Join us for a webinar delving into the future of healthcare leadership in the digital age. Explore the growing demand for digital health expertise and the role of the Shuri Network Digital Fellowship in shaping career trajectories and capabilities. Implementing digital change at scale in health care will not happen by magic, legislation or strategies alone. We need to develop digital champions and credible informatics experts who are confident in using technology to improve patient care and are able to bring others around them on the digital transformation journey. Learn how we have demystified careers in digital and data in order to fully harness the talent and potential within our teams

Experts:
Shera Chok, Founder, Shuri Network
Shereen Bryan, Clinical Transformation Midwife, System C
Elohor Uwadiogbu, Clinical Research Nurse, Shuri Digital Fellow

Summary of the webinar: 

Overview
This webinar focused on diversity in digital health leadership and how the Shuri Network is working to develop the next generation of digital leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.

Key Topics Covered
1. The Need for Digital Leadership in Healthcare

• Digital transformation is essential for improving NHS efficiency, patient care, and clinician support.
• There is a skills gap – the NHS needs at least 30,000 more staff with digital expertise.
• Technology is only as effective as the people using it – staff need training, support, and confidence to implement digital tools.

2. Challenges to Digital Adoption in Healthcare

• Lack of IT support and expertise for clinicians.
• Funding constraints that limit effective implementation.
• Many clinicians only use digital tools at a fraction of their full potential due to a lack of structured training.

3. The Shuri Network: A Platform for Diverse Digital Leaders

• Founded in 2019 to support women from minority ethnic backgrounds in digital health.
• Membership has grown from zero to 3,000+, including 300 allies.
• Works with NHS England, NHS Digital, and other key partners to deliver fellowships, bursaries, podcasts, and speaking opportunities.
• Aims to increase diversity in digital leadership to avoid bias in digital health solutions.

4. The Shuri Digital Fellowship
What is the Fellowship?

• A career development program that builds digital knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills for NHS and social care staff.
• Only program specifically for women from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Focus on peer support, mentorship, and networking.

Who Can Apply?

• Women from minority ethnic groups.
• NHS and social care staff (Bands 5-8a) across all professional groups (nurses, midwives, pharmacists, informaticians, AHPs, etc.).
• No prior digital experience required – just a passion for improving patient care through technology.

What the Fellowship Includes:

• One-to-one coaching (tailored career development support).
• Educational workshops on digital tools, implementation, and career progression.
• Networking events with senior NHS digital leaders.
• Shadowing opportunities with digital health professionals.
• Fortnightly webinars covering topics like AI, EPRs, data usage, and digital leadership.
• Public speaking & confidence-building workshops.
• Opportunities to attend national digital health conferences.

Impact of the Fellowship

• 100% of fellows report increased confidence in digital roles.
• Over 30% of alumni secured new roles or promotions after the program.
• Alumni have progressed into CNIO (Chief Nursing Information Officer) and Clinical Safety Officer roles.

5. Application & Selection Process

• Applications open in early June 2024 for three weeks.
• Selection process includes shortlisting and interviews.
• Cohort starts in September 2024.
• Hybrid format – mostly virtual, with in-person networking and graduation events.
• Approval from your manager is advised to ensure time commitment can be met.

6. Advice from a Fellowship Alumni (Eloho Wadioglu)
Tips for a Successful Application:

• Highlight your interest in digital health, even if you don’t have a digital role.
• Showcase transferable skills (communication, leadership, innovation).
• Explain how the fellowship aligns with your current role or future career aspirations.
• Demonstrate how you plan to "lift as you climb" – helping others benefit from what you learn.

How to Get the Most Out of the Fellowship:

• Be actively involved – don’t just attend, participate.
• Engage with your peers – networking is key.
• Come prepared for coaching sessions – set goals and priorities.
• Take advantage of shadowing opportunities – understand real-world applications of digital health.
• Apply what you learn to your role – digital skills are relevant in all areas of healthcare.

7. Final Takeaways & Next Steps

• Digital leadership in healthcare is critical – but we need diverse voices at the table.
• You don’t need to be a tech expert to apply – just a passion for improving patient care through digital innovation.
• The Shuri Fellowship is a unique opportunity to develop skills, confidence, and connections in digital health.
• Applications open in June 2024 – keep an eye on the Shuri Network website for updates.

🚀 "Go for it – have confidence in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you." – Shira Chok

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