Search for senior HSE IT posts to begin next year

The search for people to permanently fill two key information technology (IT) positions in the HSE will commence early next year following the completion of a final review of the job descriptions, the Medical Independent (MI) has been informed.

The creation of the positions of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Technology and Transformation Officer (CTTO) was recommended by the post-incident review published in wake of the May 2021 cyberattack on the HSE.

In March this year, the HSE told this newspaper it intended to fill both these positions by the end of 2022.

However, it has now emerged that the recruitment search will not begin until next year.

Currently the interim CISO is Mr Puneet Kukreja and the interim CTTO is Mr John Ward.

“The permanent positions job specifications were approved after review and will be advertised in [the first quarter] of 2023 through the Public Appointments Service,” a HSE spokesperson told MI.

Both positions were discussed at the June meeting of the HSE performance and delivery committee. According to minutes, “a final review of the job descriptions should be undertaken by the interim CTTO and CISO.”

Earlier this month, MI reported on the establishment of a new technology and transformation committee within the HSE.

“The new committee will provide board level oversight of the post-incident review implementation programme, together with oversight of key strategic transformation programmes,” according to the HSE.