NHS England has confirmed a new partnership approach to support the professional recognition of the NHS Digital, Data and Technology workforce, bringing DDaT roles into closer alignment with other established NHS professions.
The approach recognises the critical role that digital, data and technology professionals play in delivering safe, reliable and modern healthcare services.
Through collaboration with the Federation for Informatics Professionals (FEDIP) and its member professional bodies, NHS England will support a phased expectation of professional membership and registration, starting at senior levels, alongside improved affordability of membership for the majority of the workforce.
Professional membership provides access to recognised ethical standards, continuous professional development, and national communities of practice. This work does not introduce new mandatory employer training requirements and takes account of existing professional and financial commitments, particularly for clinical colleagues.
The offer introduces a phased and affordable expectation of professional membership, starting with senior roles and expanding to all levels by 2031.
With significantly reduced membership rates for AfC Band 7 and below, supported Continuing Professional Development, accreditation pathways and access to national professional communities, this programme brings DDaT in line with other established NHS professions.
Further details of the offer, including the new affordability rates, are available on the NHS website: https://digital-transformation.hee.nhs.uk/news/professional-membership-for-the-nhs-digital%2C-data-and-technology-workforce