Mentoring

Networks Mentoring Programme

The Networks Group Mentoring Programme has been created to support emerging and newly appointed digital leaders on a career pathway to CNIO, CCIO, CIO, CSO or equivalent roles.

For 2025 we are expanding the programme to five mentoring streams. Mentoring will be carried out by members of the three Networks Advisory Panels (CIO, CCIO and CNIO), CSO Council members and the alumni network of the Digital Health Leadership Programme at Imperial College. All mentors are passionate about supporting the next generation of digital leaders and believe this is a great way in which to help grow and develop the digital health community.

The 2025 programme will run from January to June 2025. Applications are now closed to join the scheme.

CNIO advisory panel For emerging or newly appointed digital leaders seeking personal growth in CNIO, digital leadership, Nursing, Midwifery, AHP and equivalent roles.

CCIO advisory panel For emerging or newly appointed digital leaders seeking personal growth in CCIO, digital clinical leadership roles and equivalent roles.

CIO Advisory panel For emerging or newly appointed digital leaders seeking personal growth in CIO, digital and data leadership, CTO, CDO and equivalent roles.

CSO Council For Clinical Safety Officers and those with digital clinical safety as a key part of their role, or those aspiring to move into a clinical safety officer role.

DHLP Alumni Network For emerging digital leaders across the NHS ecosystem seeking practical advice at the intersection of health informatics, business strategy and leadership (for clinical and non-clinical digital professionals).

"What a wonderful experience! It provided a safe place to explore our concerns, learn from others and grow as individuals"

Johanna Kelly

CNIO, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

The offer

We are offering a virtual group mentoring programme which takes place over the duration of 6 months and is facilitated by either of the CIO, CNIO or CCIO advisory panels, the DHLP alumni or the CSO Council. There will be 5 mentoring programmes running concurrently for those looking to further their careers in digital health and care leadership.

The mentoring programme is structured as follows:
– 1 x 30-minute individual introductory session for each mentee with their mentor to gauge current development needs to be addressed as part of the programme.
– 6 x 60-minute group sessions which will follow a flexible structure of pre-planned session themes, to ensure that all mentees receive the same standard of mentoring.

If additional support can be offered in addition to the above, this will be at the discretion of the mentor and their availability.

I’m delighted that all three Advisory Panels have agreed to share their knowledge and experience through a structured mentoring programme, helping colleagues across health to develop their digital careers and leadership skills to drive more improvements in patient care and patient safety.

Paul Jones

CDIO, Leeds Teaching NHS Trust

Benefits

An independent digital mentoring programme
Supports emerging and newly appointed digital leaders seeking growth
Creates a pipeline of talent for the next generation of digital leaders across varying roles
Provides exposure to senior leaders within the NHS, their experience, guidance and support
Provides an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning as well as mentor to mentee advice and guidance
Increases the networks and connections of emerging ad newly appointed digital leaders
Provides exposure to other opportunities to further career development; both within Trust and externallyr

"I appreciated the knowledge and reassurance my mentor offered. The mentoring programme increased my confidence".

Rachel Rayner

Associate CCIO, Midlands Partnership NHS FT

The Process

Preparation phase
– Sept/Oct 2024: Online application requesting personal details and applicant’s requirements of the mentoring programme.

– Nov 2024: Screening candidates against the selection criteria, shortlisting and matching mentees with mentors.

Delivery phase
– January 2025: Individual 1:1 meeting to discuss application and current development needs of 30 minutes.
– January to June 2025: 6 x themed group mentoring sessions of 60 minutes.

Evaluation and monitoring phase
– A short questionnaire to both mentees and mentors will be sent after the mentoring programme has taken place to gauge impact.

This programme has given me a chance to give back to community which grew me. I would encourage all healthcare professionals irrespective of clinical background and current digital role to apply for the mentoring programme. We look forward to your applications.

Ramandeep Kaur

Group CCIO, University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group

Criteria

To apply for the mentoring programme you should be:
– An emerging or newly appointed digital leader
– UK-based (due to mentors working within the UK NHS)
– Able to demonstrate you have the support and agreement from your employer
– Able to describe how this mentoring programme will support you on the career pathway to a digital leadership role.

Priority will be given to those that are not currently undertaking any other mentoring opportunities or leadership development opportunities.

"I now feel empowered to go into meetings and have a voice and really feel like I do make a difference".