Bursaries for aspiring NHS CIOs, CCIOs and CNIOs

The Digital Health NextGen Bursary Programme supports the progression of aspiring digital leaders 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 Digital Health Summer Schools, 17-18 July at the University of Warwick. You will have the unique opportunity to network, learn and connect with senior teams leading major digital programmes across the NHS in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The NextGen bursary programme, sponsored by Salesforce and InterSystems, is a unique chance to take the next step in your digital leadership journey.

Included:

• 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 you navigate and get the most out of attending Summer Schools

Why Apply?

The NextGen Bursary Programme provides a unique opportunity to:

• Develop your digital health leadership skills through peer advice, workshops and speaker insights
• Be inspired by leading CCIOs, CIOs and CNIOs from across the UK
• Earn 10 CPD points to support your professional development
• Build lasting professional relationships for future peer-to-peer support
• Hear from other NHS organisations on different stages of their digital journeys
• Meet and learn from national leaders and regional leaders

“A great opportunity to hear directly from the sector leaders, and to network with like-minded professionals…”

Rumiko Yonezawa, Associate Director of BI and Analytics, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

“[Summer Schools] helped me a lot with networking with colleagues from different areas of the country as well as internationally…It makes me realise how my decision to switch my career to digital as the best decision I have made.”

Ken-Rodulf Villaruel, Information Officer for Nursing, Midwifery and AHP, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS FT

“A great experience offering a fantastic blend of knowledge, experience and networking opportunities. I left feeling inspired and excited for the future of digital health.”

Renee Hall, Associate Nursing Informatics Officer, Mid & South Essex Foundation Trust

Key dates

• Application deadline: Friday 2 May 2025
• Submissions reviewed: Monday 12 May-Wednesday 21 May 2025
• Applicants informed of the outcome: Thursday 22-Friday 23 May 2025

Eligibility criteria

To apply for the NextGen Bursary Programme, 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

Thanks to Digital Health Networks sponsors

NextGen Bursaries

Thanks to Digital Health Networks sponsors