NHS Providers has today published its third guide as part of the Digital Boards programme. This publication is designed to support trust leaders sustain the momentum on digital built up during the pandemic.

Building a digital strategy has been jointly produced by NHS Providers and Public Digital, in partnership with Health Education (HEE) and NHSX.

The guide describes what a good digital strategy looks like and sets out useful questions for all boards leaders to assure themselves that their digital strategy is on track. Useful materials and examples from the NHS and other sectors are signposted throughout the publication.

Trust leaders are reappraising their digital ambitions in light of the changes made during the sector's response to COVID-19.

Saffron Cordery    Interim Chief Executive

The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said: "Trust leaders are reappraising their digital ambitions in light of the changes made during the sector's response to COVID-19. Many organisations are refreshing or renewing their digital strategies in order to set a clear vision for the future.

"All board members need to take responsibility for their digital strategy. Our guide is therefore designed for those directly involved in digital transformations, and others who have an oversight role and will review, approve and assure that the digital strategy is on track.

"The Digital Boards programme, supported by HEE and NHSX, continues to offer free development sessions for individual trust boards to support them in these conversations."

Sonia Patel, chief information officer at NHSX, said: "NHSX is delighted to be sponsoring the work NHS Providers is leading to improve digital confidence at board level. Over the last year the Digital Boards programme has engaged 650 trust board members through virtual events and board development sessions. I would encourage trust leaders to get in touch with the NHS Providers team to find out how their trust can get involved."

James Freed, chief digital and information officer at Health Education England, said: "In every industry, in every country, organisations struggle in aligning the business strategy to their digital strategy. I am extremely pleased to see this guide which provides an accessible way to help health and care leaders meet new service expectations with the digital appetite we have seen in a post-COVID world."