Architecture

Architects play a vital role in the planning and designing of digital and data systems. They play an important leadership role in an NHS organisation’s digital strategy by designing and delivering digital and data systems. They also assist in increasing the use of these systems in the NHS. 

Life as an architect in the NHS 

As part of the architecture team, you’ll be at the heart of an NHS organisation’s digital infrastructure. You’ll be part of the conception process while also planning, designing and assisting with implementation. Your main aim will be to make sure digital systems are efficient and meet needs of the NHS.

There are different roles in architecture. These are known as sub-specialties

Entry level architect roles include technical and solutions architects. As your career progresses, you can move into specialist areas such as product, business, data and standards architecture with the potential to become an enterprise architect with extensive experience.

Entry level roles

Technical architect

  • You’ll have a high level of expertise in a unique brand of software or technology.
  • You’ll be responsible for configuring and running systems during each phase of a project eg build, testing and the roll-out to live.
  • You’ll also be responsible for low-level code changes.

Solutions architect

  • You’ll have a variety of skills in areas such as networks and data.
  • You’ll usually coordinate the work of technical architects and be involved at every step of a digital project and programme.

Mid-level roles

Product architect

  • You'll be a unique role to the NHS working on platforms or systems over a prolonged period that are already live and used by the NHS and patients.
  • You’ll make sure they are continuously improved.
  • You’ll work on specific element of these platforms such as security or identity, meaning you’ll need very specific skills.

Business architect

  • You’ll analyse the digital needs of your NHS organisation  by mapping out their services, processes and capabilities and investigate its IT infrastructure.
  • This will allow for the organisation’s digital requirements to be identified, which are then delivered by other architects and relevant delivery and technical teams.

Data architect

  • You’ll be a specialist in data modelling.
  • You’re likely to have a background in software and database development.
  • You’ll develop data models and flows that will underpin the design of a proposed digital solution.

Network architect

  • You’ll specialise in connectivity by looking at digital networks and subnetworks in an organisation.
  • Your focus will be hardware eg servers, computers and mobile devices and requires you to be familiar with how they support connectivity in your organisation.
  • This will allow you work with other IT specialists to ensure the evolution and improvement of digital systems.  

Higher level roles

Enterprise architect

  • You’ll be an experienced architect with knowledge of a wide variety of areas. For example, if you are a network enterprise architect, you’ll be skilled in areas such as security and applications.
  • You’ll also have an excellent overview of your organisation’s IT and digital infrastructure, allowing you make the right decisions based on business need.
  • You’ll also be a vital link between senior leadership and the technical teams.

How much can I earn?

Your salary would follow the NHS national pay and conditions system called Agenda for Change (AfC).

  • Entry level architect roles - start at Band 7
  • Experienced architect roles - Band 8a
  • Specialist and management roles - Band 9

How about the benefits?

  • Make a difference
  • Flexible and part-time working
  • Good opportunities for progression
  • Excellent pension scheme
  • Good holiday entitlement, increasing with service
  • NHS discounts in shops and restaurants

Must have skills

  • Written and spoken communication – you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with a range of people interested in your project
  • Team working – you'll be working with a range of people including developers, business analysts, user groups, infrastructure specialists and project managers
  • Leadership and management – you’ll need to be able to lead projects, manage teams and collaborate effectively
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills – you’ll need to assess and analyse problems and create innovative solutions to meet the needs of projects and the NHS organisation you work you
  • Being able to engage and collaborate with a range of stakeholders and colleagues

Entry requirements

You would need either a degree in relevant subject or experience in a similar field such as system engineering, data, business analysis, software development.

You would also need knowledge of different technologies and processes and be able to implement them correctly.

How to become an architect?

Pathways into architecture vary depending on the role and specialty. However, apprenticeships are a good route into architecture. Look for apprenticeships in relevant areas including software development, system engineering or data analysis.

Many people who are architects, gain experience in similar roles before moving into architecture roles.

For example, a network architect may begin as a network technician, network engineer or IT support specialist, and then advance to a network manager role, before moving into a network architect job.

A technical architect could start as a software developer, systems analyst or IT support technician, and then progress to senior developer, or technical lead, before taking a job as technical architect.

Where a career in architecture can take you?

A career as a digital or data architect offers a range of opportunities. You’ll need to keep up to date with the latest technologies, business and industry trends, and best practice.

You could specialise in cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) or big data.

As you gain more experiences in the role, you can move into leadership roles which manage teams of architects and other IT professionals. You can also progress into executive roles such as chief architect, chief information officer or chief technology officer.

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