Cohort 1: PGCert Update
We launched Scotland's first master’s level leadership programme focused on digital transformation in 2023, welcoming Cohort 1 participants on their learning journey.
It has been exciting to see such strong representation from across the sector, with individuals embracing the programme as a key part of their personal and professional development. We are equally thrilled to witness how the learning is being applied operationally within organisations, driving meaningful change.
Launch Event March 2023
The launch event for Cohort 1 of the postgraduate programme 'Leading Digital Transformation in Health and Care for Scotland' took place on 21 March 2023. The event featured guest speakers and senior leaders, setting the scene of the programme. Participants gained insights into digital health and care developments across four European countries and had the opportunity to connect with their peer support group, network with academic staff, subject matter experts, and senior leaders.
Participant insights
Feedback was gathered from participants at the end of each course in Year 1, with key quotes highlighting the programme’s impact:
“My participation on the course has allowed me to strategically inform our 5-year strategy which has recently launched, not only is this ambitious but it takes the full organisation on the journey, every department, every staff member, and every [service user].”
“I have become more involved in influencing other digital programmes and projects as part of the bigger picture.”
“[I’ve gained] realisation of how far away our organisation is from being digitally mature and the potential for digital to fundamentally change how health and social care operates.”
“This course has made me think about the bigger picture of digital transformation within my organisation. I now incorporate this into my day-to-day decision making.”
When asked about their readiness for more senior digital leadership roles after the first course, 26% felt significantly equipped, and 60% felt somewhat equipped.
Celebration and Impact Event June 2024
Cohort 1 PGCert Year 1 concluded in June with a Celebration and Impact event at the Playfair Building, Edinburgh University. Participants, their executive sponsors, and senior leaders from the health, social care, and housing sectors attended.
The keynote was delivered by John Halamka, President of the Mayo Clinic Platform, USA.
Year One Annual Report - Published February 2025
The Leading Digital Transformation in Health & Care for Scotland 2023/24 Annual Report provides an evaluation of Year 1 of Cohort 1 (April 2023 – June 2024), comprising 48 senior leaders from health, social care, and housing. It offers an overview of the programme’s structure, key elements, and an analysis of the evaluation and impact activities.
Executive insights
In response to questions about the impact of new skills and knowledge gained by participants, specific changes within their organisations, and general feedback about the programme, executive sponsors provided the following insights:
“This was a ground breaking approach to bring people from across sectors together all with the common goal of improving knowledge and skill as digital leaders. The number of man hours committed to developing this programme… would be wasted if we did not continue. It will take several cohorts to make a big difference, but the difference will have longevity… In my view it will not realise its non-financial value for a number of years but this is truly worth it and this was never a quick fix.”
“We are currently reviewing our operational processes internally, including how we communicate, store and share information. [The candidate] has brought skills and knowledge to help us mainstream and accelerate our operations.”
“[The participant has brought] Improved understanding of the problems we have, the source of the problems not just the symptoms so a more holistic, user centred approach can be taken.”
