Head of Programmes – Ambulance Radio Programme

Do you want a role supporting the latest developments of emergency communications to ensure that the details of emergency 999 calls are passed swiftly and effectively from 999 call handler to Paramedic?

The ARP programme is a national programme and requires interaction with UK Ambulance Trusts and suppliers to deliver the upgrade to the communications systems in ambulance control rooms and upgrading the equipment both in the ambulance and used by the emergency crew. In time, these important upgrades will link into the dedicated Emergency Services Network, so there is much scope for the successful candidate to provide support across the entire breadth of this essential programme.

The purpose of this role is to lead a multi-skilled team capable of delivering complex national programmes. This is a senior role, requiring national travel.

The post holder should have expertise in complex technical programmes of national scale.

This is a senior position that requires both specialist technical skills as well as excellent skills in relationship management. Of particular importance is the ability to build strong and effective work relationships with other technical disciplines, suppliers, and users across the Ambulance Trusts, the wider NHS and other emergency services. The post holder will also liaise with senior staff from other NHS bodies, other emergency services, numerous Suppliers to the Emergency Services on matters of mutual interest and concern.

This national role oversees the implementation of all projects within the ARP portfolio to English Ambulance Trusts, and Scotland / Wales by separate arrangement. The implementation will focus on the replacement and implementation of a new Control Room Solution into each Ambulance Trust control room in England, as well as the vehicle/operational based mission-critical communication equipment such as mobile devices for voice communications, mobile data terminals, and all associated software within the ARP remit.

Establish and undertake liaison with senior stakeholders across Government Departments such as Department of Health, Cabinet Office, Home Office, Her Majesty’s Treasury and Government Legal Departments.

Establish and maintain necessary delivery structures to support project delivery, manage resources and priorities across the Implementation and Project Teams.

Effectively Line-Manage ARP resources on a national basis from; Programme, PMO, Service and Technical areas to ensure the successful implementation of complex projects across all Control Rooms and in-field operational solutions in English Ambulance Trusts.

Agree and deliver against national key milestones and ensure robust implementation plans are in place (national and local).

Manage project activities, delegating individual and team action plans and other responsibilities to ensure delivery.

Responsible for ensuring continued service improvement and implementing programmes to implement on-going initiatives.

The Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) is an enduring organisation directly appointed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to provide and upgrade emergency communications for UK ambulance services.

ARP have a large team of over eighty staff consisting of commercial, finance, project, implementation, technical, user assurance and service colleagues. They are based all over the country to support the successful delivery and maintenance of a £460m programme of work. The aim of ARP is to implement new technology that provides innovation and enhances patient care with the latest equipment. ARPs solutions also play a longer-term role in preparing the ambulance service for the adoption of the Home Office's Emergency Services Network (ESN).

ARP is currently in the process of introducing an array of new technology-based services to Ambulance Trusts and Air Ambulance charities. The Services include the introduction of new technology to the national Ambulance fleet (approx. 6500 vehicles) and upgrading and developing new, data-rich communications products (apps and hardware) for use by over 15,000 frontline paramedic and Control Room staff. Overall, ARP is responsible for providing an end-to-end service covering installation, maintenance and replacement, which plays a key role in enabling effective response to critical life-threatening incidents.

For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification attached.