The Digital Health Networks Mentoring Programme is an informal but structured initiative created to support the next generation of digital health leaders. It is designed for those at the start of their leadership journey or newly appointed to senior roles, offering guidance, peer learning, and inspiration from those already leading the way.
Mentors volunteer their time to share experience, insight and encouragement, helping to build confidence and capability across the community.
The programme is open to emerging and newly appointed digital leaders working in the NHS who want to take the next step in their career.
It is especially relevant for those aspiring to or recently appointed as:
CNIOs and digital leaders in nursing, midwifery, AHP and equivalent roles
CCIOs and digital clinical leaders
CIOs, CTOs and CDIOs
CSOs
Future digital leaders from across the NHS preparing for senior positions
If you are passionate about developing your career in digital health and care leadership, this programme is for you.
By taking part, mentees gain:
Guidance and advice from experienced NHS digital leaders
Peer-to-peer learning alongside other aspiring leaders
Career development support to help prepare for senior roles
Connections and networks across the digital health community
Confidence building through shared learning and safe discussion spaces
The mentoring programme runs over six months and includes:
1 introductory 30-minute one-to-one session with your mentor to agree focus areas
6 60-minute group mentoring sessions on key leadership themes such as:
personal impact and influence
visibility and perception of your role
goal setting and career planning
Regular informal communication via email or WhatsApp to maintain connection and support
Structured resources and materials to guide discussions
Additional support through webinars, with mentors sometimes offering one-to-one guidance (at their discretion)
Our mentors are experienced digital leaders who volunteer their time to support the next generation. They include:
Members of the CIO, CCIO and CNIO Advisory Panels and CSO Council
Alumni of the Digital Health Leadership Programme at Imperial College
They bring experience from across the NHS and are committed to sharing their knowledge to strengthen leadership across the system.
To apply, you must:
Be UK-based and working within the NHS (applications from suppliers will not be accepted)
Be an emerging or newly appointed digital leader preparing for a senior role
Be passionate about wanting to advance your digital health career journey
Have support from your employer to participate
Show how the programme aligns with your career goals
Be available to attend scheduled sessions
Priority is given to those not currently part of another mentoring or leadership programme.
For the 2026 Mentoring Programme, the timeline is:
September 2025 – Applications open
October 2025 – Screening, shortlisting and matching with mentors
Nov–Dec 2025 – Introductory one-to-one sessions
Jan–June 2026 – Group mentoring sessions
July-Aug 2026 – Programme closes with feedback survey
