and redesigning administrative processes.
• Engaging diverse stakeholders and building collaborative relationships.
• Supporting or implementing digital systems or ways of working.
• Facilitating meetings, workshops or engagement events.
• Presenting information and recommendations to senior managers.
• Leading or coordinating a professional network, community of practice or staff forum.
• EPR implementation or optimisation.
• Working across multiple departments or services.
• Coaching, mentoring or developing colleagues.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of NHS administrative services and patient pathways.
• Understanding of digital transformation, EPR systems and administrative workflows.
• Knowledge of service improvement, process redesign and continuous improvement methods.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyse complex processes and identify improvements.
• Strong organisation, planning and prioritisation.
• Ability to build collaborative multidisciplinary relationships and support change.
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 and other digital technologies.
• Knowledge of national NHS digital strategies and frameworks, including What Good Looks Like.
• Knowledge of automation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
• Understanding of NHS transformation programmes, benefits realisation, workforce development and professional networking.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Leadership or management qualification, or equivalent leadership experience.
• Training in quality improvement, service improvement or change management.
• Project or programme management qualification, such as PRINCE2, Agile or MSP.
• Lean, quality improvement or service redesign qualification.
• NHS Leadership Academy or equivalent leadership development programme.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel across Trust sites.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs.
• Demonstrates the Trusts values and behaviours.
• Commitment to continuing professional development and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Active participation in regional or national professional or improvement networks.
• Willingness to represent the Trust at external meetings and events.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

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