How to build and enable digital teams focus of NHS Providers guide

The next part of the Digital Boards programme has been published by NHS Providers, with a focus on how to build and enable digital teams.

‘Building and enabling digital teams’ sets out the practical steps boards can take to build effective, open and responsive digital teams that will deliver transformational services.

According to the guide, successful digital teams are largely defined by three main characteristics: user centred design, agile ways of working and a knowledge of how to build and operate modern internet technologies.

The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said: “Trusts are looking to build on the progress made during Covid-19. The need to deliver digital developments during the pandemic gave trust boards a clarity of purpose and focused minds.

“To embed these positive cultural shifts, trust boards need to build and empower digital teams within their organisations, to deliver the next phase of digital transformation. Our guide provides practical next steps in terms of recruitment, governance and digital leadership.

“This resource is being published as part of our Digital Boards programme, supported by HEE and NHSX. We continue to host a number of virtual events with trust leaders and conduct development sessions with individual boards.”

The guide has been jointly produced by NHS Providers and Public Digital, supported by Health Education England and NHSX.

James Freed, chief information officer at Health Education England said: “Building and appropriately supporting your digital team is one of the most important things board-level leaders need to know how to do in this rapidly changing world. It is an area that presents huge challenges and opportunities and we are tremendously pleased to see the publication of this guide for health leaders to help them.”

NHS Providers published its first guide in July 2020 and included a set out questions for board leaders to reflect on their own digital leadership.