Chapter 5
Evolving your digital team
AI won’t succeed without people who can guide it.
(6) Block (2025)
There are few technical staff across NHS Trusts and ICBs with solid understanding of AI. The managers and commissioners lack solid understanding which is a huge risk. They’re deciding how and where to apply AI and are in charge of monitoring and buying AI solutions. I’ve seen how this goes wrong over the past year and witnessed how individuals shrugged-off responsibilities when it goes wrong. This not only wasted valuable resources and time but also established wrong attitudes and is solidifying poor management practices across NHS. We need to educate managers and commissioners and also ensure meritocracy by promoting and employing knowledgeable and experienced staff who are up to the job.
Lead Data Scientist, NHS Trust
A new focus for digital teams
Digital teams may need to have a bigger seat at the table in AI procurement. And there could be accelerated career progression for those able to develop the strong AI knowledge needed here.
Leading the team
Here’s what you need to think about if you’re a network leader:
Redefine entry-level roles
Consider how junior staff will learn if some of their tasks become automated. You’ll need to create new ways for them to earn their stripes.
Establish guardrails
Manage fears of rogue AI by setting up ‘Human in the loop’ governance from day one. The final authorisation for AI’s actions should always come from a human.
Open communication
Be transparent about AI’s roadmap at your Trust. 91% of NHS staff say there needs to be better communication around AI’s benefits. (7)
(7) Block (2025)
Skills development
Prompt engineering
Learn how to interact with AI effectively, including how to provide contextual information (like network topology and LLDs) to get accurate responses.
Process expertise
AI fails on poor workflows. You’ll need to become experts in process mapping and ITIL disciplines to achieve good results.
Data governance
Bad data can really lead your AI outcomes off course. You’ll need to be confident in moderating data and documentation.
Manual fundamentals
Foundational skills aren’t going anywhere. Your team needs to have mastered the hands-on skills to assess AI’s work and also step-in during power outages or AI black spots.
Data governance
Your team needs to have a hunger to learn as well as the confidence to challenge norms and identify AI opportunities. Rather than just racking and stacking hardware.
Free training for your team
Have you joined BlockHeadz yet?
It’s our free learning community for network engineers from up and down the country.
(And a completely sales-free space)
If you join, your team will receive access to:
- An online hub where members can share knowledge, insight, and real-world experience.
- Opportunities to network with other experienced architects and engineers in the UK.
- A forum to troubleshoot complex issues, fix glitches, and solve challenges together.
- Exclusive rewards, incentives, and invitations to virtual and in-person events.