Hospice UK and Cornell have joined hands to launch the Hospice Data Academy to address the critical digital skills shortage in the UK health and social care workforce.
The aim of the academy is to enhance the data skills and knowledge of hospice professionals. By giving hospice staff a better understanding of patient and care data, service provision can be improved, while also increasing equity and inclusion in hospice care.
The Hospice Data Academy will give around 100 hospice professionals across the UK the chance to join the Imperial College and Cornell Data-Driven Professionals programme.
Rowena Lovell, director of strategy and governance at Hospice UK, said: “We know that making the best possible use of data is fundamental to the future of hospice services.
“Whether analyzing patient data, driving improvements in equity and inclusion, or looking at fundraising trends, it is so important that hospice professionals have the skills they need.”
The Level Three apprenticeship program is suitable for those working in all departments of hospice care – including human resources, fundraising and service provision – and equips them with the skills they need to make the best possible use of data in their respective roles .
In addition, students will receive vocational training and one-to-one coaching from experienced professionals.
The Hospice Data Academy program is being funded by over £1 million in gifted apprenticeship levies from Corndale’s corporate partners. The scheme allows employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy to transfer 25% of their funds to another organisation.
Ali Terrington, Director of Charity Partnerships at Cornell, said: “As the demand for data literacy continues to grow, initiatives such as the Hospice Data Academy play a vital role in equipping professionals in the third sector with the skills they need – Require to make motivated decisions.
“We are also delighted to welcome a high proportion of women (87%) to the programme. By investing in the development of data literacy among hospice professionals, Hospice UK is not only contributing to the future success of hospice services and the care they provide for local communities, but also fostering a more inclusive and diverse data-driven workforce Giving











