NHS England recruiting for CDIO of online hospital trust

NHS England is recruiting for a chief digital information officer (CDIO) for its new online hospital trust.

Prime minister Keir Starmer announced in September 2025 that the NHS would be launching an online hospital to digitally connect patients to expert clinicians across England.

The Online NHS Trust, which will provide virtual specialist care for patients through the NHS App and video consultations, was formally established on 1 June 2026.

A job advert, posted by recruitment firm Odgers, says the CDIO “will lead the development of the trust’s digital, technology and data capabilities, shaping the architecture, platforms, governance and operational infrastructure required to enable a safe, scalable and resilient virtual care service”.

In a PDF document attached to the advert, it states that the role “requires an exceptional leader capable of operating at national scale, combining strategic vision with strong digital and technology leadership”.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establish the trust’s approach to digital innovation and adoption of emerging technologies, including AI
• Develop organisational capability and recruit high-performing digital, data and technology teams
• Lead ongoing optimisation and innovation programmes to ensure the trust remains at the forefront of technology-enabled care delivery
• Work in close partnership with the chief executive and board, ensuring effective governance, assurance and transparency
• Be accountable for the digital budget for the trust, ensuring efficiency and value for money
• Develop a digitally skilled workforce aligned to new models of care delivery and capable of attracting talent from within and beyond the NHS

“This is a unique leadership opportunity at a significant moment for the NHS,” the advert adds.

“NHS England particularly welcomes applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities the NHS serves and who bring perspectives from a wide range of backgrounds,” it states.

Applications close on 7 July 2026. Following a long list meeting of the selection panel, successful candidates will be invited to attend preliminary interviews with Odgers in early to mid-July 2026.

A shortlist meeting will then be held to agree the final candidates, who will proceed to final-stage interviews on a date to be confirmed at a later stage.

The government says the Online NHS Trust will speed up specialist care by giving patients with several common conditions the choice to digitally connect with expert clinicians across England, no matter where they are in the country, aiming to provide faster access to treatment.

It is expected to provide up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years of service delivery.

Initial services, which will launch in 2027, will cover conditions including menopause symptoms, prostate problems, recurring urinary tract infections and iron deficiency anaemia.

NHS staff will be given the opportunity to work for the trust alongside their usual job, with a survey of consultants finding that six in ten were interested. The government said this was more than enough clinicians to staff the service without affecting other NHS care.

Earlier this month, John Browett, business leader and former supermarket chief executive, was appointed chair of the Online NHS Trust.