National charity Hospice UK has launched the Hospice Data Academy in a partnership with skills training provider Corndel.
The move is aimed at building data skills and knowledge in the hospice sector.
The first cohort of nearly 100 hospice professionals from 64 hospices around England are due to take part in level three apprenticeship training under the Imperial College and Corndel Data-Driven Profession Programme.
The course involves academic classes developed by Imperial College’s Business School and Department of Computing along with vocational training and one-to-one coaching.
It is aimed at equipping participants with the skills to make the best possible use of data in their roles, which are spread between service provision, HR and fund raising. It should help Hospice UK as an organisation make better use of its data.
The programme is funded by over £1 million in gifted apprenticeship levy from Cornel’s corporate partners. Under this, employers have the option to transfer 25% of their levy for training apprentices to another organisation.
Fundamental to the future
Rowena Lovell, director of strategy and governance at Hospice UK, commented: “We know that making the best possible use of data is fundamental to the future of hospice services. Whether analysing patient data, driving improvements in equality and inclusion, or looking at trends in fundraising, it’s so important that hospice professionals have the skills they need.”
Ali Terrington, charity partnerships director at Corndel, said: “We’re also delighted to welcome a high ratio of women to this programme (87%). 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.”
