NHS Providers have launched a new programme designed to help the leaders of ICSs “seize the digital opportunity” and support the health sector as it continues delivering its ambitious plans for the future.
The scheme, that has been developed in partnership with NHS Confederation as well as being supported by Health Education England and NHS England, has been tailor made to support all 42 members of the ICS network and will provide leaders with:
- Free board development sessions – Bespoke agendas that will be co-designed with ICBs to meet each specific system’s digital needs and allow leaders to reflect on how digital advancements can help support ICSs deliver their main objectives.
- Peer learning events – Events that will promote collaboration and encourage the sharing of best practice, ultimately enabling industry peers to learn from one another and “explore the art of possible”.
- Resources and insight reports – Quarterly reports that share learnings from across the sector.
Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive, NHS Providers, said: "Digital transformation should be at the heart of ICSs' strategic thinking and new ways of working to improve the lives of patients and staff.
"We live and operate in a fast-changing digital age and health and care systems must be able to adapt. We're excited to be working with our partners to help ICSs boost their digital capability and confidence through bespoke board development sessions and opportunities to learn from their peers."
The new programme, titled Digital ICS: harnessing digital to deliver system ambitions, is an extension of NHS Providers’ Digital Boards programme that is also geared towards levelling up digital capabilities across the sector.
James Freed, chief digital and information officer, Health Education England, said: "I am really pleased to see this extension of the Digital Boards programme being customised for and delivered to integrated care boards.
“Now, more than ever, boards are having to wrestle with how to deliver better services more efficiently and are looking to leverage data and digital technologies to do just that. This programme will support boards and board members leading ICSs to get the balance right between governance and innovation and deliver more value more quickly."
