Head of ict jobs in westminster, greater london

Head of Technology & Data

Permanent. Full time. Hybrid working (2 days per week in the officer)

Location: This role can be based in the UK (Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Warrington), or in one of our global hub sites (Abuja, Bogota, Dhaka, Nairobi, New Delhi)

Salary:

UK £81,314 (London), or £76,432 (Cardiff, Edinburgh, Warrington).

Global - Competitive salary for each location

If we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close the advert before the scheduled closing date. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to apply at their earliest convenience. 

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues.

About the role

Reporting in to the Director of Finance and Corporate Governance, the Head of Technology & Data will champion the development, implementation, and use of information technology and data throughout Christian Aid, creating a culture of innovation and empowering IT users.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the Head of Technology & Data include:

• Responsible for building, supervising and maintaining a highly available and secure enterprise infrastructure including 24x7 cloud servers, mobility and remote access services and Azure Active Directory.
• Develop a road map for the strategic development of technology and data functions which incorporates system upgrades, installations, and conversions to ensure smooth transitions and optimised functionality for all users.
• Manage ITIL compliant processes including change management and service transition striving for innovation, reliability, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Collaborate proactively to develop strategies that enhance client services, amplify user efficiency, and inspire creative solutions to emerging challenges.
• Inspire and empower ICT staff by hiring, training, mentoring, and appraising team members, cultivating a culture of continuous development and excellence.
• Oversee network administration and network engineering (VPN, VOIP, Wan or relevant emerging technology) in key sites.
• Foster adaptability within ICT staff to align with evolving user needs, emerging technologies, and varied team dynamics.
• Maintain accurate documentation of systems, policies, and processes, ensuring clarity and accessibility for users and team members.
• Deliver user support through responsive helpdesk services and technical solutions tailored to client needs.
• Foster a culture of innovation ensuring Christian Aid are at the forefront of technological advancements to identify and implement solutions that align with organisational values and goals.
• Manage ICT budgets responsibly, ensuring financial integrity in purchasing, planning, and reviewing resources.
• Develop robust ICT policies related to system architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, and service delivery to ensure business continuity and uphold organisational resilience.
• Build strong long-term partnerships by negotiating and managing vendor, outsourcer, and consultant contracts to ensure value-driven outcomes

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Degree level or equivalent with an MCSE.
• Extensive experience of the management of ICT services, including strategy development.
• Extensive experience of Project Management.
• Advanced communications and problem solving skills.
• Highly detailed knowledge of a broad range of information and communications technologies including server, desktop and network hardware and operating systems, application development, information security, internet technologies, support services, systems management tools.
• Advanced leadership and team management skills.
• Substantial supplier management experience.
• Highly developed appreciation of the interaction and impact of business and ICT strategies and operations.

Desirable:

• ITIL Foundation, Practitioner.
• Knowledge and experience of satellite communications.
• Knowledge and experience of telephony and conferencing solutions.
• Experience of multi-site delivery of ICT solutions, ideally in a multinational context.
• Hands on experience of managing resources on Microsoft Azure platform.
• Experience of network and application security implementation.
• Use of systems management and monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking a collaborative and organised Lambeth Community Research Network (LCRN) Coordinator to play a pivotal role in the growth and coordination of a borough-wide partnership driving change in how research is designed and delivered. 

This is an exciting opportunity to support a dynamic, cross-sector network that connects community organisations, researchers, and public institutions to ensure that research in Lambeth is fairer, more inclusive, and community-led. 

You’ll help coordinate the network’s programme of events and projects, strengthen member engagement, and lead on communications that celebrate and share learning. Working within High Trees’ Research and Impact team, you’ll ensure the LCRN continues to thrive as a collaborative and well-connected space that champions community voice and knowledge. 

If you’re a strong communicator with excellent organisational skills and a passion for community-led research, partnership working, and social impact –  we’d love to hear from you. 

About High Trees 

High Trees Community Development Trust has been rooted in Tulse Hill, Lambeth, for over 27 years. We deliver services in education and training, employment, youth and family work, community action, and research and capacity building, working alongside local people and organisations to create meaningful change. 

We are recognised for our collaborative and place-based approach, our long-term partnerships, and our commitment to equity, participation, and community leadership. 

At High Trees, you’ll join a supportive, values-driven organisation that places community at the heart of decision-making. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to innovative and meaningful work that strengthens the influence of communities in shaping research, policy, and practice across Lambeth and beyond. 

About the Lambeth Community Research Network (LCRN) 

The Lambeth Community Research Network (LCRN), hosted and led by High Trees, brings together community organisations, research institutions, funders and public bodies to create a more equitable research ecosystem. 

The network aims to rebalance power in research, ensuring that communities – particularly those often underrepresented –  have genuine ownership and influence over how research is designed, delivered and used. 

Through collaboration, learning, and shared accountability, LCRN members are shaping a model for community-led research that leads to stronger insights, better decisions and more equitable outcomes for Lambeth residents.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an enthusiastic Careers Adviser to join our dynamic and forward-thinking Careers Team. In this key position, you will work at our Harris Lower Academy Wilsden in Brent Borough, supporting students to make informed, ambitious and aspirational decisions about their futures.

You will be joining an experienced and knowledgeable team of advisers, from whom you can gain advice and support. Working closely with your colleagues, you will help shape and deliver a high-impact CEIAG programme.

Whether it’s further education, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment, you’ll play a vital role in guiding students towards the post-16 and post-18 pathways that best match their goals and aspirations. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative environment, where ideas are freely shared, good practice is celebrated, and guidance is always at hand.

Your contribution will be central to raising aspirations, inspiring ambition, and ensuring that every student, regardless of background or ability, is fully aware of the range of opportunities open to them. Together, we strive to deliver a high-quality, inclusive CEIAG programme from Year 7 to Year 13, empowering all students to achieve their full potential.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

As part of this role, you will:

• Collaborate with Careers Leads across academies to design and implement a high-impact careers education programme aligned with the latest statutory guidance, including the enhanced Gatsby Benchmarks and each academy’s improvement priorities
• Plan and deliver engaging careers assemblies that expand students’ awareness of post-16 and post-18 pathways, alongside other relevant career-related topics
• Provide impartial, tailored career guidance through one-to-one meetings and group sessions that empower students to make informed, realistic and adaptable decisions about their futures
• Accurately record all guidance interactions and agreed actions on Unifrog, ensuring student data is kept up to date and accessible
• Offer targeted support to students navigating post-16 and post-18 transitions, including referrals to specialist services for those with additional needs, such as SEND
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external agencies, networks, and partners to enrich the careers and higher education offer and maximise student outcomes
• Track, monitor and report on student aspirations to inform strategic planning and targeted interventions
• Engage parents and carers in the careers guidance process, keeping them informed and involved in their child’s journey, including attendance at parents’ evenings
• Facilitate meaningful employer encounters that inspire students and broaden their understanding of the world of work
• Attend key events such as results days and enrolment days to provide on-the-spot careers support and guidance
• Support colleagues across the team by sharing best practice, offering shadowing opportunities and contributing to a collaborative learning culture
• Actively contribute to Careers Adviser team meetings by sharing insights, experiences or resources that enhance practice and support team development
• Provide careers-related evidence and representation during Ofsted inspections, showcasing the strength and impact of the careers provision

For a full list of responsibilities please download the job pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• A Diploma in Careers Guidance or Qualification in Careers Guidance to Level 6.
• Proven experience in delivering impartial, personalised career guidance through one-to-one meetings and group sessions
• Experience of successfully motivating individuals to plan and achieve their career goals
• Proactive approach and efficient time management and prioritisation skills.
• The ability to work independently and flexibly within the Academy structure
• Experience of delivering assemblies
• Genuine interest and passion for the education of young people and the ability to contribute more widely to the life and community of the Federation
• Experience of developing and delivering CEIAG within in education setting

For a full person specification, please download the job pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. 

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Data & Performance Lead to play a vital role in our Education and Training team. 

This is an exciting opportunity to ensure that data and insight drive the quality, impact and growth of our learning provision. You’ll manage and develop our systems for tracking learner journeys, performance outcomes and funding requirements- helping us to continuously improve and tell the story of our impact. 

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with data, has an eye for accuracy and process improvement, and is passionate about using evidence to make a difference. If you’re a methodical thinker with strong analytical and organisational skills, we’d love to hear from you. 

About High Trees 

High Trees Community Development Trust has been rooted in the local community in Lambeth for over 27 years. We deliver education and training, employment support, community action, children and young peoples services, and research and capacity building-  in partnership with local people and organisations, working together to build stronger communities and create meaningful change.

We are recognised for our collaborative approach, our long-term partnerships, and our commitment to equity, learning and community leadership. 

At High Trees, you’ll join a collaborative, supportive and values-driven team. You’ll have the opportunity to shape data practices that directly improve outcomes for learners and communities, and contribute to a dynamic organisation committed to learning and impact and play a key role in a growing organisation that values both people and performance.