South West Secure Data Environment Technical Lead

Job summary

We're seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Technical Lead to drive the delivery and evolution of the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE). This pioneering regional platform is transforming how health and care data is securely and ethically linked for research. Our aim is to improve health and wellbeing by making research safer, faster and fairer.

SWSDE has implemented secure cloud-based infrastructure to meet SDE requirements. We now need a dedicated Technical Lead to take the platform forward and grow our capacity to deliver projects.

The Technical Lead will build a multi-disciplinary technical team and oversee all aspects of SWSDE's delivery, including infrastructure, data pipelines, security, governance and scalability.

You will ensure the environment remains robust, trusted and aligned with the highest standards of data protection and interoperability, including SATRE and ISO27001, giving partners and the public confidence their data is safe.

This hands-on role suits a leader who thrives on managing complexity and problem solving. Collaboration is key, working with partners across the NHS, local authorities, academia and national bodies.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a regionally significant, nationally connected data platform, setting new standards for secure, collaborative data science and turning insight into impact.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will:

• Lead and oversee the operation, maintenance, and performance of the SWSDE platform, ensuring security, stability, and scalability at all times.
• Manage and monitor system security, including threat detection, risk management, and incident response, ensuring compliance with SATRE, ISO27001, DSPT, and NHS cybersecurity frameworks.
• Develop and maintain secure data pipelines from contributing NHS and partner organisations, ensuring interoperability, data quality, and adherence to governance standards.
• Provide technical leadership to engineers, analysts, and platform staff, promoting a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the NHS, local authorities, academia, and suppliers to ensure that the SWSDE meets the needs of research, innovation, and population health analytics.
• Support governance and assurance by maintaining technical documentation, contributing to audits, and ensuring that infrastructure and operations meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations.
• Contribute to architecture planning and review, ensuring the SDE aligns with the Secure Architecture for Trusted Research Environments (SATRE) and NHS digital standards.
• Represent the SWSDE in regional and national technical forums, sharing learning and contributing to the ongoing development of secure data environments across the NHS.

About us

We are committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community; from people of all ages, disabled people, all genders, people from ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with diverse gender identity and expression, people from all religions and beliefs and other diverse characteristics, and we have processes in place to ensure that all applications are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

Details

Date posted

31 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

461-ICB-6206KB

Job locations

NHS Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire ICB

Floor 2, North Wing 100 Temple Street

Bristol

BS1 6AG