The Role

Can you get South London digitally connected?

Two digital infrastructure experts are required to work with five London boroughs, providers and other stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of improved digital infrastructure. This small team will work for up to two years to deliver a legacy  measurable in homes and businesses connected, miles of cabling laid, and policies, practices and partnerships embedded to support continue rollout of full fibre to premises (FTTP) connections and support 5G readiness.

The South London Partnership is a sub-regional collaboration of Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Merton, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton Councils.  Together they make up a vibrant sub-region with 1.2 million residents and a £32 billion pre-Covid economy, the recovery and future vitality of which our boroughs are committed to supporting.

Covid has reinforced the criticality of digital infrastructure to our economic future, as well as its role in supporting wider social outcomes, enabling digital services and overcoming inequalities.  But our sub-region has the lowest levels of digital connectivity, and particularly of full fibre connections to premises (FTTP), in London.  Accelerating the roll-out is therefore vital.  The Mayor of London is funding these two posts for up to two years to do this.

The Senior Digital Infrastructure Enabler will have overall responsibility for the programme, but both post holders will be expected to shape and lead distinctive projects, as well as connecting into wider networks and opportunities across London.

The suitable candidates will:

• have strong track records of working with boroughs and digital infrastructure providers to get new fibre into the ground and deliver a measurable increase in digital connectivity;
• bring expertise, ambition and drive to create this new programme and maximise its impact over two years; 
• be results-focussed, but recognise that their success will hinge on being adept at understanding the perspectives and drivers of different partners, forging powerful relationships and building influence with them;
• be flexible and adaptable while being quick to spot and seize opportunities;
• as well as having strong programme scoping and delivery skills, be able to shape policies and procedures within boroughs, and support their engagement with commercial partners..  

The team is currently working from home, post-lockdown flexible working will continue, changes will be make depending on government guidance.  It is normally based in Twickenham but regular travel to other SLP boroughs will be required. 

For an informal chat about the roles contact Sarah Sturrock, Director, South London Partnership (director@southlondonpartnership.co.uk or 07985 528346)

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing date:  Sunday 28^th February 2021

Shortlisting:   W/C Monday 1st March 2021

Interviews anticipated:  W/C 22^nd & 29^th March 2021

The South London Partnership team is hosted by Richmond Council.  These posts will be employed by the Richmond and Wandsworth Shared Staffing Arrangement.

This can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.  These include compressed hours, home working (dependent on service need), or part-time working and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils