Platforms Engineer

At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is "Working together to provide outstanding care for our community."

Royal Berkshire Hospital are pleased to announce that following our CQC inspection we have been rated 'Good' with inspectors reporting that we have made significant improvements. The Trust's overall rating has also improved to 'good'.

We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words and actions

We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate

We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live

We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice

At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, we value candidates who bring their unique personalities, skills, and experiences to the Trust. When completing your application, we encourage you to highlight your individual achievements and strengths, showing us how they align with the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools during the process, please be mindful that AI-generated responses can often lack the personal detail and relevance needed to demonstrate your suitability for the role. AI generated content is discouraged by the Trust and may diminish the candidates chances of success.

Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; delivered by amazing people so why don't you come and join us. We offer a range of learning and development for all employees may you be clinical or non-clinical., The Platforms Engineer post is a key technical position requiring a dedicated self-motivated capable individual ensuring the reliable and efficient support to our technical Digital Services infrastructure, comprising of Data Centre environment management, desktop, server, storage and backup systems, access and security systems, and Active Directory infrastructure. The role will require close liaison with Digital Services Service Delivery teams to ensure the Trusts published service level agreements are met.

The post holder must be self-directed and able to work autonomously with the ability to interpret technical policies. The individual will be dealing with and process confidential Trust data. Using VPN and two factor authentication tokens to support and enforce existing Trust information security policies.

The post holder needs to be able to implement and support technical solutions across RBH, in the process liaising with and managing third-party suppliers, short-term contractors and Trust staff as necessary. The post holder should have exposure to PRINCE2 project management and have a strong understanding of ITIL service management methodologies The post holder will be expected to assist the Server Engineers and Server Specialist in designing, developing and implementing complex technical solutions.

The post holder will directly support the Trusts Digital Services Service Delivery teams, Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Digital Services Service Delivery teams to ensure smooth operation of infrastructure services and timely resolution of issues. Act as a liaison between technical teams, external suppliers, and key Trust stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and ensuring service levels are met. Complex Technical Information: Communicate highly complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical stakeholders, including Trust management and clinical teams. Provide expert advice and recommendations on infrastructure and system improvements. Documentation and Training: Develop user guides, technical documentation, and training materials for the use of internal teams. Conduct training sessions for Digital Services staff and other departments to enhance technical understanding and ensure best practices. Third-Party Supplier Management: Manage relationships with third-party suppliers and contractors, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are adhered to and projects are completed according to specification and within budget.

2. Research and Development

Innovative Solutions: Research and evaluate emerging technologies and trends in digital services infrastructure. Provide recommendations for innovative solutions to improve system performance, security, and efficiency within the Trust. Technical Evaluation: Evaluate proposed infrastructure developments and ensure they align with the Trust's Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) strategy. Assess technical compatibility, potential risks, and system stability when considering new implementations or changes. Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to continuously improve the Trust's infrastructure, applying advanced diagnostic techniques to resolve complex issues. Ensure all changes are well-documented and implemented in line with Trust policies. Capacity Planning: Conduct research and forecasting for capacity and load management, ensuring that the Trust's infrastructure can meet future demands. Collaborate with other IT teams to plan for necessary infrastructure expansions or upgrades.

3. Technical Responsibilities

3rd Line Support: Provide third-line support for all critical infrastructure systems, including server, storage, network, and backup systems. Act as an escalation point for complex issues that cannot be resolved by the first and second-line support teams. Infrastructure Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Trust's data center, server, storage, and backup systems. Ensure the environment is optimized for performance, reliability, and security. Assist in the management and optimization of the Active Directory infrastructure. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Develop and maintain disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans, conducting regular tests to ensure readiness. Provide recommendations for improvements based on test outcomes and evolving business needs. Backup Strategy Implementation: Design and implement effective backup strategies for critical data and systems, ensuring that recovery points are easily accessible and secure. Regularly review and optimize backup schedules to reduce potential data loss. System Security: Ensure robust security measures are in place across all digital platforms, including patch management, VPN, two-factor authentication (2FA), and anti-virus protection. Adhere to the Trust's information security policies and contribute to the development of new policies where needed.

4. Analytical and Judgement Skills Problem Solving: Act as a technical expert in diagnosing complex infrastructure issues. Use advanced analytical skills to interpret logs, performance data, and error messages to troubleshoot and resolve faults. Propose long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences. Performance Management: Use monitoring and diagnostic tools to assess the health of infrastructure systems. Analyse trends and performance metrics to make informed decisions on infrastructure improvements or expansions. Change Management: Oversee the implementation of infrastructure changes, ensuring that they are thoroughly tested and follow the Trust's change management procedures. Evaluate the impact of changes on the wider digital infrastructure and ensure minimal disruption to services.

5. Planning and Organisation Project Management: Lead infrastructure projects using project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating resources and priorities as needed. Platforms Engineer Service Continuity: Plan and execute preventative maintenance activities to ensure maximum uptime for critical systems. Regularly review and update business continuity plans to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Capacity and Load Planning: Conduct capacity and load analysis, identifying future infrastructure requirements based on system usage trends and business forecasts. Ensure that the infrastructure can scale to meet increased demand. Change Control: Manage infrastructure changes using formal change control processes. Ensure that changes are communicated to relevant stakeholders, planned carefully to avoid service disruptions, and documented thoroughly.

6. Finance and Resource Management Budget Oversight: Manage budgets related to infrastructure upgrades, system purchases, and third-party service agreements. Ensure that all expenditures are within budget and aligned with Trust financial policies. Procurement: Work with the procurement team to source new hardware, software, and services for the Trust's infrastructure. Obtain competitive quotes from vendors and ensure that all purchases provide value for money and meet the technical requirements of the Trust. Asset Management: Oversee the lifecycle of infrastructure assets, ensuring that hardware and software are maintained, upgraded, or replaced as needed. Keep accurate records of all assets, including warranties, licenses, and maintenance contracts.

7. Information and Data Management Data Integrity: Ensure the integrity of critical data within the infrastructure by maintaining secure and reliable systems for storage, backup, and recovery. Regularly review data retention policies and ensure they comply with Trust and national regulations. System Documentation: Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration settings, and disaster recovery procedures. Ensure that documentation is regularly updated to reflect changes in the infrastructure. Security Compliance: Adhere to all Trust data protection policies, ensuring that the digital infrastructure complies with national data protection regulations, including GDPR. Ensure that sensitive data is protected through encryption, secure access controls, and regular audits.

8. Physical and Technical Skills Technical Expertise: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in managing server and storage systems, virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and networking. Provide hands-on technical support for hardware installations, upgrades, and maintenance. Hardware Maintenance: Perform physical maintenance of infrastructure hardware, including the installation of servers, storage devices, and network equipment. Troubleshoot and repair hardware issues as they arise. Security Systems: Implement and maintain security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and access control systems. Ensure that security systems are regularly tested and updated to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

1. Communication and Relationships

Stakeholder Collaboration Communicate Complex Technical Information Documentation Creation and Training Third-Party Supplier Management

2. Research and Development

Research Innovative Solutions Technical Evaluations Continuous Improvement Capacity Planning

3. Technical Responsibilities

3rd Line Support Infrastructure Management Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Backup Strategy Implementation System Security

4. Analytical and Judgement Skills

Problem Solving Performance Management Change Management

5. Planning and Organisation

Project Management Service Continuity Capacity and Load Planning Change Control

6. Finance and Resource Management

Budget Oversight Procurement Asset Management

7. Information and Data Management

Data Integrity Checks and Processes System Documentation Creation and Validation Security Compliance

8. Physical and Technical Skills

Technical Expertise Hardware Maintenance Security Systems, * Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Relevant certifications in IT infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, VMware Certified Professional, CompTIA Security+).
• MCSA: Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate

Desirable criteria

• PRINCE Project Management Qualification, * Extensive experience in managing digital infrastructure in a complex, high-availability environment, including server, storage, and network systems.
• Microsoft Active Directory 2008 R2 and later including group policy design and troubleshooting.
• Server virtualisation technologies (e.g. VMware vSphere / Nutanix AHV)

Desirable criteria

• IT experience gained in Acute healthcare / NHS setting.

Staff Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on your work, life balance
• Annual leave - 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays. Increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro rata for part time staff
• NHS pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Money Advice Service
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff
• On-site nursery (based at RBH)
• Full educational library services
• Cycle to work scheme, lockable storage for cycles
• Bus to work scheme
• Excellent rail and bus links
• A huge range of Health Service Discounts at hundreds of big brands from holidays to gadgets and restaurants to retail.

By applying for this post you are agreeing to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are appointed to a post information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Appointment to any position is conditional on the satisfactory completion of the core NHS Employment Checks Standards. Information disclosed in your application will be checked and any offer of appointment may be withdrawn if you knowingly withhold information or provide false or misleading information. All new appointments to the Trust, with the exception of executive positions, are subject to a 6 month probationary period. The Trust may close any vacancy prior to the advertised closing date due to the high level of responses we receive for some of our vacancies. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is committed to improving the health of its staff, patients and the wider community by providing a smoke free environment. A smoke free policy is in operation and smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust's sites.