Head of Digital & Technology

Key Responsibilities: To provide high-level technical advice to Chief Officers and Senior Managers in relation to digital strategy and management, investment decisions. Developing a high-performance, continuous improvement, ‘one team’ culture, to create a professional, customer-orientated, innovative and future focused digital capability. To lead on digital change for the organisations, ensuring that delivery of key priorities are delivered for the organisations. Be the principal strategic digital advisor to senior leaders, OPFCC and partners, ensuring the Police and Fire Service is taking advantage of national and regional systems and procurements that deliver best value and appropriate integration. Focused on ensuring efficient and effective services, reducing technical debt as a result. Provide strategic direction and guidance on the adoption of new and emerging technologies to meet the organisations strategic objectives. To lead the Digital and Technology Department and manage and coordinate the work of the department, promoting continual change in response to best practice and challenges facing the Force, the PFCC and NCFRA. To work collaboratively with local, regional and national peers. To plan, direct and coordinate the programme of work required to deliver on annual digital revenue and capital budgets. To lead and/or contribute to Corporate Projects as required .i.e. to provide digital and technology input into all change, transformation and collaborative programmes. To ensure that appropriate and effective performance monitoring is in place in relation to the provision of management information for the department. Essential Skills and Experience: Educated to degree level or equivalent in a Technology or Information Management or similar relevant qualifications. Proven experience of leading IT and digital functions to transform and innovate as well as maintain and keep secure. Track record of strategic delivery in a senior IT and Digital leadership position, in a comparable organisation. A proven track record of successfully influencing technical and non-technical strategic decision makers and stakeholders, translating complexity into clear business benefits. Experience of enabling business change through proactive development of opportunities to exploit technology to deliver more effective and efficient working practices. Demonstrable experience of driving efficiency and effectiveness through technological improvements. Able to develop and deliver strategic objectives that achieve demanding service performance outcomes and meet deadlines, prioritising and organising a busy schedule of work. An understanding of the relevant constraints, risks and trends affecting the organisations, with an awareness of how these affect the development and delivery of programmes. Why work for Us? Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue and Northamptonshire Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner are committed to delivering exceptional public services, our enabling services are committed to providing the very best support to our frontlines to do so. You will be playing your part in fighting crime and reducing fires with our roles within enabling services. Working across the services provides variety, job satisfaction and the chance to develop and challenge yourself, while improving the lives of others. If you want an opportunity with public service at its heart, in organisations that are on a journey to be outstanding, then join us. Equality, diversity, and inclusion We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the organisations where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBTQ communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve. We are a Disability Confident Employer – We aim to achieve the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. If you meet the essential criteria for the role you can choose to share your disability if you would like to take part in our disability confident interview scheme. All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for. Flexible working All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role. Recruitment and Selection Policy Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants. Internal applicants must have line manager support prior to proceeding with an application. Please be aware that the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Police are separate employers. Although vacancies are open to all, if you are successful, the change of employer will require a longer onboarding process and you will receive a new contract and payroll number. Service with either employer can be carried over as continuous service. Police Barred and Advisory lists Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance. Vetting and safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure the organisations employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references. Interviews will be held on 25 August 2026