Bursary programme launches for Summer Schools 2025

Digital Health has announced the launch of its 2025 bursary programme to support the progression of aspiring digital leaders.

Sponsored by Salesforce and InterSystems, the Digital Health NextGen Bursary Programme aims to identify and promote those seeking career development in chief clinical information officer (CCIO), chief information officer (CIO) roles, and chief nursing information officer (CNIO) roles.

At the heart of the bursary programme is a free place at Summer Schools 2025, which is taking place on 17-18 July 2025 at the University of Warwick.

Lauren Hoodless, head of Digital Health Networks, said: “We are delighted to launch the Digital Health Networks NextGen Bursary Programme, supported by Salesforce and InterSystems.

“This exciting initiative offers aspiring NHS CCIOs, CIOs, and CNIOs the opportunity to grow their digital leadership skills at Summer Schools 2025, connect with senior leaders, share experiences, and gain valuable insights that will help shape their careers and the future of healthcare.”

Bursary winners will have the opportunity to network, learn and connect with senior teams leading major digital programmes across the NHS in a relaxed and supportive environment at Summer Schools.

The bursary programme includes:

• Free access to Summer Schools, including plenary sessions and interactive workshops
• On site accommodation, food and refreshments
• Attendance at a networking reception on evening of 16 July 2025
• Attendance at an evening celebration and three course meal on 17 July 2025
• An event buddy to help participants navigate and get the most out of attending Summer Schools

There are 15 bursaries available in total with five each for NextGen CIOs, CCIOs and CNIOs.

Simon Eccles, chief health officer (EMEA) and vice president at Salesforce, said: “The digital health networks are the life blood of NHS digitisation and Summer Schools is where we all come together to learn from each other.

“Salesforce is delighted to sponsor the next generation bursaries for those wishing to pursue a career so vital to the future success of the NHS.

“Having spent 20 years helping deliver digitisation into health, I can think of no better way to pay back the support the networks have given me, than to enthusiastically support the next generation.”

Patricia Goy, nurse executive at InterSystems said: “InterSystems is delighted to be a sponsor of the NextGen Bursary Programme.

“Through daily interactions with healthcare organisations on various stages of their digital journey, we recognise the importance of supporting the development of digital health leadership skills.

“The opportunities provided by the programme are invaluable in this respect, in particular the opportunity to attend Summer School plenary sessions, interactive workshops and to network with peers”

To apply for the bursary, you must:

• Be a UK resident
• Be a member of the Digital Health Networks
• Work in digital health, social care, or use technology in your daily role within health and social care
• Be employed by the NHS, public sector, non-profit, third sector, charitable organisations, or as an academic/researcher
• Be actively working towards or recently appointed to a CCIO, CIO or CNIO role (or similar position)
• Not have previously received a bursary to attend Summer Schools

The deadline for applications is 2 May 2025. Click here to apply.