Deputy Head of IT & Digital

Health Sciences University (HSU: formerly AECC University College) is a specialist health sciences institution dedicated to excellent education, clinical care and applied research.

Following the recent approval of our new university title HSU in July 2024 and the merger of the University College of Osteopathy into the HSU family from 1st August 2024, the institution is in a phase of growth and transformation across our campuses in Bournemouth and central London.

We are highly values-driven, inspired by our mission to ‘create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care’ with highly dedicated and capable staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community. We are part-way through the delivery of our Strategic Plan 2021-2026, entitled Fit for the Future, which we will refresh in the coming weeks to reflect recent institutional changes.

HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-registration academic provision and research in allied health and related disciplines, and substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services delivering high quality care for our staff, students and local communities. These facilities create a unique offering in higher education for our students to gain valuable practice learning experience onsite, to support local and regional NHS partners, and provide a data-rich research environment for our students, staff and partners.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education provider and clinical provider, responding to the workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as an established anchor institution. As we continue to develop in Dorset and London, it is imperative that we develop a more strategically informed approach to partnership working as a multi-professional centre of excellence for healthcare education, clinical care and research locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We provide a vibrant and positive inter-professional learning and practice environment, within a caring and inclusive community.

About the role

Health Sciences University is seeking a Deputy Head of IT and Digital who thrives on driving change, improving systems and supporting innovation across a complex technology landscape.

Working closely with the Head of IT and Digital, you’ll act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor - delivering operational excellence while championing a culture of continuous improvement. From cyber security to project delivery, you’ll have a direct impact on the institution’s digital direction, helping modernise infrastructure and enhance services that support students and staff.

It is an exciting time to join the HSU IT Team as we work on a programme to consolidate and integrate our systems following the merger last year to provide a single environment for our users. Based in our Bournemouth Campus, you will work with colleagues across both our Bournemouth and London Campuses. Occasional travel between campuses may be required.

About you

The successful candidate will be a confident and capable IT leader with a forward-thinking mindset. Ready to take on a leadership role the successful candidate will:

• Possess a strong technical foundation
• Have excellent stakeholder management skills
• Be an agent for change across a complex technology environment

As well as resilience you will have a clear vision on how digital services can evolve to better support students, staff, and the wider institution.

Experience of working in a higher education environment would also be beneficial but is not essential.

If you are excited by the opportunity to join HSU and help us to realise our ambitious plans, then we look forward to hearing from you.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Competitive Employer's Pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme And many more

For an informal discussion, please contact Richard Pierce (Head of IT & Digital) on Richard.Pierce@hsu.ac.uk

Completed application forms should be submitted by midnight on the closing date. Please note that CVs will not be considered as a substitute for a complete application form.

Closing date: Friday 12th September 2025

Interviews: TBC

We value diversity and inclusion at HSU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for applicants who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced/Basic DBS check.