Discovery into the Professionalisation of the NHS DDaT Workforce

This project supports NHS England's ambition to build a sustainable, capable and recognised Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) workforce, enabling the successful delivery of digital transformation and improved outcomes for patients and staff.

A discovery will be commissioned via a competitive tender process to explore the professionalisation of the NHS DDaT workforce in response to challenges relating to workforce capability, consistency, recruitment, retention, career development and professional identity across the NHS. The work will examine how interventions such as capability frameworks, career pathways, accreditation, professional registration, continuing professional development and professional communities could contribute to a more sustainable and effective workforce, improved service quality, stronger workforce planning and better value for money.

Using a mixed-methods approach, including research, stakeholder engagement, workforce analysis and options appraisal, the discovery will generate the evidence required to determine whether, when and how DDaT professionalisation should be pursued.

The procurement will deliver a discovery report, options appraisal, recommended future approach and high-level implementation roadmap to inform future policy, investment and decision-making relating to DDaT professionalisation.