Shape
Shape encapsulates the insights from all of the previous pathways; Explore, Embed and Drive. It encourages consideration of how the ideas raised can be used to shape decisions and actions to have significant, positive impact for the sector. This pathway is for everyone, but especially for anyone responsible for making strategic decisions or leading organisations at a local, regional or national level (e.g. policy-makers, board-level leaders, chief executives, business owners, directors).
If you aren't sure you understand any of the content, jump back to the Drive pathway and use the resources there to develop your knowledge before carrying on.
The Shape Pathway
Step 1 - Developing a Digital Mindset
| Overview |
Adopting a digital mindset can be crucial when trying to lead your organisation towards a successful digital future. |
| Watch |
To explore what it means to have a digital mindset, watch the short video (44m 18s) included below: |
| Questions |
Having watched the video, has this changed what you think it means to have a digital mindset? Reflect on the key messages to challenge your own digital mindset. Consider your current ways of working, thinking and doing. |
| Further Resources |
Consider exploring the Digitally Enabled Workforce's Digital Mindset for Leaders page for more resources and future Digital Mindset sessions. |
Step 2 - Building a Digital Culture
| Overview |
Demonstrating innovative ways of working, thinking and doing can help to build a thriving digital culture in which your employees feel empowered to embrace technology. |
| Questions |
| Reflecting on the digital culture of your own organisation, what do you and other leaders already do to collectively lead your organisation towards a digital future? |
| Task |
Have a look at the questions in this resource which challenge and provoke digital ways of thinking. They have been developed for board-level leaders but can be used by any senior leader: Link: Questions for Boards Use these questions to initiate meaningful conversations with other senior leaders. Try to follow these conversations up with practical actions that will help develop the digital culture of your organisation. |
Step 3 - Inclusive Digital Transformation Across Health and Social Care (New)
| Overview |
As health and social care services continue adopting digital-first approaches, there is an increasing need to ensure digital transformation remains inclusive, accessible and person-centred. Digital confidence, trusted information, accessibility and health literacy can all influence how people engage with digital health and care services. |
| Read |
Read the “PIF Health and Digital Literacy Survey 2025/26 - Executive Summary” from the Patient Information Forum. The executive summary explores progress and challenges relating to health literacy, digital inclusion and digital-first services across health and social care organisations. It highlights concerns around digital exclusion, misinformation, equalities impacts and confidence in digital-first care, while also identifying leadership, trusted information and digital skills as important enablers of more inclusive digital health and social care services. Link: PIF Health and Digital Literacy Survey 2025/26 - Executive Summary |
Step 4 - Together We Can
| Overview |
Improving population health requires long-term thinking and collaboration across sectors such as health, social care, social work, housing, education and communities. Consider how digital, data and public health insights can support strategic decisions that improve population outcomes and reduce inequalities. |
| Read |
Read the Strategic Vision from Public Health Scotland’s 10-year strategy “Together We Can”, which sets out a long-term direction for improving health and wellbeing across Scotland. The strategy highlights the importance of prevention, partnership working and the use of data and evidence to inform decisions that improve life expectancy and reduce health inequalities. |
| Questions |
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Step 5 - Shaping Digital Transformation at Scale (New)
| Overview |
Delivering digital transformation at scale requires clear strategic direction, prioritisation, and the ability to coordinate change across complex systems. Consider how large-scale digital programmes move beyond individual tools or technologies to enable integrated services, improve outcomes, and address system-wide challenges such as access, workforce pressures and health inequalities. |
| Read |
Read “NHS Grampian highlights 12 digital priority programmes for delivery in 2026/27” from the Health Tech Newspaper which outlines a coordinated portfolio of digital initiatives focused on areas such as digital tools, digital infrastructure, data use, and service redesign to support more efficient, connected and person-centred care. It demonstrates how organisations are translating strategy into tangible, system-wide delivery through prioritised programmes. |
| Task |
Consider how a structured portfolio of digital priorities could be applied within your organisation or sector. Identify:
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What next?
You have now completed the Shape pathway.
Pathway Update Notifications
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Feedback
Use this Feedback Form to share any comments or questions you have about the pathway. You can also use this form if you spot that any of the links aren’t working, or the resources aren’t available.
