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Writer's pictureTara Humphrey

Can the PCN Manager also be the Digital and Transformation Lead, and what would the JD look like?

Updated: Nov 7, 2023

Creating your Primary Care Network Digital Transformation Lead Job Description and 90-day objectives is set to be one of our most popular blogs this year. This blog can be accessed here. In this blog, we presented a JD which would sit alongside the PCN Management role as a separate position.


However, many PCNs would like to see a JD which combines the PCN Manager role with some of the Digital and Transformation Lead responsibilities, as many PCN Managers in the post are already undertaking these responsibilities and are not being recognised at the recommended Digital and Transformation Lead pay grade or protected by the same terms and conditions as other ARRS roles.


Here is what your updated JD could look like with a few modifications.


DISCLAIMER | THIS IS AN EXAMPLE


This is just an example, and we are not saying this is what everyone should do.
There are many job descriptions you can review on NHS jobs to give you other ideas.


Job Title


Primary Care Network Digital and Transformation Lead


Salary



Line Management

  • The Digital Transformation Lead will report to the PCN Clinical Director

  • The role will line manage the PCN team, which currently sits at XX and is set to increase to xx IN 2023/24

Objectives of the role


The objective of the Digital and Transformation Lead is to provide a central source of leadership and management to aid service transformation for our population.


The ideal candidate will need to be proactive, have a passion for Primary Care, and have a proven track record in delivering Primary Care improvements.


The remit of this role is broad and will require attention to detail in delivering high-quality day-to-day operations.





Main Responsibilities


Strategic Planning

  • To lead and develop a strategic plan that includes a robust digital infrastructure

  • To clarify objectives and priorities for network delivery in line with operational capacity, financial parameters and contract requirements

  • Promote the engagement of all PCN practices and act as an ambassador for the network.

  • To proactively build relationships with system leaders to help influence proactive and new models of care

  • To use business intelligence tools to aid data-driven decisions


Operations

  • To provide oversight and accountability to the delivery of PCN contracts and specifications

  • Coordinate training and development of PCN staff

  • Identify and record risks and issues and develop contingency plans with Network Leads

  • Ensure all relevant national strategies, policies, targets, and frameworks are fully implemented

  • To drive issues through to resolution, acting as a point of expertise

  • To implement network-based projects

Finance and Governance

  • To support the collation of financial information

  • To monitor and check the accuracy of the submissions for the DES and contractual requirements

  • Compiling and presenting financial reports 

  • To ensure that the PCN's physical and financial resources are managed and maintained for maximum effectiveness.

Digital Infrastructure

  • To ensure the PCN Maximises its business intelligence tools

  • Develops a continuous improvement approach to digital accessibility for our patients and workforce

  • Creates data packs to support decision-making that includes but is not limited to demand, capacity, utilisation data, staff and patient experience

Relationship Management:

  • To foster a culture of collaboration and promote learning to drive continuous improvement

  • To work as a flexible member of the PCN, providing support to other team members when necessary

  • Develop and deliver a communication plan using a wide variety of channels

  • To take an active role in the development and embedding of the PCN's culture, values and reputation

  • To represent the network at external meetings

HR and Workforce Planning

  • Support recruitment, induction and training of new PCN staff

  • Support recruitment which is aligned to a workforce plan

  • To facilitate progression for the PCN staff to promote retention


Other: Any responsibility identified during the course of the job. This is an evolving role, and the candidate will need to be flexible and adaptable.


Other resources

You now have the following:

  1. A JD which combines both the PCN Manager and Digital Transformation Lead responsibilities above

  2. Digital Transformation Lead JD | https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/post/creating-your-primary-care-network-digital-transformation-lead-job-description-and-90-day-objectives

  3. A checklist to help you decide if you even need any of this!https://www.thcprimarycare.co.uk/post/do-we-need-a-digital-and-transformation-lead

More about the author


I'm Tara; I am the founder of THC Primary Care, an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the host of the Business of Healthcare Podcast, where we have now published over 250 episodes.



I have over 20 years of project management and business development experience across the private and public sectors, and I have supported over 120 PCNs by providing interim management, training and consultancy.


I have managed teams across multiple sites and countries; I have an MBA in Leadership and Management in Healthcare, I'm published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and I am the author of over 250 blogs.


I have 3 children. My eldest has Asthma, my middle child has a kidney condition called Nephrotic Syndrome, and my youngest daughter has Type 1 Diabetes, so outside of work, healthcare plays a huge role in my life.



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