Meet Jonathan: Get under the skin of MPS careers with insights from across the organisation
It’s a period of major change in the Technology, Digital and Data (TDD) division at MPS. A large transformation programme is underway, creating opportunities at all levels across the function.
“We’re on a transformational journey and we’re underway to make MPS a leading digital organisation, providing the best possible service to healthcare professionals,” says MPS Chief Information Officer, Jonathan Vardon.
Read on for insight into the transformation, the vision behind it, and the careers this evolution is creating.
Leading the digital vision
As the Chief Information Officer and Executive Director for TDD, Jonathan Vardon joined MPS in mid-2023 with a vision and a mandate from the top to deliver on it. His background in information technology, data and change, which includes Boots, Lloyds Banking Group and Co-operative Group, means he’s well placed to leverage the opportunities ahead.
TDD creates the connection between the MPS business strategy and the technology architecture we need in place. The division includes five teams currently delivering a vast IT transformation.
“There's not a part of the organisation from a tooling or technology viewpoint that we're not either actively looking to transform or upgrade,”
explains Jonathan.
A bold technology strategy
Jonathan describes the scale of change required.
“We have a bold new technology strategy, which involves an overhaul of our policy administration system, that underpins everything we do and supports us to provide an exceptional experience for our members. The plan includes everything from new data centres to enhancing our information and cyber security strategy and capability.”
This work spans architecture, platforms, cyber security, data, and delivery capabilities.
“We’re moving towards being a leading digital organisation.”
“On top of that, we’ve reorganised the function to work in multi-disciplined squads and towers. This means we’re much more closely aligned to the business and better able to support the organisation with people who have the right skills, knowledge and insights to deliver.
“We’ve moved from operating around projects and products to more agile ways of working. We are also making sure each of our team members belong to communities of practices to ensure we continue to build and evolve best practice.”
Future-ready systems
And that’s just the start, with upgrades planned for support systems including HR and finance, and a shift to omni-channel capability for a more seamless member experience.
“Moving to componentised architecture will make the whole organisation far more flexible and better able to deliver on our strategy for our members.”
“It’s an exciting time to be here, with incredible challenges and lots of change. That means we need the right people in the right places, so we’re always open to approaches from candidates, on top of the large number of roles we’re recruiting for.”
MPS is also exploring how AI can support members, building on its reputation as a thought leader on the responsible use of AI in healthcare.
Why join MPS now
A recent audit has already shown significant progress. Combined with a newly refurbished Leeds office, hybrid working and the pace of change, Jonathan is optimistic.
“MPS is a business with a really clear purpose, with a team of people willing with huge passion and commitment to get stuck in. I’m looking for more people like that – who want to work in an environment that’s fast-paced, challenging and fun."
“It’s a pivotal time, and a brilliant opportunity for people to work on something truly transformative.”
“On top of the transformation challenge, we’re also a pretty great place to work. We’re committed to people’s continuing development, with training budgets that are created bottom-up by the teams.
“And helping those who help others when they really need us is a powerful purpose. We need people at all levels, from the bottom to the top. Knock on the door, it’s open!”
Join the TDD Team
Find out about roles available in TDD here: Jobs and careers with MPS.
If there’s no job advertised right now but you want to take Jonathan up on his offer of a direct approach, send your CV and a covering letter to our recruitment team: Welcome to MPS Careers
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