Technology Enhanced Learning News
December 2025
A message from Dr Neil Ralph, Deputy Director of Technology Enhanced Learning
Welcome to the December issue of TEL News.
As we near the end of another busy year, I would again like to take a moment to reflect on the contributions made by everyone involved in education and training and in the use of Technology Enhanced Learning.
A huge thank you to everyone for all you have contributed through hard work and collaboration.
I wish you all a joyful end to December and a smooth start to 2026.
Workstream Updates
Simulation and Immersive Technologies
Immersive, Simulation and Related Technologies DPS Buyers Guide
The Simulation and Immersive Technologies team have recently implemented a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the procurement of Immersive, Simulation and Related Technologies. Over the last 12 months, more than 40 suppliers have joined the framework, offering services including immersive learning hardware, software and applications, content development and technical support.
The DPS makes the procurement of simulation and immersive technologies easy to access a curated list of approved suppliers, who have experience of working with the health and care sector.
There is no cost to use the DPS, the framework has been endorsed by NHS England and all suppliers on the framework have undergone stringent financial checks. NHS Terms and Conditions are already agreed so there is no need for additional legal contracts.
To find out more about our suppliers, or to download a newly published buyers guide to the DPS, please access the Learning Hub or contact the Simulation and Immersive Technologies team at england.simimmtech@nhs.net
Becoming Simulation Faculty: fourth advanced topic launches
Simulated Participants
The fourth advanced topic in the Becoming Simulation Faculty programme has been launched and includes the following sessions:
- Introduction to simulated participants
- Recruiting simulated participants
- Developing simulated participants
- Integrating simulated participants
Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) is in development and is expected to be launched early next year.
Simulation Professional Development framework
The Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) has launched a draft Professional Development (PD) framework to support the development of interprofessional simulation skills in health and care. This work was supported by the NHS England Simulation and Immersive Technologies team.
To find out more about the framework, please visit: Professional Development Framework – ASPiH
The feedback survey is open until the end of January 2026 where you can share your thoughts on the first iteration of the PD Framework.
The Simulation and Immersive Technologies programme in 2025
It's been a full year! We have achieved so much throughout 2025 including;
- Expanding capability and capacity to design, deliver and evaluate simulation and immersive learning at a national scale
- Revising the existing national immersive learning programmes in response to educator and student feedback
- Continuing to provide both inspiration and support through our communities of practice
- Working with the wider TEL team to promote our national educator resources to regional nursing colleagues and universities through a series of webinars
- Collaborating with the NHS England Accessibility team on our updated accessibility guide
Read the full story on the elfh website.
To find out more about our programme and support we can offer, email: simimmtech@nhs.net
Supporting TEL
Are you a member of the TEL Network? The network has been developed to enable TEL professionals from the NHS, higher education and social care to connect with each other, ask questions, collaborate on TEL projects and share successes. As a network member, you will receive invitations to our events, such as quarterly TEL Forums, CPD sessions and Tea and TEL. Join the TEL Network.
Launch of the Responsible AI in Healthcare Education catalogue
We are excited to announce the launch of the Responsible AI in Healthcare Education catalogue, a new standalone space for supporting AI in healthcare education resources.
The catalogue will debut with a comprehensive collection of recordings and materials from the recent ‘Four Nations Responsible AI in Healthcare Education Conference’, featuring 14 sessions, keynotes, case studies and panels with national leaders and innovators. Over time, the catalogue will be expanded to include further resources, such as curated articles, insights, frameworks like SAFE (Source, Algorithm, Fit, Ethics), and practical guidance for designing and delivering AI in healthcare education.
This evolving repository helps educators, trainers, and leaders develop AI skills for education, promoting innovation while supporting ethical and inclusive adoption in healthcare education.
Explore the catalogue and stay tuned as new materials and tools are added, shaping the future of healthcare education together.
CPD Session: Embedding AI in TEL Content Development: Driving Efficiency and Innovation
Date: Thursday 18 December 2025
Time: 11am to 12pm
Join the NHSE TEL content team to explore how AI can be embedded into content development to drive efficiency and spark innovation.
The Horizon Scanning exercise
In October, 25 colleagues from across universities, NHS Trusts, and ICBs came together to act as ‘trend scouts’ for a horizon scanning exercise. Over a one-month period, the participants searched for early signs of change which could shape education and training of the healthcare workforce in the coming years.
5 areas were identified:
- Immersive technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Gaussian splatting
- Haptics
- Wearables
We have written up the findings from this exercise and presented them to education leaders in the organisation and have also recommended further exploration and future scanning exercises. By regularly scanning change signals, we hope to ensure that digital education meets the needs of staff and learners.
If you’d like a copy of our findings from the exercise or wish to get involved in future horizon scanning activities, please contact alison.potter13@nhs.net or c.munsch@nhs.net
CPD session: Lights, Camera Budget!
Lights, camera, budget! shares practical guidance on creating engaging video-based training without overspending. It covers how to choose the right video format for your audience, identify cost-effective tools, and make the most of limited resources. Real-world examples illustrate best practices for working with non-professional contributors and producing professional-looking content on a budget.
NEW: VHLF Modernisation Monday Series (MMS)
The Virtual and Hybrid Learning Faculty (VHLF) Programme is driving innovation across the NHS, helping our Community of Practice (COP) members embrace new technologies and evolve their practices. This commitment is reflected in a new initiative VHLF MMS which has been designed to empower educators across the healthcare system one conversation at a time.
Featuring a weekly memo released every Monday and a monthly community event hosted on the 1st Monday of the month at 14:00-15:30. The series contains peer-led share and learn opportunities for educators to modernise virtual and hybrid learning. Read the latest memo here.
To join - Save this link, along with these details:
Meeting ID: 338 792 283 077 2
Passcode: qF77z5GT
No need to prebook, just click on the meeting link (above) to join the conversation.
Inside TEL Podcast Series
Inside TEL Podcast Series- Episode 4 Out Now!
Get ready to explore the future of healthcare education six-part podcast series dedicated to exploring the dynamic intersection of technology, AI and innovation in healthcare education.
Working with guests and industry experts and our latest research we’ve recorded some fascinating content across the series. To enhance your learning experience, we've designed a Learner Resource for each episode. Once completed you can use this to apply for VHLF CPD.
Listen to Episodes 1-4 now!
- Episode 1: The Future of Healthcare Education
- Episode 2: AI in Healthcare Education
- Episode 3: Health & Wellbeing in Healthcare Education
- NEW Episode 4: Why Data Matters in Modern Healthcare Education
- Episodes 5 & 6: Coming Soon
If you’ve listened to the podcast series, we want to hear what you think, share your views by completing this Podcast evaluation form.
Best Practice Learning Resources (BPLRs)
The BPLRs library brings together the latest evidence-based best practices and research into formats that are accessible, engaging, and ready to use. Designed to support individuals, teams, and systems, the library of seventeen resources is helping to drive improvements in healthcare education and practice.
You can access all our on-demand VHLF resources at any time (checklists, templates, slides, videos) by visiting the Learning Hub and accessing the VHLF Catalogues using the links below:
- Getting Started
- Increasing Your Impact
- COP
Join the VHLF CoP
Not a member of the Community of Practice (COP)? Sign up today: Virtual & Hybrid Learning Faculty (VHLF)- COP Sign Up Form
If you have any queries, please email: england.VHLF@nhs.net
AI in Healthcare Education
We are bringing together a collection of AI in Healthcare Education resources, ranging from recordings to in-depth written pieces, into one central space on the Learning Hub. Whether you're just exploring the topic or deeply involved in the field, this hub will be your go-to destination for learning, sharing, and staying up to date. If you're passionate about AI in Healthcare and would like to contribute by writing some pieces, or other resources, we'd love to hear from you just drop Iain O'Neill (iain.oneill@nhs.net) an email to get involved.
Platform Updates
Workforce and Education Research NHS (WE-R NHS)
WE-R NHS is a catalogue of health or clinical education and workforce research resources collated on NHSE’s learning hub platform. Created by NHS staff, for NHS staff, from across NHSE education, the catalogue has articles, case studies and links to useful resources for anyone interested in health education and workforce research. WE-R NHS enables colleagues from different regions to share their resources and potentially link with others working on similar areas to generate new ideas.
Developing Excellence in Medical Education Conference (DEMEC)
The Platforms team attended the DEMEC on 8- 9 December. From the NHS England stand, the team engaged with colleagues in educator roles from all areas of health and care. A rolling presentation provided an opportunity to share the future direction of TEL services, aligned to the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.
Digital Learning Solutions
The Competency Framework Service on Digital Learning Solutions (DLS) is being used across the UK. In line with the 10 Year Plan, the Competency Framework Service is being developed to support Skills Escalators.
If you have any questions about the competency frameworks on DLS, the TEL support team host a monthly drop-in session to support centres across the UK. In addition, framework specific communities of practice (CoP) are run by the owners of each framework. If you are interested in joining these, please contact the TEL support team for further details.
Learning Hub - support and enquiries
For user support, or general queries about elfh programmes and the Learning Hub, please email: support@learninghub.nhs.uk
If you would like to speak to someone about the TEL platforms, please email the TEL Platforms Implementation Managers.
elearning for Healthcare
Foundation Programme Update December
eLearning for healthcare Foundation Programme update available covering, FPC 1: Clinical Assessment, FPC 2: Clinical Prioritisation, FPC 3: Holistic Planning, FPC 4: Communication and Care, FPC 5: Continuity of Care, FPC 6: Sharing the Vision, FPC 8: Upholding Values and FPC 11: Ethics and Law.
To find out more please visit the Learning Hub.
AI Ambassador Network January 2026 meeting
The next AI Ambassador meeting is due to take place on Wednesday 7th January 10:30am – midday and will cover; Benefits of AI in the Federated Data Platform, real-world healthcare digital adoption, a community for Ambient Voice Technology and more. Hear from speakers including Jonathan Orritt – AI Deputy Director, Data and Analytics, NHS England, Nicola Eddon - Senior Implementation and Business Change Manager, Jooli Atkins - Head of Change Management, NHS England, Niels Peek, Professor of Data Science and Healthcare Improvement, University of Cambridge and Dominic Cushnan, Deputy Director of AI, NHSE.
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