Job Description

JOB TITLE: Senior Interoperability and Development Manager

BAND: 8a

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Executive Director of Resources

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Information Officer

PATIENTS FIRST – SERVICE STANDARDS

At West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, we promise to put Patients First. Our commitment to every patient,
every day, doing our best to ensure they feel safe, in a clean and comfortable environment with highly
professional staff who work together to achieve this.

We want our patients to feel cared for, with a courteous and respectful attitude from kind and helpful staff who
have the time to listen and keep them informed at every step. We want them to feel confident that their
treatment is provided by skilled and compassionate teams who will involve them in their care and who
understand their time is valuable.

The Trust delivers services to patients seven days a week and aims to provide equality of treatment and outcome
regardless of the day of the week. To meet these aims and changing service requirements, the Trust may need
you either to work temporarily outside of your core hours or to permanently change your core working days and
hours. The Trust will give you reasonable notice, where possible, of temporary changes to your days or hours of
work and will consult with you and/or your staff representatives about substantial permanent changes, but
ultimately, these are changes which may be required of you.

JOB PURPOSE:

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is in the early phases of a ten year digital investment plan aimed at the
implementation of an integrated Electronic Patient Record (EPR) termed e-Care. In time e-Care will become the
primary electronic patient record across the whole Trust. The Trust has been identified as Global Digital Exemplar.
As such it is expected to demonstrate the highest levels of Digital Maturity and be able to share their expertise and
digital knowledge and experience with other Trusts.

With new models of care emerging and evolving, there is a clear need for more effective information sharing between
care settings, organisations and geographies, as well as between professionals and citizens, to optimise patient
outcomes and quality of care. This is reliant on the ability of IT systems across health and care to be interoperable
with one another, and is key to the delivery of the future vision of care in England.

The job holder is responsible for the integration of systems within the Trust to support the vision of an integrated
Electronic Patient Record (EPR). In addition, in order to address the interoperability agenda, the job holder works
with other senior health and social care stakeholders in primary care, other acute Trusts, mental health, community
and social care to deliver solutions to share the patient record and related data across these different settings and
organisations.
The job holder leads the team of senior developers who build and implement applications both within e-Care and
outside, using a range of technologies and a variety of devices for user interaction.

KEY TASKS:

As Senior Interoperability and Development Manager the post holder will:

• Be responsible for the design, development and implementation of bespoke IT systems across the Trust
ensuring appropriate levels of integration and interoperability and taking into account data security and
information governance for the chosen platform
• Be responsible for the integration of systems within the Trust to deliver a single electronic patient record
and to support sharing of patient data using interoperability standards across the wider health economy
• In close collaboration with clinical and operational staff, be responsible for ensuring that the integration and
development plans are closely aligned with Trust priorities, e-Care project plans and the wider GDE
programme resolving differences and conflicts as required
• Based on specialist knowledge, act as subject matter expert for the Trust on interoperability approaches,
technologies and standards
• Control delegated budget and authorise procurement for a wide range of IT related goods and services
ordered on behalf of the wider Trust
• Establish, maintain and develop relationships with key suppliers to ensure services are reliable, secure and
cost effective
• Present complex plans, technologies and solutions to Trust executives, Regional and National bodies with
a clear, concise and relevant message
• Ensure technical solutions meet the clinical governance, patient safety and cyber security standards and
policies taking into account local Trust, NHS England/Digital and International mandates, best practice and
guidance
• Work closely with other Global Digital Exemplars, Fast Followers and International partners to develop
technical expertise, promote collaborative solutions and share knowledge
• Continually develop a deep understanding of current and future technologies required to support the Trust
IT landscape, the STP digital footprint, the Alliance strategy and the emerging Accountable Care models
• Participate in the identification, qualification and implementation of a wide range of clinical, operational and
business applications from third party suppliers ensuring they meet with the integration and interoperability
standards
• Provide advice and guidance to the information management and population health teams in establishing
the necessary data repositories and structures to support data integrity across the wide range of Trust data
sources
• Investigate and recommend adoption of up and coming technologies (eg Voice controlled applications,
Decision Support Systems. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning etc) where there is clear value to be
gained by Trust staff, patients and the wider health economy

The post holder is:

Expected to adhere to all relevant Trust policies and to monitor and ensure the adherence of the staff reporting to
their post.
Expected to pursue a well-defined continuing professional development programme to ensure that his/her skills and
those of their reporting staff remain relevant and of sufficiently detail to ensure the continuing reliability and
performance of the technologies implemented at the Trust and those technologies currently prevalent in industry
which may be relevant for future developments at the Trust. This will be managed by means of the Trust’s annual
appraisal and objective setting process.
May have the opportunity work from home and will be issued with the necessary equipment to enable this. This will
be most applicable in the event of travel disruption or inclement weather conditions when the post holder will be able
to provide a support service to Trust users regardless of whether he/she is physically able to get to the site.
Key Relationships

The Senior Interoperability and Development Manager will need to sustain the following key relationships:

• Be respected and valued across the IM&T department for technical knowledge and more widely as a
mentor and coach for teams and individuals

• Be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholder groups including board level
committees and groups, regional and national organisations articulating complex technical issues concisely
and with clarity

• Identify and manage 3rd party service providers and business partnerships to ensure a high level of service
deliver and performance by building close and trusted relationships with the key suppliers

• Provide leadership and support to a team of technical specialists to deliver highly valued and innovative
solutions in line with Trust plans and vision

• Build a reputation for technical expertise, knowledge and leadership across the Trust, regionally and
nationally representing the Trust on technical committees and boards as required

General Responsibilities

• Be able to communicate widely and appropriately at all levels throughout the Trust gaining people’s
confidence and trust

• Advise on work priorities, resolve conflicts and provide support and guidance across a wide range of issues
throughout the department

• Support the recruitment, development and retention of staff by encouraging personal development, team
working and life-long learning
 Person Specification

Requirements Essential Desirable Evidence

Values and Interview

behaviours – these
will be discussed
and assessed Willing to start every interaction with “Hello, my
throughout the name is…” in order to build good working
selection process relationships and communication links with
colleagues, patients and their families

Keen to put patient care at the heart of work to

improve outcomes and service delivery

Motivated to deliver the highest possible

standards and quality outcomes

Willing to “be the best you can be”, continually

looking for ways to improve and develop in order
to reach full potential

Confident to encourage others to develop

themselves and the service through
improvement, innovation and continuous
development

Able to work effectively in conjunction with others

(patients, colleagues, families) to contribute to
the delivery of high quality healthcare

Build positive working relationships, respecting

and valuing the contributions made by others and
acting in a considerate, helpful and inclusive
manner at all times

Masters level degree Application

qualification
Certificate
Professional Membership (e.g.
Education & Post-graduate Education or equivalent BCS)
Qualification
Programme/Project Certificate
Management (MSP/Prince 2)

Certified Scrum Master or Certificate

equivalent Agile qualification
 Experience of leading wide scale health
Application
integration and interoperability initiatives
& Interview
Strong technical skills ideally including web
Application
technologies, user interface design and test
& Interview
driven approach

Knowledge of Cerner or equivalent Tier 1 EPR

Application
products and platforms
& Interview
Knowledge of HL7 standards
Experience & Strong experience managing diverse teams and
Application
Knowledge leading technical specialists
& Interview
Practical experience using an Agile approach to
Application
development, including user stories, scrums and
& Interview
retrospectives

Evaluates the impact and effectiveness of

Application
change and transformation programmes and
& Interview
feeds this information into ongoing
improvements

Communicates effectively in a wide variety of Application

contexts about complex matters and ideas & Interview
and/or in complex situations, always aiming for
constructive outcomes

Uses a range of skills (oral, written, Application

technological) to influence, inspire and & Interview
champion people and issues

Listens to the needs of patients, service users Application

and colleagues, treating them with dignity and & Interview
respect

Establishes a culture of team work and Application

cooperation through a collaborative approach & Interview

Takes ownership and is prepared to be held to Application

Skills & Abilities
account for service delivery & Interview

Gives regular feedback to individuals on Application

progress and how to improve performance & Interview

Develops own team and supports other teams Application

& Interview

Hold self and others to account for delivery of

high standards of performance Application
& Interview
Sets stretching and challenging goals in area of
responsibility and drives the evaluation of KPIs
Application
& Interview
Ensures employees are led and line managed
fairly and equitably
 Application
& Interview
Provides an environment where staff and
patients can speak up, are listened to and action
taken

Resilient, resourceful and flexible – is able to Interview

manage and resolve conflicting and changing
priorities

Collaborative – recognises and values the

importance of many voices but is able to operate
effectively through contradictory opinions

Self-motivated – has the drive and ambition to

Personal Qualities deliver projects on time and to budget

Accountability – Takes responsibility for own and

team’s actions and promotes good team working

Openness – Shares information and good

practice appropriately

Mutual respect – Treats others with courtesy

and respect at all times
Our FIRST Trust values

First for patients and community We will provide the highest possible quality service
and care for our patients and their relatives within
the available resources

Integrated team working We will adapt our skills and attitudes as needs
change and develop, working in partnership with
colleagues and service users in an environment
conducive to learning

Respect and courtesy We will show understanding and respect for each
other, being open and honest in our communication
with colleagues and service users

Supporting and valuing staff We will provide equipment, training and an

appropriate working environment for all staff, to
help them do their job effectively and progress in
their personal development

Two way open communication
Find out more about our visions and values
We will take responsibility for maintaining a two way
flow of communication and providing a welcoming,
safe and secure environment for patients and staff,
providing information about changes to our
processes when they happen.

Putting You First

By creating a safe, supportive and honest environment; by caring for each other, listening and being helpful
and by working together, valuing each other’s time and contribution we can create a working environment
in which every member of staff can thrive.

In support of our culture of Putting You First, we ask all of our teams to make it the norm for everyone
working at West Suffolk Hospital to start every interaction with “Hello, my name is…” It is a small gesture,
but one that really makes a difference. It’s the least we can do as part of building good working relationships
with both patients and other colleagues. It is the first rung on the ladder to providing compassionate care
and often getting the simple things right, which means the more complex things will follow more easily and
naturally.

Find out more about Hello, my name is...

To help us achieve our vision and values, we also have a set of Patients First Service Standards. As a
member of our team, you will need to live these standards, placing them at the heart of everything you do.

On the next page, you will find some further information on our Patients First Service Standards. If you are
invited to attend for a job interview, you will be asked to talk about one of our Service Standards,
explaining why you think it is relevant to the position you have applied for and how you would
incorporate it into your everyday working life.

Patients First Service Standards – Putting You First

Putting You First recognises the importance of both patients and staff members. When patients and staff
work together with mutual respect and understanding, real achievements can happen.
Our ten behavioural standards underpin this value. Our staff members play an important role in ensuring
that the behavioural standards become a way of working. Paying attention to detail, embracing diversity,
listening to ideas, being open, honest and aware – these are just some of the key principles we ask of our
staff. Hospitals can be daunting places to come, and it is up to us to ensure that the experiences of those
people having treatment here and working here are as pleasant as possible. When recruiting new staff
to our teams, we look for people who will place these standards at the heart of everything they do.

Find out more here

1. Clean – patients are safe

We will be vigilant across all aspects of safety, practice hand hygiene and show attention to detail for a
clean and tidy environment wherever we work.

2. On stage – patients feel safe

At all times, we will look and behave professionally, acting as an ambassador for the Trust so that patients,
families and carers feel safe and are never unduly worried.

3. Honest – patients stay safe

We will be confident to speak up if standards are not displayed, appreciative when they are and we will be
open to ‘positive challenge’ by colleagues.

4. Courteous and respectful

Whatever our role, we will be polite, courteous and positive in the face of adversity and we will always be
respectful of people’s individuality, privacy and dignity.

5. Communicate and listen

We will take the time to listen, asking open questions and keeping people informed of what’s happening,
providing smooth handovers.

6. Helpful and kind

We will keep our “eyes open” for (and will not avoid) people who need help; we will take ownership of
delivering, ensuring that we are all people that others can rely on.

7. Informative

We will involve patients as partners in their own care, helping them to be clear about their condition, choices,
and care plan and how they might feel and we will answer their questions without using jargon.

8. Timely

We will appreciate that other people’s time is valuable and offer a responsive service to keep waiting to a
minimum, helping patients to get better quicker and spend as little time in hospital as appropriate

9. Compassionate

We understand the important role that patients and families feelings play in helping them feel better and will
be compassionate, gentle, reassuring and considerate of patients’ pain.

10. Improving is everyone’s job

We will look to simplify processes, eliminate waste and increase efficiency by putting patients first. We will
seek out and act to solve patients’ frustrations and take part in evidence-led quality improvement. We will
be happy to be measured and held accountable for our own roles, quality for patients and Trust
performance.
GENERAL NOTES

CHANGES TO JOB DESCRIPTION

The duties outlined above are subject to changes, after consultation with post holder, which meet the needs of the
service as a result of the full implementation of the Trust Plans.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Staff are expected to develop the IT skills necessary to support the tasks included in their post. They will, therefore
be required to undertake any necessary training to support this.

MAJOR INCIDENTS
The post holder is required to conform to the Trust's Policy, Strategy, Plans and Procedures for Business
Continuity Incidents, Critical Incidents and Major Incidents (including for Security and Fire incidents), and is to
contribute to the planning for such events. This is to apply to all Trust areas of responsibility, including the
Community. Furthermore, the post holder is to attend mandatory training sessions and validation exercises as
required.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust recognises the importance of having happy, healthy staff in order to deliver the
outstanding care we are so proud of. The Trust offers a wide range of benefits to help staff maintain and improve
their health and wellbeing. The post-holder will be expected to prioritise their own health and to make use of the
facilities and services available to them. Every member of staff also has a responsibility to contribute to creating a
happy, healthy work environment for others and to look out for colleagues’ health and wellbeing.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Continuous quality improvement is a core responsibility for everyone. Every member of staff’s work ultimately
impacts upon the quality and safety of the care we provide. All staff are expected to participate in continuous
quality improvement in their immediate work areas. Training and support is provided.

FREEDOM TO SPEAK UP / TO IMPROVE

It is the pledge of the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to never walk by an opportunity
to make things better for staff, patients and relatives. It is the responsibility of all staff to highlight
any areas of concern.

CONFIDENTIALITY
In the course of their duties employees will have access to confidential material about patients and members of
staff. On no account must information relating to patients/staff/individuals be accessed by anyone unless there is
a legitimate reason, for example, medical staff in relation to direct patient care, investigation of a complaint. If there
is any doubt as to the whether access is legitimate, advice must be sought from the Information Governance Team.
Breach of this policy will be regarded as gross misconduct and could result in disciplinary action.

INFECTION CONTROL
It is the personal responsibility of the post holder to adhere to the Trust policies and procedures outlined in the
Infection Control Manual and any other Infection Control policies, procedures and practices which may be required
from time to time.

NO SMOKING POLICY
In recognition of the Trust’s commitment to health promotion and its health and safety responsibility, the Trust has a
no smoking policy that prevents all staff from smoking whilst on duty.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust aims to ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable
treatment because of their age, disability, ethnicity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin or on the
grounds of gender, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or
belief, sexual orientation; or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which are not justified by the job to be
done.

This also applies to patients. The Trust has a duty to ensure patients have the right to equal access, care and
treatment. All employees are expected to comply with this policy.

DATA QUALITY
The information that you record as part of your duties at the Trust must be ‘fit for purpose’, reliable and easily
accessed by appropriate/authorised personnel. To achieve this standard the information must be: accurate, legible
(if hand written), recorded in a timely manner, up to date and appropriately filed.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
As an employee of the Trust, you are required to recognise a request from the public for information in accordance
with the Trust’s Freedom of Information Policy. All requests must be sent to the Information Governance Team.

INFORMATION ASSET OWNERS (IAO)

All Corporate Managers & Heads of Department are expected;
• To understand how information assets in their departments are used and for what purposes
• How information is created, amended or added to over time
• Who has access to the information and why
• Who the information is shared with and how
• Carry out any risk assessments regarding the safe handling of information
• Ensure that staff are aware of Information Governance policy regarding handling of information
More information is available from the Head of Information Governance.

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR NHS MANAGERS

Managers are required to carry out their duties in a manner which complies with the Codes of Conduct for NHS
Managers Directions 2002.

TRUST LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS

The Trust is a system of interdependent parts; the success of one part often relies on another. The glue that binds
these together is a clear sense of shared values which is essential to success.

These are the standards of behaviour expected of all those in a leadership role in the Trust.

1. Demonstrate shared values

Demonstrating our leadership values will allow the organisation to achieve our Trust core values. Leaders
should work collectively to lead a connected organisation.

2. Be positive
Be positive and encourage others. There is no place for cynicism in a leader.

3. Build bridges
Commit to working across silos and breaking down barriers. Patients need seamless care, not silos.

4. Support new ideas

Support people to pursue innovations. But be clear about the difference between taking risks, which may
sometimes fail, and incompetence.

5. Communicate well
Communicate to staff, patients and stakeholders with clarity, simplicity and honesty.

6. Say sorry and thank you

The most important words in the language of leadership. Acknowledge when you should use them and
show appreciation for a job well done.

7. Build and effective team

 Develop a real insight into your weaknesses. Construct a team that compensates for any weaknesses and
challenges you where required.

STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT & CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The NHS Code of Conduct and Standards of Business conduct for NHS Staff require all employees to declare all
situations where you or a close relative or associate has a controlling interests in a business [such as a private
company, public organisation or other NHS or voluntary organisation] or in any activity which may compete for any
NHS contracts to supply goods or services to the Trust. All such interests must be declared in the register of
interests either on appointment or when such interests are gained.

All employees are required to ensure they understand and adhere to the Trust’s governance policies, such as
Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.

FRAUD, BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

The Trust has a zero tolerance stance towards any acts of Fraud, Bribery and all staff should make themselves
fully aware and understand the contents of the Trust’s Fraud and Anti Bribery Policies. Any such activities will be
subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action by the Trust.

STANDING FINANCIAL INSTRUCTIONS

All staff must comply with the Trust Standing Financial Instructions when committing the Trust to expenditure,
including staff related costs.

SUSTAINABILITY
In supporting the Trust’s policy on Carbon Reduction it is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust’s
environmental impact by recycling wherever possible, switching off lights, computer monitors and equipment when
not in use, minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly.

ACTIVE TRAVEL
The Trust supports the Cycle2Work scheme which helps an employee acquire a bike and safety accessories to the
value of £1000, through their employer. An employee could make up to 42% savings on a brand new bike and
safety accessories as they will not have to pay any tax on the benefit. There are 246 cycle storage spaces on the
West Suffolk site.
See the travel pages on the intranet for further details.

NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Employees of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust automatically become staff members of the Foundation Trust,
unless they choose to opt out.

On leaving the Trust, individuals automatically transfer to public membership, subject to their remaining in the
catchment area, unless they request not to do so.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The duties and responsibilities of the post will be undertaken in accordance with the policies, procedures and
practices of the Trust, which the Trust may amend from time to time.

COMMUNITY STAFF
This also includes the policies and procedures that were in place for the community staff before they transferred
into West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

REVIEW & MONITORING

This policy and procedure will be reviewed and monitored annually by the Executive Director of Workforce and
Communication in consultation with Trust Council
 WEST SUFFOLK NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Band 8a Salary Scale:

Entry Level £47,126 pa

Increment 1 £47,126 pa
Increment 2 £47,126 pa
Increment 3 *£47,126 pa
Increment 4 *£47,126 pa
Increment 5 £53,219 pa

Pro rata for part time

Until such time as local pay determination policies have been agreed by the Trust and implemented, the Trust will,
in determining the salary, take due account of the pay rates for this post, in NHS employment and any changes to
those rates which the Secretary of State for Health may authorise from time to time.

New entrants will normally enter the salary scale at the minimum of the scale.

HOURS OF DUTY: See NHS Jobs advert

ANNUAL LEAVE: 202.5 hours per annum plus public holidays (This is the annual leave
entitlement for full time employees who are working 37.5 hours per
week, with minimum NHS Service and will be pro rata for part time
employees)

PENSION SCHEME: All staff are eligible to join the NHS Pension Scheme. Under the scheme,
contributions are deducted at source from salary. Deductions will
automatically be made for eligible employees unless they opt formally to
withdraw from the scheme. In order to opt out, employees should contact
the Pensions Administrator at NHS Shared Business Services on 0844 931
2005.

PERIOD OF NOTICE: Three months

TERMS AND CONDITIONS All terms and conditions of service are laid down
OF SERVICE: by the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, details of which can be seen in
the HR Department.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN The Trust is committed to carefully screen all

AND VULNERABLE ADULTS: successful applicants who will work with children or vulnerable adults via
the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS police check). These applicants
will be informed during the interview process of the screening procedure.

RETIREMENT POLICY: The Trust does not operate a compulsory retirement age for its employees
and is committed to equal opportunities for all employees.

The Trust operates a flexible retirement policy and employees may

voluntarily retire at a time of their choosing. Employees should inform their
 Line Manager in writing of their intention to retire, giving contractual notice
in accordance with their contract of employment.

Written notification should be given even if the employee intends to return

to employment with the Trust after accessing their pension.

Employees should consider their pension provision and take independent

financial advice before making any decision in relation to their retirement.
Employees need to give the NHS Pensions Agency a minimum of five
months notice of their intention to retire and access their pension.

LEASE CAR INFORMATION:
The Trust operates a Lease Car policy for those staff required to travel on
Trust business in excess of 3,500 miles per year. A ‘business only’ car can
be provided at no cost or you can select a vehicle of your choice if you wish
to have private use, and the appropriate charge will be made. Mileage will
be paid at the Agenda for Change standard rate whilst waiting for delivery
of your vehicle and, if you choose not to have a Lease Car, your business
miles will be reimbursed at the rate of 24 pence per mile.

SOCIAL AND GENERAL: The West Suffolk Hospital has two shops on site. Reasonably priced meals
and snacks are available in the staff restaurant, and Courtyard Café. The
hospital is sited in landscaped grounds and adjoins Hardwick Heath.

There is a swimming pool available to all staff at a subsidised rate, at the

Moreton Hall Health Club. For further details, please refer to the Intranet.

CHILDCARE: The Trust has an on-site Nursery, ‘Busy Bees’, accepting children from
three months to five years. Enquiries can be made to the Manager by
email to westsuffolk@busybees.com.

April 2021
Human Resources and Communications Directorate