Head of Technology Strategy and Innovation
Who Are We?
The Percy Hedley Foundation is one of the largest regional charities supporting people with a range of learning and physical needs. We take a person centred, flexible approach to the care and support we provide. The Percy Hedley Foundation has three main sites providing specialist education, adult day services and residential care to our service users. Our sites are based in Forest Hall, Killingworth, and Jesmond.
We work towards excellence every day and our team members are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support. Our dynamic and flexible service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, making it easier to live, learn and be part of a world adapting to change.
The Role
Are you ready to shape the future of technology in an organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with complex needs? The Percy Hedley Foundation, is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation journey—and we’re looking for a visionary Head of Technology Strategy and Innovation to lead the way.
As the Head of Technology Strategy and Innovation, you will be at the forefront of modernising the Foundation’s IT infrastructure, systems, and use of data, ensuring they align with and support the strategic goals of the organisation. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role combines strategic planning, innovation, and leadership. You will work collaboratively across departments, driving transformation projects and leveraging technology to improve outcomes for the individuals we support.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing a Strategic Vision that aligns with the Foundation’s mission. This includes both assistive and information technologies, ensuring the Foundation stays ahead of technological advancements to provide best-in-class services.
- Lead and oversee the modernisation of IT systems, processes, and infrastructure. Focus on improving operational efficiency, service delivery, and data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
- Work with operational teams to ensure that technology improvements directly benefit staff, service users, and stakeholders, delivering tools and systems that are intuitive, efficient, and reliable.
- Identify emerging technologies and trends, introducing them where they can offer significant benefits. This includes advancing assistive technologies to improve outcomes for those the Foundation supports.
- Build and nurture a high-performing technology team, promoting a collaborative culture and providing professional development opportunities to ensure the team is equipped for future challenges.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, operational teams, and external partners, translating complex technological concepts into clear and actionable insights. Ensure organisation-wide buy-in for technology initiatives.
- Oversee the delivery of major business transformation programmes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic goals. Establish robust programme governance and performance monitoring frameworks.
- Work with the IT Manager to ensure a modern IT infrastructure and high performance IT Support Service, underpinned by robust security, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
- Work with the Business Systems Manager to ensure data systems are optimised, fit for purpose and provide actionable insights, enabling smarter decision-making and automation across the Foundation.
- Cultivate strong relationships with third-party service providers, ensuring value for money, clear service level agreements, and alignment with the Foundation’s goals.
- Develop and manage the technology budget, ensuring efficient use of resources. Identify opportunities to optimise costs while maintaining high standards of service.
- Ensure that all technology practices adhere to regulatory requirements and ethical standards. Develop policies and protocols to mitigate technological risks while fostering a safe and secure environment.
- Lead by example in embracing and promoting a digital-first culture across the organisation, inspiring colleagues to see the value of technology in enhancing their work and supporting the Foundation’s vision.
About you
We’re seeking a strategic leader with:
- Proven expertise in technology strategy and execution.
- A track record of delivering impactful digital transformation initiatives.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- An innovative mindset and a passion for leveraging technology to drive change.
This role is primarily on-site with flexibility for remote working and requires regular travel across Percy Hedley Foundation sites.
If you think you have what it takes to join our team we would love to hear from you.
Please click here for the job description.
Why Work for Us
At Percy Hedley we encourage career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and also have development opportunities across the wider Foundation.
We also offer the following benefits to staff:
- 23 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after 5 years service (pro-rated for part-time staff)
- Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
- Contributory Pension Scheme. (Contributions can be matched up to 5%.)
- Induction and ongoing training.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
- Access to discounted Nexus Travel Corporate Pop Card (payments spread over 12 months and deducted from salary each month)
Click here for more information on the benefits available: https://www.percyhedley.org.uk/work-with-us/
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements.
Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview.
Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and the Percy Hedley Foundation has the right to respond appropriately.
As a disability confident employer who is registered and accredited by the scheme, we would encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application.
Please access the following link for our vulnerable adults protection policy:
