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Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber is now accepting applications for Cohort 10 of the Digital Ambassadors Programme, giving healthcare professionals across Yorkshire and the Humber the skills, knowledge and confidence to drive digital transformation in health and care.

Since the programme launched, nine cohorts have taken part, with more than 200 digital ambassadors completing the training.

Designed for the healthcare workforce, the programme builds digital innovation, transformation and improvement skills through a varied curriculum and guest speakers who are experts in their fields. Every session combines real-world insight with practical theory, showing you how to lead and support the adoption of digital innovation across your organisation.

Sandra Oates, Head of Operational Service Transformation at Locala Health and Wellbeing CiC, said:

“As a senior leader with more than 10 years’ experience leading services, including operations, transformation and improvement, and as a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, I joined the Digital Ambassadors Programme expecting to deepen my understanding of digital innovation. What I found was a much broader and richer development experience. The programme explored the critical role of leadership, culture, co-design, governance, digital inclusion and measuring impact in delivering successful transformation.

It reinforced an important principle: being digital first, not digital only. Technology should enable better outcomes, but people, accessibility and equity must remain at the heart of service design. Learning alongside colleagues from across health and care provided valuable insight, challenge and networking opportunities, while the practical project focus helped translate learning into real-world application. I have come away with fresh perspectives, and greater confidence to lead meaningful and sustainable change.”

While digital innovation and the conditions for its success are at the heart of the programme, it also champions patient and public involvement, co-design and the reduction of health inequalities, all vital to safeguarding the future of healthcare services.

Barbara Conneely, Head of Portfolio at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, said:

“Digital is central to how health and care services will be delivered in the future, and the workforce needs to feel equipped to lead that change. The Digital Ambassador programme is an opportunity to build the skills, networks and confidence to make a lasting difference, for your organisation and the people you support.”

Apply now Digital Ambassadors Programme: Applications Cohort 10 & 11 – Fill in form

Programme information:

The programme comprises of nine virtual sessions, lasting two hours each. They are delivered via Microsoft Teams, utilising a blended learning approach with expert speakers, interactive sessions and peer discussions.

Session dates are to be confirmed, but sessions are likely to run every Tuesday from 12:30 – 14:30, from mid-November 2026 through to the end of January 2027.

Sessions will run online via Microsoft Teams once a week, lasting 2 hours each.

The programme at a glance:

Week 1: Understanding the NHS and your role in it

Week 2: Introduction to digital technologies and innovation

Week 3: Understanding digital readiness

Week 4: Understanding the governance and legislation that support digital transformation and innovation

Week 5: Inclusive digital transformation and co-design: exploring how technology can be used to create an environment that is accessible and inclusive for everyone

Week 6: Digital innovation and the art of the possible

Week 7: How to successfully measure the impact change and how this can help to develop a case for change or a business case

Week 8: How digital innovation and transformation can help to reduce inequity and inequalities in health

Week 9: Ambassador’s network and course reflections: consolidating and reflecting upon the lessons learnt in the previous modules.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 27 October 2026 at 12:00pm.

Please note that, as this programme is free, spaces are limited, therefore, prompt applications are encouraged.

Express your interest today by completing our Digital Ambassadors Programme: Applications Cohort 10 & 11 – Fill in form

If you have any queries about the programme or would like to request a copy of the programme’s prospectus, please contact sahar.kazmi@healthinnovationyh.com