University Hospitals of Northamptonshire launches Data Academy

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) has launched a Data Academy for staff working across clinical, operational, administrative and data-focused roles. 

The academy, which launched in March 2025, aims to increase the operational efficiencies of patient and non-patient facing staff to improve patient experience and outcomes, boost employee job satisfaction and enable UHN to get more value from its digital investments.

William Monaghan, group chief digital information officer at UHN said: “This academy has already proven itself to be the gateway to a far more data-enabled organisation.

“Our view has been those closest to the change are those who will always know best what needs to change.

“By equipping our colleagues with the skills to better interpret and use data, we’re not only making the care we deliver safer and more efficient but more importantly, ensuring our patients receive the excellent care they deserve.”

UHN staff with roles in theatres, pharmacy, quality and clinical coding enrol will be able to enrol across four different programmes: Level 3 Data & Insights for Business Decisions; Level 4 Data Fellowship; Level 4 Business Transformation Fellowship; and Level 4-6 programme Advanced Data Fellowship.

Learners’ projects will contribute to real organisational initiatives such as reducing patient waiting times from referral to treatment, and improving theatre utilisation.

Jayne Chambers, transformation programme manager and data apprentice at UHN, said: “Data skills have been transformational for me.

“Though I came to this programme later on in my career, I’ve found that the learning I’ve applied to my role has already been impactful in helping me create sense out of disparate data sources and truly drive change.”

The training, funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, is being delivered by Multiverse, a tech company which provides on-the-job learning to close skills gaps.

Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices in AI, data and digital skills since 2016, and works with 100 NHS trusts through its NHS Coaching team.

Gary Eimerman, chief learning Officer at Multiverse said: “Across the healthcare sector, we’re seeing that when staff are empowered to understand and act on data, it leads to smarter decision making, average time savings of 7.4 hours per week and greater opportunities for cost reduction and cost avoidance.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to support organisations like University Hospitals of Northamptonshire as they drive meaningful change through data that ultimately helps create better patient outcomes for all they serve.”

Meanwhile, NHS England has confirmed that it has dropped plans to publish a dedicated digital workforce plan which was promised in 2024.

NHSE said that the plan, setting out ambitions for the data, digital and technology workforce, will now be incorporated in the Long Term Workforce Plan refresh due for autumn 2025.