A new programme designed to help leaders of integrated care systems (ICS) advance digital transformation has been launched.

'Digital ICS: harnessing digital to deliver system ambitions' has been launched by NHS Providers to help ICSs – local partnerships which plan and deliver services to improve health outcomes and tackle inequalities – make the most of digital technology.

Building on the success of NHS Providers' Digital Boards programme, the new scheme in partnership with Public Digital and the NHS Confederation, supported by Health Education England and NHS England, will deliver tailored development sessions for ICSs to share best practice and learn from peers and counterparts. The scheme will support the members of NHS Confederation's ICS network which has all 42 systems in voluntary membership.

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."

Matthew Taylor, chief executive, NHS Confederation, said:

"Digital transformation is crucial to ICSs achieving the four strategic purposes of integrated care. We are excited about this new partnership programme, which will help increase understanding of – and confidence in – the potential of the digital agenda and the opportunities it provides to improve population health and outcomes at system level."

Chris Fleming, partner, Public Digital, said:

"The culture, processes and operating models of the digital age will play a critical role in helping ICSs deliver better, more equitable and more efficient services. Public Digital is delighted to be bringing our expertise in digital leadership and transformation to support them in this challenge. Building on our work with over 80 NHS trusts we're looking forward to engaging with ICS leaders over the next three years, in partnership with NHS Providers and NHS confederation."

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."