The Digital Health Networks Advisory Panel elections are now complete, and we’re delighted to confirm that newly elected members for the 2025–2027 term are now in place. Thank you to everyone who nominated, campaigned, and voted – your participation has helped shape the leadership of our CCIO, CIO, and CNIO Networks for the next two years.
The Advisory Panels are a core part of our professional community, bringing together passionate digital health leaders from across the NHS to drive transformation, provide expert guidance, and represent the collective voice of their networks. From mentoring and community engagement to strategic planning and advocacy, these new panels will be at the forefront of supporting digital leaders and ensuring our Networks continue to thrive.
Learn more about the role of the Advisory Panels, their members, and the benefits of getting involved below. We look forward to the exciting work ahead with our new panel teams.
- Lia Ali, Consultant Psychiatrist and Digital Health Strategy, South London and Maudley NHS FT
- Asad Ashraf, GP/Clinical Director and Digital Transformation Lead, NHS North East London ICB
- Ameet Bakhai, Clinical Safety Officer / Chief Research Informatics Officer, Royal Free London NHS FT
- Basil Bekdash, Clinical Safety Officer and Digital Lead, Sheffield Children’s NHS FT
- Stephen Bush, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Bishoy Dimitri, Director of Clinical Informatics (CCIO), Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT
- Sarah Hanbridge, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Nursing, Midwifery and Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Ramandeep Kaur, Group Chief Clinical Information Officer, University Hospitals of Northamptonshire
- Penny Kechagioglou, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
- Yvette Khozam, Lead ePMA Pharmacist West London NHS Trust
- Yat Li, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Clinical Safety Officer, Consultant Anaesthetist, The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust
- Jayne Lim, Chief Clinical Information Officer and Caldicott Guardian, Consultant Physician, Royal Free London NHS FT
- Sian Clark, Chief Digital Information Officer, Nottinghamshire Healthcare FT
- Amy Freeman, Chief Digital Information Officer, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
- Dawn Greaves, Associate Director of Digital Transformation, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
- Abigail Harrison, Chief Digital, Infrastructure and Improvement Officer, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT
- James Hawkins, Chief Digital and Information Officer, York and Scarborough NHS FT
- Kathryn Kaboutian, Hospital Group Deputy CDIO, North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS FT
- Shaukat Ali Khan, Executive CDIO, NHS West Yorkshire ICB
- Debbie Loke, Executive Chief Digital Information Officer, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS FT
- Ufuoma Okpeahior, Digital Health Senior Project Manager, Notthinghamshire Healthcare NHS FT
- Andy Poole, Head of Data Science & AI, Dorset ICS
- Lee Rickles, CIO, Humber Teaching NHS FT
- Louise Williams, Deputy Chief Digital Information Officer, Sussex Community NHS FT
- Filipe Alves, Group Chief Nursing Information Officer, Royal Free London NHS FT
- Jodian Barrett, Deputy Chief Nursing Information Officer, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- Karen Bridgeman, Digital Matron, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust
- Emily Burch, Chief Nursing Information Officer, North London NHS Foundation Trust
- Melanie De Witt, Chief Nursing Information Officer, North Bristol NHS Trust
- Hayley Grafton, Chief Nursing Information Officer, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- Jennifer Lyons, Digital Clinical Lead, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
- Misbah Mahmood, CXIO and Clinical Safety Officer, Bradford District Care FT
- Joe Rouse, Clinical Apps Specialist & Registered Nurse (Child), South Central Ambulance Service
- Shella Sandoval, Chief Nursing Information Officer, East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
- Amy Vercell, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, The Christie NHS FT
- Jo Witchard, Lead Digital Midwife, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS FT
The Digital Health Networks Advisory Panels are at the heart of our professional community, dedicated to driving digital transformation within healthcare. These panels provide leadership, guidance, and advocacy for their respective networks, ensuring that digital health professionals across the NHS have a strong, collective voice.
Each advisory panel consists of 12 elected members who serve a two-year term, working together to shape the direction of the Digital Health Networks and influence national digital health policy. These panel members are supported by 6 additional members, selected by elected panel members to act in a flexible tailored role to support the panel’s needs at any given time. By facilitating collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship, the panels play a pivotal role in supporting current and future digital leaders within the NHS.
The key functions of the Advisory Panels include:
Setting strategic priorities: Defining the key focus areas and objectives for the Digital Health Networks.
Supporting professional development: Providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for digital health professionals.
Engaging with national stakeholders: Collaborating with policymakers and NHS leaders to drive positive change.
Encouraging active participation: Creating opportunities for community members to contribute to discussions and initiatives.
The Advisory Panels are a platform for collaboration and innovation, ensuring that digital health professionals are equipped with the resources and support needed to advance the sector.
Serving as a panel member is a unique opportunity to influence the future of digital health and grow professionally. Benefits include:
Strategic influence: Help shape the direction of the Digital Health Networks and contribute to discussions that impact national digital health policy.
Collaboration with leaders: Work alongside influential NHS digital leaders, policymakers, and industry partners.
Professional development: Enhance your leadership profile, gain public recognition, and participate in high-profile industry events and discussions.
Exclusive networking: Build relationships with peers, national decision-makers, and industry innovators.
Mentorship opportunities: Support and guide the next generation of digital health professionals through structured mentoring programmes.
Industry engagement: Influence key Digital Health events, contribute to industry publications, and participate in research and policy discussions.
Recognition and visibility: Panel members gain exclusive benefits such as priority access to events and opportunities to share insights through articles, webinars, and podcasts.
By joining an Advisory Panel, you not only contribute to the growth of the digital health community but also gain invaluable experience and recognition as a thought leader in the field.
Advisory Panel eligibility depends on the specific network:
- CNIO Panel: Current Chief Nursing Information Officers, any nurse, midwife, AHP, pharmacy professional, healthcare scientist with a recognised clinical qualification, current clinical registration, and digital leadership experience.
- HEALTH CIO Panel: Current CIOs, IT directors and other senior IT leaders working for health and social care providers and commissioning bodies, and with digital leadership experience.
- CCIO Panel: Current Chief Clinical Information Officers, any doctor, nurse, midwife, AHP, pharmacy professional, healthcare scientist with a recognised clinical qualification, current clinical registration, and digital leadership experience.
Candidates must actively work within the NHS or health and social care providers and should not primarily be employed by national agencies. Eligibility is reviewed by the Digital Health Networks in consultation with panel chairs to ensure alignment with the network’s goals.
Serving as an Advisory Panel member requires an active and engaged commitment to the Digital Health Networks. Panel members play a key role in shaping discussions, leading initiatives, and supporting the wider community. While the role is designed to be flexible, members are expected to participate regularly in meetings, mentoring, and content creation to ensure the Network remains impactful.
Monthly virtual meetings: Participate in 1-hour virtual meetings to discuss ongoing initiatives, share updates, and make strategic decisions.
Quarterly in-person meetings: Advisory Panel members meet in-person to collaborate more closely with each other and various stakeholders. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for in-depth discussions and planning.
Mentoring programme: A key responsibility of panel members is leading a 6-month group mentoring programme designed to nurture the next generation of digital health leaders (visit our mentoring page for more information).
Additional activities: Engage in activities that support the Network’s objectives, such as contributing to webinars, writing blogs, and supporting community-driven initiatives. Panel members are also encouraged to take part in podcasts, draft white papers, and provide feedback on key policy and programme developments.
On average, panel members should expect to dedicate approximately 3–4 hours per month to their role over the course of a year. For further details on this please see the Terms of Reference.
By dedicating time to these commitments, Advisory Panel members play a pivotal role in advancing the Network’s mission and empowering future leaders in digital health.
FAQs for the elections can be found here:
Frequently asked questions
View the full terms of reference and guidance for advisory panel members here:
CCIO, CIO and CNIO Advisory Panel Guidance
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