Welcome to the August edition of The Digital Academy Newsletter. Here is your monthly round up of all things happening in The Digital Academy and system partners, including learning opportunities, news, updates, events and learning spotlights. Please do email us with your thoughts and feedback and forward to colleagues who may wish to sign up.
Learning opportunities
AI bitesize: AI Ambassador Network
The fourth in the series of AI bitesize will take place at the next AI Ambassador Network meeting being held on 2 September 2026, 10:30 am – 12 pm. Dave Farrell, our Head of Product will be joined by Dr Jeffry Hogg, Clinician Scientist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and will cover ‘What does AI failure look like?' You will need to register with the AI Ambassador network to receive invitations. The AI bitesize session links are made available to watch on demand on the Digital Academy FutureNHS community.
Induction programme for clinicians new to digital
The HSJ award winning Induction programme for clinicians new to digital equips healthcare professionals with essential digital skills through seven interactive modules co-designed by North West NHS clinical digital leaders in partnership with academia and NHS England. Free and accessible to all clinicians via the Skills Development Networks. Christine Banks, National Skills Development Lead for Digital, Data and Technology shares insights and impact of this successful programme. Module 6, Building Clinical Digital Teams takes place on 5 October 2026 on Teams. Read the spotlight and join the programme.
Microsoft organisational skilling
Microsoft organisational skilling offers a range of Microsoft funded training and learning options including instructor-led courses, virtual training days and hands-on skills development.
The training is aimed at learners of all levels, from those new to digital technologies through to IT professionals, data specialists, developers, managers and business leaders looking to build role-specific skills and gain recognised Microsoft credentials. All training is accessible via ‘esi.microsoft.com’ and sign in with your work email address.
Latest news
Topol alumni impact survey: call for feedback
The Topol Digital Fellowship supported health and social care professionals to lead digital transformation by giving them time, development support and access to a network of peers working on real-world improvement projects. It helped fellows build the skills, confidence and connections needed to use digital, data and technology to improve services and outcomes for patients and staff. Over the past 5 years there have been 203 individuals completing this programme, including grant funding and up to 400 days released for digital transformation in health and care.
We are now conducting some research and want to hear from all Topol fellows, to understand the impact the fellowship has had for you personally, your organisation, and the wider health and social care system. We aim to use your responses to inform an alumni strategy, share your impacts and to inform the future direction of a digital health learning programme. Please complete the 15-20 minute survey.
Digital Skills Development Network (DDaT) Workforce Census 2026 update
Christine Banks, National Skills Development Lead for Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) provides an update on the DDaT Workforce Census 2026 return and asks all organisations who have not yet submitted their return, to contact their regional Skills Development Network Manager for DDaT for support and guidance. Read the article.
Call for project proposals for Cohort 6 of the NHS Fellowship in Clinical AI
Project proposals are being invited for Cohort 6 of the NHS Fellowship in Clinical AI. Projects should focus on the deployment and evaluation of AI within clinical workflows, hosted by multidisciplinary NHS teams. Successful teams will host AI Fellows for 2 days per week from August 2027 to August 2028. The deadline for submissions is 1 November 2026. Project template, further information and FAQs are available. Submit proposals here.
90% of NHS clinicians now using AI in practice
A new survey of 1,000 NHS staff found that 90% of clinicians are using artificial intelligence in some aspect of their clinical work. The research also found that 70% believe patients have a positive attitude towards AI-supported healthcare, highlighting the growing role of AI across NHS services and the increasing importance of AI skills and confidence within the workforce. Read the article.
Upcoming events
HETT Show 2026
A reminder about HETT Show 2026, where we are proud to be a partner, delighted to be speaking there and on a panel. HETT is taking place on 29-30 September at ExCel, London and is a two-day event that brings together people working across health, care, local government and life sciences to focus on practical progress in digital transformation. It is free to attend for health and care professionals. Register here.
Health Foundation: AI in the NHS
2026 is set to be a pivotal year for AI in the NHS. At the Health Foundation’s third annual virtual AI in the NHS event taking place via Zoom on 15 October 2026, 10:00 - 17:00, they will bring people together to learn from leading international health systems and explore how the NHS can safely, effectively and equitably implement AI at scale. Register for the event.
NHS North West Festival of Leadership 2026
Delivered through the NHS North West Leadership Academy membership offer the NHS North West Festival of Leadership is a unique opportunity for senior leaders to hear from expert speakers, gain fresh insights from experienced system leaders and connect with peers from across the region. Taking place on 22 October 2026 at the Edge in Wigan. Find out more and register.
Recently published
Acute provider collaboratives: delivering system impact in a changing NHS landscape
Throughout April and May 2026, the NHS Alliance held interviews with acute provider collaborative leaders across England to learn about where they are adding most value against the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan and what has enabled their success. Read the report.
The health data landscape is changing. Is public confidence keeping pace?
Understanding Patient Data's timely new State of the Nation report, Understanding Patient Data in 2026: navigating public confidence in a changing health data system, brings together one of the most robust evidence bases on public confidence in health data in the UK. A practical resource for anyone working in health data, the report explores what drives public confidence, where concerns remain, and how organisations can build trust. It crucially recognises that public confidence is not a communications activity – it is a prerequisite for delivering a connected health data system. Read the report.
The single patient record explained: what could it mean for patients and the health and care system
Read this blog by the King’s Fund which provides a comprehensive outline of what the single patient record is as part of the current Health Bill and how it could change the patient experience. It also helpfully puts it in context alongside the Federated Data Platform.
Learning spotlight
Can AI make social care human again? What technology can genuinely do for the people at the heart of care
Preet Shergill, Topol alumnus reflects on his digital transformation journey in social care and how being on the fellowship and the conversation about what technology can do for people in care settings is stronger for having social care in the room. The fellowship really reinforced this belief. He recognises the impact of the tools for digital change and the connections made that stay with you long after the programme. Still applying his learning from the Fellowship to what he believes is a defining question for adult social care right now: how do we adopt AI in a way that genuinely serves the people at the centre of it? Read his story.
Digital profession
Help shape our FutureNHS community
NHS England’s Digital and Data Profession team is working to connect and empower the healthcare digital, data and technology (DDaT) community through a dedicated FutureNHS space for collaboration across the system. We are continuing to grow our site and would welcome input from DDaT professional colleagues.
Our Communities area signposts to NHS DDaT communities you may wish to join whilst our Professional bodies area highlights professional bodies that you may wish to explore, including several that are not part of FEDIP.
Are you part of a community, network or professional body that is not yet listed? We would love to hear from you so we can continue to develop the space and strengthen connections across the profession. Get in touch and let us know.
Podcast in focus
NHS College of Leadership and Management podcast with NHS Alliance
Watch Ed Smith, Chair of the NHS College of Leadership and Management, discuss ‘Does the NHS have a leadership problem?’ In the interview, Ed covers how the NHS leadership and management has been undervalued amid competing pressures on the service, as well as how excellent leadership improves staff recruitment, retention, experience and ultimately patient care outcomes. Alternatively listen to the podcast.
Enrol on our courses
NHS England has a range of bulletins covering primary care, nursing, mental health, transformation, NHS IMPACT and other topics.
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