Opencast appoints chief capabilities officer

Newcastle-based digital technology consultancy Opencast has appointed Jen Blundell as chief capabilities and people officer to strengthen its executive team.

Jen joins from TPXimpact, where she held senior leadership roles including managing director of its digital transformation business. 

She was previously deputy chief executive at FutureGov and has founded a design consultancy focused on social impact.

Jen said: “I’ve always been passionate about how we design services and use tech to deliver better and more equitable access, especially working with government departments and agencies to use the tools of a digital, and now AI, age to unlock better services and outcomes.

“I knew of Opencast for its strong delivery track record and its reputation for having impact across the full product lifecycle, particularly on large-scale, high-profile public-sector projects. 

“Our client satisfaction scores are testament to that.

“We’re an ambitious, growing company, anchored regionally but delivering results for our clients and with partners nationally. 

“We’re driven by a people-first culture built on trust, respect and a relentless focus to do right by our clients.

“Like many businesses in the sector, Opencast has faced disruption from market challenges over recent years, but the company has weathered this effectively and is now well positioned for further strong growth.”

Jen added: “I’m a strong advocate of the ‘servant leadership’ approach and will work to create a place where everyone can prosper, and where the needs of our clients and the business are thoughtfully balanced with our team’s wellbeing. 

“It will also be my role to ensure the company continues to develop our industry-leading capabilities and evolves and iterates to ensure we maintain our reputation.

“I’ll oversee our people and capability functions, which includes teams spanning talent engagement, learning and development and people operations – as well as capability leadership for our consultants in design, delivery, engineering and architecture, alongside service development and marketing.”

Opencast, founded in 2012, designs and delivers user-centred digital solutions for government and healthcare clients. 

The business recently recruited its 500th permanent employee following contract wins across the public and private sectors.

Jen joins chief executive Tom Lawson and fellow executive team members as the company continues its growth trajectory.

Tom added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jen to Opencast. 

“We always aim to attract the very best talent who share our values and that’s what we have in Jen. 

“Her role will be to make the company an even better place to work, maintaining our people-first culture while we continue to expand and build industry-leading capabilities, ensuring relevance of Opencast for years to come.”

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