Barts Health NHS Trust

Judges praised Barts Health NHS Trust’s ambitious work to build digital, data and AI skills across its 24,000-strong workforce. Utilising a mix of expert-led and AI supported in-person and online training, the Trust has enabled 200 learners to complete Level 3 and Level 4 Data Analyst and Level 4 AI for Business Value apprenticeships. It has also run innovation hackathons, bringing staff together to create practical tools and dashboards that help teams use NHS data quickly and effectively.

The benefits are already being felt by staff and patients. One staff member used newly acquired AI skills to develop a communication tool for intubated patients who cannot speak, write or easily signal their needs after surgery. Another apprentice created a real-time patient flow dashboard for a busy hospital department, giving clinical teams instant visibility of demand, reducing waiting times and freeing up more time for direct patient care.

The Get the Nation Learning Awards are part of Get the Nation Learning Week, running from 2–6 November. Led by Learning and Work Institute and backed by more than 220 organisations, the Get the Nation Learning campaign celebrates the power of lifelong learning to change lives, strengthen communities and support better work.

Professor Sanjiv Sharma, Group Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, said:
“This recognition celebrates colleagues who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning while continuing to support our patients, services and teams every day. Their willingness to develop new skills and knowledge is inspiring and reflects the culture of continuous learning we are working to build across Barts Health. Learning is not just about individual career development; it helps us improve the way we work, adapt to new challenges and deliver the best possible care for the communities we serve.”

Roushon Begum, Apprenticeships Project Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, said:
“It has been a privilege to successfully complete my Data Analyst apprenticeship while working in the Apprenticeship Team and supporting colleagues with their data and digital learning journeys. The programme has strengthened my skills and confidence, enabling me to break down data silos, solve complex data challenges, automate manual processes and pivot apprenticeship data into meaningful insights for senior leaders.

I am grateful to my employer for offering me this opportunity, and to Multiverse for the training that strengthened my knowledge and skills. It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to digital transformation and innovation, helping to build data and digital capability across the Trust, resulting in improved patient care and experience.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“Technology is changing rapidly and it is vital that employers are able to adapt. Barts Health NHS Trust is a highly deserving winner of our Learning with Technology Award, demonstrating how investment in digital skills can support staff progression and improve patient care. Its achievements are inspiring, and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate them at the Get the Nation Learning Awards 2026.”

Rebecca Garrod Waters, CEO at Ufi VocTech Trust, said:
“Barts Health NHS Trust is a powerful example of what can happen when technology-enabled learning is embedded in everyday work. By giving staff the opportunity to develop digital, data and AI skills while continuing to deliver vital services, they are creating solutions that improve efficiency, support better decision-making and, most importantly, enhance patient care. Their work demonstrates the huge potential of learning with technology to deliver benefits for both individuals and organisations.”