Chief Technology Officer

The Chief Technology Officer is a very significant and influential role that sets the direction of technology within the council, in addition to being responsible for the crucial cybersecurity function.

It has never been more complex to lead in the digital world, which is what makes this position so rewarding. Our mission is to deliver technology that can keep up with fast-changing trends, in a dangerous cybersphere, for a local government needing to be agile whilst steeped in legislative demands. We do all these things to deliver exceptional services to real people, the residents of Islington.

We push ourselves and support each other as a leadership team to make the best possible recommendations for the council teams who make a significant difference to the lives of the people in this Borough. You will lead a team of 10 direct reports split between digital architecture and cybersecurity. There will be challenges, but you will never be bored.

This is a great opportunity in a fascinating sector that will further diversify and strengthen our team and we particularly encourage applicants who are under-represented in this sector.

As Chief Technology Officer, you will be responsible for the development, governance, and implementation of the Council's architecture, as well as for influencing and selecting architecture concepts, designs, and strategies. You will provide a design, build, and maintenance solution for the Council's current and future technology architectures and platforms, ensuring they meet business needs, perform to expected standards, align with industry and market developments, and demonstrate value for money.

All cybersecurity activities will be directed and led by you to protect the Council's IT services, technology, and information assets from hostile activity. The role entails supporting the development of the Council's Data and Insight Strategy and establishing a culture within Islington Digital Services that is accountable, demonstrates ownership and is proactive.

The key objective of Islington Digital Services (IDS) is to provide reliable and innovative digital services to both internal and external customers. Among them are the Council's external website and intranet, which provide access to a number of online services, as well as the systems departments use to deliver services directly to residents. All of these services are supported by a robust IT infrastructure. Our mission at IDS is to improve not only the quality and experience of our services but also to create a more connected community and ensure that everyone can access the benefits of technology.

We're looking for ambitious leaders to drive forward Islington Council's vision and priorities. Watch thisshort videowhere the Leader of the Council, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, and Chief Executive, Linzi Roberts-Egan, explain what we're looking for in senior leaders and what it is like to work among other committed staff to make this borough a more equal place for residents.
- To be the Lead Officer for the Council’s architecture development, governance, and implementation and the authority for architecture concepts, designs and strategy.
- The design, build and maintenance of the Council’s current and future technology architecture and delivery of platforms, ensuring they meet business needs, perform to expected standards, align well with technology industry and market developments and demonstrate best value.
- Responsible for leading, developing and managing the architecture practice for the councils digital and technology landscape and lead the team of architects within Digital Services.
- Maintain the framework for architecture practices that will support the IDS strategy, policies and principles.
- Provide direction and leadership for all cyber security activities including PSN and PCI DSS compliance to ensure the Council’s IT services, technology and information assets are protected from hostile activity and so ensure uninterrupted operational effectiveness.
- Maximise the potential that technology can offer for the council and deliver best value for technology investments made through its IT enterprise architectural design and execution.
- To horizon-scan and adopt new technologies when appropriate.
- Support the development of the Council’s Data and Insight Strategy.
- Produce and maintain an ongoing Technology Roadmap and collaborate with the Enterprise Planning Manager to ensure the roadmap translates into an Enterprise investment plan that ultimately delivers for residents.
- Protect our investments in technology and the integrity of services through sound enterprise design, cyber protection and forward planning to keep pace with, and maximise the opportunities digital technological evolution brings.
- Support the establishment of a culture within IDS which is accountable, demonstrates a sense of urgency and places a high emphasis on risk management and ensuring the right business changes are identified and prioriti