People first, digital forward: why workforce systems are the missing link for unlocking digital potential

Too often, digital investment is channelled into EPRs, while the systems that underpin day-to-day workforce experience are left behind. As the NHS prepares for the Future Workforce Solution (FWS) to replace ESR, and a new target operating model for people services, join the Chief People Officer and Digital Portfolio Lead behind Lancashire and South Cumbria’s People Digital Programme to understand what’s possible when Corporate Services and Clinical Users collaborate to deliver a blueprint for workforce systems transformation. The blueprint both complements and accelerates the national ambition set out in the 10 year health plan, by addressing some of the most persistent frustrations for NHS staff: slow onboarding, fragmented access, poor data quality, paper-based processes and difficulties accessing support when needed. By automating joiner-mover-leaver processes, systems provisioning, every staff member enjoys secure, seamless entry to digital and physical environments from day one. AI-powered digital assistants can be available 24/7 to empower and support staff, while a unified person-data repositories enables staff to retrieve their own personal information on-demand and provides managers real-time, actionable insights.