Overall Objectives of the Post
To be forward and innovative in the promotion and delivery of digital and ICT solutions within South Tyneside Council by developing and implementing the Council’s new Digital and ICT strategy, providing advice and guidance on service improvements for residents and realising efficiencies through new ways of working so that South Tyneside becomes a truly Modern Fit for Purpose Council.
Key responsibilities
- To develop and implement a Digital & ICT change strategy for South Tyneside Council which provides a comprehensive and planned approach to service provision that support and facilitates achievement of the Council’s priority ambitions applying appropriately new and emerging technology.
- To lead and effectively manage the Digital and ICT service within the Council ensuring that strategically its activities align to the Council Vision, Plan and PROUD values.
- To lead a programme at pace of business change that will continue to transform the customer experience and choice for residents, partners, communities and businesses through service re-design and digitisation, creating mobile, accessible, digital services that are simple, intuitive and promote digital inclusion.
- Working with staff and elected members, to lead on business and service re-design as well as skills development that will be necessary to ensure that digital solutions are effective, efficient, resilient and secure; constructively challenging practices that exist to eliminate unnecessary processes and activities; promoting new ways of working taking advantage of the developments in artificial intelligence and automation for employees and elected members to enable the organisation to become a Modern Fit for Purpose Council.
- Acting as a key leader within the Council’s transformation programme offering strategic challenge on performance, strengthening data management and analytics, driving the change agenda through championing the benefits of digital and ICT whilst ensuring the achievement of realisable benefits and securing value for money from ICT investment.
- To lead on cyber security issues including compliance with regulatory frameworks ensuring effective protection of infrastructure, networks and data as well as effective and timely recovery of operations if the need were to arise including appropriate use of cloud adoption.
- Developing the Council’s digital infrastructure and technology across all digital channels including online, web, mobile, social and e-channels.
- Contribute to and deliver large and complex digital and ICT projects as required and manage compliance and mitigate risk
- Lead, support and motivate other services and teams in developing a clear understanding of best practice in digital services and the development of innovative solutions.
- Promote and champion digital change and business transformation across all Council Groups and with external third-party organisations.
- Promote Borough wide connectivity working with partners and suppliers to maximise external investment.
- Establish and develop excellent relationships with a range of stakeholders including other council services, elected members, partners, suppliers and external bodies such as the new North-East Combined Authority.
- Be proactive in maintaining up to date knowledge of technological development, Local Government legislation, policies and approaches and in understanding the impact of any change at a business and ICT level.
Corporate Management
- As a member of the Council’s Extended Leadership Team, contribute towards the effective management of the Council and the achievement of the Council’s priority ambitions and support the development and implementation of corporate projects and initiatives.
- Champion a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout the service and to implement relevant anti-discriminatory policies in all aspects of the Council’s work
- Champion the Council’s PROUD values and promote the supporting behaviours
- Work collaboratively with other senior managers, leading the service towards the achievement of the Council’s vision and key ambitions by pursuing best practice and innovative ways of working.
- Establish processes and systems to monitor and evaluate standards of service and performance which take meet customer and resident needs and the provision of efficient and effective services which provide value for money.
- Ensure the effective co-ordination, management and deployment of all resources, including budgetary control, within the service area, using established decision-making processes and in accordance with professional procedures and the Council’s standing orders and financial regulations.
- Act for the Director of Business and Resources as required including attendance at internal and external meetings.
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All employees have a responsibility to undertake training and development as required. They also have a responsibility to help, where appropriate and necessary, with the training and development of fellow colleagues.
All employees have a responsibility of care for their own and others health and safety.
The above list is not exhaustive and other duties may be attached to the post from time to time. Variation may also occur to the duties and responsibilities without changing the general character of the post.
