Chief Innovation, Technology and Digital Officer
Westmorland and Furness District Council
£120,927 - £135,629
Westmorland and Furness is a place like no other. A young and ambitious council serving one of the most beautiful and diverse areas in the UK, from fells and lakes to vibrant towns and coastal communities. Established in 2023, the council has already delivered significant progress against its Council Plan priorities and is now entering a new phase, building an organisation that is financially sustainable, modern and resilient while continuing to deliver excellent outcomes for residents.
Like councils across the country, Westmorland and Furness faces increasing demand, financial challenges and rising expectations, and there the council is accelerating organisation-wide transformation, designing services around residents, strengthening prevention and making the most of digital, data and technology to work smarter, faster and as effectively as possible.
THE ROLE
This is a newly created, organisation-wide leadership role at the heart of the council’s transformation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, the CITDO will shape how the council harnesses digital, data and technology to modernise services, improve customer experience, strengthen decision-making and empower the workforce.
The portfolio brings together digital and technology, data and intelligence, customer services, business support, communications and PR, transformation and the corporate PMO under a single strategic leader. That breadth is unusual at this level and reflects a clear statement about how the council expects to modernise.
You will be a strategic leader who can drive a council-wide approach to digital, data and technology, building the foundations, culture and capabilities needed to succeed. From advancing the use of data and AI, to embedding user-centred design and strengthening digital infrastructure, you will ensure that innovation translates into real, measurable outcomes for residents and communities. From cyber security, information governance and resilient infrastructure to enterprise architecture and service reliability, you will ensure that innovation is built on secure, trusted and sustainable foundations.
We are looking for someone who combines vision with delivery, innovation with pragmatism and ambition with strong stewardship. Someone who can help the council move faster, think differently and deliver better outcomes for the people of Westmorland and Furness.
In return, you will join a talented and committed organisation with the ambition to transform how it delivers for residents. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a new council, drive transformation at scale and play a central role in building a modern, forward-thinking authority. We welcome candidates from across local government, central government, the NHS, combined authorities and the private sector.
INFORMATION
For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below. For more information please contact Tim Farr (07756 293292 / tim.farr@starfishsearch.com) or John Pease (07511 106 753 / john.pease@starfishsearch.com). Use the 'Click Here' button below to visit the Westmorland and Furness District Council website and learn more.
Role Profile Structure Chart Transformation Plan CLICK HERETimeline
Closing date: 2nd August 2026
Longlisting (applicants not required): 4th August 2026
Technical interviews (via Teams): 12th August 2026
Shortlisting (applicants not required): 14th August 2026
Psychometric assessments: w/c 17th August 2026
Final interviews (on site, Kendal Town Hall): 2nd September 2026
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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