Head - Health & Social Care

techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. With over 1,100 members across the UK, the majority of which are SMEs, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy and the planet. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.

techUK’s Health & Social Care Programme convenes the companies shaping digital transformation across the NHS and social care. The programme supports members to understand policy, procurement and market developments, while working with government, NHS bodies, local leaders and system partners to create the conditions for technology to improve outcomes, productivity and experience across health and care. The programme includes established communities focused on commercial and procurement issues, interoperability and health data, social care, frontline digitisation and life sciences, and continues to expand into new areas of strategic importance such as femtech.

The Head of Health & Social Care leads one of techUK’s largest and most high-profile market programmes, reporting to the Associate Director of Local Public Services and managing a team of three. The role is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the programme, growing its impact and commercial performance, and ensuring techUK remains the leading industry voice on how technology can transform health and social care. Working at the intersection of policy, market engagement and member value, the successful candidate will help shape techUK’s offer to the sector and ensure the programme continues to respond to the evolving needs of members, policymakers and the wider health and care system.

The postholder will work closely with members, senior leaders across the NHS and social care, and government stakeholders to influence policy thinking, strengthen market engagement and help members navigate a complex and fast-moving landscape. They will be expected to identify emerging priorities, translate sector developments into practical opportunities for members, and create a programme of activity that is relevant, high impact and commercially sustainable. This role also plays a central leadership role in building new partnerships, driving programme growth and positioning techUK as the go-to organisation for insight, convening power and thought leadership in digital health and care.

As a visible senior representative for techUK, the Head of Health & Social Care will bring credibility, energy and strategic judgement to external engagement, while ensuring the programme delivers tangible value for members and supports techUK’s wider public sector ambitions. This is an exciting time to join and lead the programme. With the 10-Year Health Plan, Fit for the Future, and the Life Sciences Sector Plan now in place, there is a significant opportunity to help turn policy ambition into practical action across health, social care and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the Health & Social Care Programme, aligning activity with techUK’s wider objectives and member priorities.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of programme professionals, setting clear objectives and ensuring high performance.
• Provide thought leadership to members and colleagues on digital health and social care policy, market trends and technology adoption.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant government departments, NHS bodies, integrated care systems, social care leaders and other key stakeholders.
• Position techUK as a trusted partner and influential voice on digital transformation in health and social care.
• Deliver financial and non-financial targets, including member value, programme growth, commercial performance and stakeholder impact.
• Lead a high-quality programme of events, roundtables, market engagement activity and member forums.
• Oversee the Health & Social Care Council, an elected group representing the wider membership in this sector.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Local Public Services on social care priorities and cross-cutting public sector issues.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

The successful candidate will combine sector insight, strategic thinking and commercial awareness with strong people leadership and relationship management skills.

Core Competencies

• Highly motivated, proactive and commercially minded, with a strong sense of ownership and a ‘can do’ approach.
• Strong understanding of the UK health and social care landscape, including the policy agenda, key stakeholders and the role of technology in transformation.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and confidently to senior audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across industry, government and public services.
• Experience leading teams and managing performance effectively.
• Experience designing and delivering high-quality events, engagement programmes or member-facing activity.
• A collaborative mindset and natural ability to connect people, ideas and opportunities.
• High levels of personal and professional integrity.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience

• Good understanding of wider technology trends and the UK technology sector.
• Confidence chairing meetings, moderating discussions and speaking at events.
• Ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and verbal form.
• Comfort using the tools and systems required for the role, including Microsoft 365, CRM platforms, web tools, social media and home-working software.

This is a full time role based out of techUK’s London offices, however techUK operates a flexible working policy. This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances. The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to the commencement of employment. The salary range for this role is £45,000-£65,000 per annum based upon experience plus discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.