Collaboration and workforce development are essential together if we want to make the most of the opportunities AI offers for health and social care services in Wales.
National Data Resource (NDR)
A fantastic example of collaboration in Wales is the National Data Resource (NDR). The NDR is a national data enablement programme, whose cloud platform joins up health and social care data services from across Wales, making data easier to access and analyse in a safe, secure and ethical way.
Beyond the technology, what makes the NDR unique is its federated model. This is not just DHCW’s programme. It represents a truly collaborative strategy, co-created with health boards/trusts and social care, in partnership with local authorities, industry and academia. By putting collaboration at the heart of the model, we’ve built a foundation where AI and data innovation can flourish nationally, not just locally.
We realised early on that building data culture and skills would be crucial, if we’re to maximise the benefits of the NDR. So, there are a number of initiatives that are driving collaboration and skills development in tandem.
I lead the Advanced Analytics initiative. My approach centres on three collaborative portfolios: Secure Data Environment, GitHub GIG Cymru and Capability which includes learning programmes, professional community and learning platforms.
The Secure Data Environment (SDE)
The SDE provides a secure platform to enable collaboration across academia, industry, and health and social care. We support the creation of collaborative governance and agreements and, importantly, provide and support the technical platform to analyse health and care data securely. Stakeholders – from different organisations, using different tools – develop new solutions and analyses without ever having to remove the data from its secure location. This has already facilitated all sorts of interesting collaborations and is proving to be a key factor in attracting future research and innovation funding into Wales.
GitHub GIG Cymru
Our GitHub service allows developers in different organisations to collaborate on, share and improve the coding used for digital solutions. This is the first time Wales has had a coordinated, national platform for safe yet open code sharing, creating a community of practice that directly accelerates innovation.
Developers can now work together, roll out updates to users, and track where code has been shared and used. Since launching, hundreds of projects are live on the service, many of which are being showcased through our new Solutions Exchange platform – a huge step forward for collaboration. These solutions are intended to accelerate the benefits of the National Data Resource (NDR) platform.
Capability
Analytics Learning Programme (ALP)
For the last four years, the ALP has been demonstrating how workforce development and collaboration can be combined to really shift ways of working with data (including AI).
The six-month programme brings together people in a wide range of roles across all the health boards and local authorities in Wales. Importantly, it’s collaboratively delivered, as well as collaboratively received.
The programme teaches all sorts of skills related to analytics, from technical skills, like programming in SQL or Python (domain-specific languages used to manage data) and even machine learning and AI, to interpersonal skills, like asking questions, telling stories with data, and showing competency in a board meeting. Interestingly, much of the positive feedback is around these professional aspects, as well as the collaborative nature of the programme and group work. For many attendees, this represents their first opportunity to work on a cross-organisation collaborative project. Yet, gratifyingly, a lot of the groups formed in the programme build collaborations that continue after the programme.
Increasingly, participants are experimenting with AI and Cloud computing during the programme, which has accelerated adoption of these methods in Wales.
ALP modules are in the process of being certified and accredited. The first module won CPD accreditation as recently as September 2025 and we are working hard to continue this across all available and future modules. We are also working in partnership with Welsh universities to gain higher education accreditation for the programme as a step towards a degree or master’s degree.
ALP for Leaders
Building on the success of the Analytics Learning Programme, we’ve now launched ALP for Leaders. A short leadership programme designed specifically for senior leaders across NHS Wales and Social Care.
Developed with and adapted from the UK Government’s Data Masterclass, the programme equips executives with the judgement and practical skills to use data confidently in their decision-making. Leaders learn how to translate organisational priorities into measurable data questions, interrogate evidence and uncertainty, and steer safe adoption of analytics and AI.
The first cohort launches in October 2025 with one of our health board partners, where participants work through online modules, case studies and facilitated reflection sessions. The programme is supported by keynote contributions from leading data communicators, alongside real NHS Wales and social care case studies.
By focusing on how leaders engage with evidence, ALP for Leaders is helping to create a new generation of leadership who can not only demand robust analysis, but also lead the safe, responsible and impactful use of AI and automation in health and care.
Both ALP and ALP for Leaders benefits from our cutting-edge Virtual Learning Environment, designed to foster sustainable, interactive learning. This experience is further enriched by our challenge-based curriculum, ensuring practical application and long-term impact.
Big Data events
DHCW works in partnership with Life Sciences Hub Wales to deliver quarterly national Big Data events. Big data inherently requires collaboration. By bringing together people from across the spectrum of health and social care, we hope to spark ideas for new uses of data, as well as facilitate connections between audience members.
These initiatives don’t just spark innovation, they also embed ethical governance and ensure alignment with national strategy, so that ideas scale safely and consistently across Wales.
Building the future
As we move into an era where AI and advanced analytics are increasingly available, collaboration becomes more crucial than ever. The enthusiasm I see across our health and social care system shows that people genuinely want to work and learn together, they're ready to embrace these opportunities if we create the right collaborative frameworks. By embedding ethical governance within our national approach and combining workforce development with cross-sector partnerships, Wales is positioning itself as a leader in responsible and collaborative advanced analytics for health and care.
To find out more about these initiatives, head to DHCW’s website.