What’s new with the Digital Skills Development Networks (DSDNs) in February

The DSDNs will shortly be undertaking the latest DDaT Census for 2026 and have an exciting announcement to make that they have been shortlisted for the HSJ Digital Awards 2026.

Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) Census 2026

It is important to understand the size and make-up of the Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) workforce at a regional and national level and to track changes over the years as policies and structures change.

The Digital Skills Development Networks (DSDNs) have been collecting data in 2024 and 2025 and are planning the next collection to take place as on 31 March 2026.

This is particularly important given the key role DDaT staff will play over the coming years both in establishing new structures and providing a central role in the commissioning of patient care.

If you would like to have access to the DSDN DDaT census 2024 and 2025 data dashboard, please contact: [email protected] and [email protected] who are coordinating this.

National Skills Development Network is shortlisted for the HSJ Digital Awards 2026

We are very proud to announced that the National Digital Skills Development Network has been shortlisted for the HSJ DIGITAL AWARDS 2026 for their ‘Induction programme for Clinicians New to Digital’ which equips healthcare professionals with essential digital skills through seven interactive modules co-designed by North West NHS clinical digital leaders in partnership with academia and NHS England.

Initially launched regionally, the programme now runs nationally with 80 to 160 attendees per webinar.

Free and accessible to all clinicians via the Skills Development Network website, sessions combine expert-led presentations, breakout rooms, polls, open forums, and real-world application to build confidence and foster a digital learning culture across the NHS.

The NHS Digital Academy have our fingers crossed for the finals. But whatever the outcome, we know that the network is passionate about continuing to run this programme.

The National Skills Development Network would like to thank all those who are involved in the design and delivery, the award entry is very much in recognition of your individual contributions.

Module 1 (18 February) and Module 2 (4 March) are currently open for bookings on the DSDN website and the Home page - South West Digital Health and Care Skills Development Network for the South West.