NHS Communications AI Forum

Purpose 

To ensure ethical integrity in the design, deployment and evaluation of AI-powered communication across the NHS, grounding activity in the existing NHS Communications Ethical Framework and supporting trust, inclusivity, and transparency across all initiatives. 

Aims and objectives

• Embed the NHS Communications Ethical Framework in all AI communication pilots and practices within the scope of the Network.
• Advise on ethical considerations related to algorithmic bias, digital exclusion, transparency, and data use in communication technologies.
• Proactively identify and escalate potential ethical risks during the development, implementation, and scaling of AI communication tools.
• Champion inclusive, culturally sensitive, and psychologically informed design in AI-enabled communication strategies.
• Support upskilling and awareness among NHS communicators around ethical use of AI and emerging standards.

Scope

This workstream includes all NHS communications initiatives using AI - patient-facing, staff-facing, or system-level, where ethical judgement, oversight, or assurance may be required. It will support local implementations as well as national guardrail setting via the Taskforce.

Purpose 

To ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of AI-powered communication initiatives within the NHS, supporting continuous improvement, accountability and alignment with strategic objectives of communications and engagement teams.

Objectives

• Develop and implement a framework to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of AI communication tools (aligned with national frameworks: NHS AI Lab, DQMI).
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics across pilots and deployments.
• Provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to inform decision-making and future strategy.
• Work on a basis that successes, outcomes and risks are the key measures to help guide this work.

Scope

This workstream covers all AI-enabled communication tools and processes commissioned or piloted under the NHS Communications AI Taskforce, including but not limited to patient-facing applications, internal communications enhancements, and digital engagement strategies. 

Purpose

To explore, test, and support innovative AI tools in NHS communications while identifying training needs and building digital literacy across the communications profession.

Objectives

• Identify and share examples of effective AI innovation in NHS communications
• Explore practical applications through demonstration and peer learning
• Map skills gaps and develop approaches to build AI capability
• Contribute to the design of accessible learning resources for NHS communicators
• Support safe and effective adoption of AI tools across NHS organisations

Scope

This workstream covers all AI-enabled communication tools and processes commissioned or piloted under the NHS Communications AI Taskforce, including but not limited to patient-facing applications, internal communications enhancements, and digital engagement strategies.

Daniel joined the NHS Alliance in December 2018 as its director of communications. His team is responsible for communications activity at the NHS Confederation and NHS Employers, which is part of the Confederation. 

Daniel is a former journalist and now communications director with over 25 years’ experience of working in high-profile national organisations, including think tanks and membership bodies. 

He began his career as a news reporter on a local newspaper before joining Sky News as a news reporter. He then joined the independent health think tank The King’s Fund, where he eventually became deputy director of communications before taking up the role of director of communications at another think tank, the Nuffield Trust, in 2009. After seven years he left to become director of communications at NHS Providers before joining the NHS Confederation in December 2018.

Daniel has an MSc in public policy, has completed the CIPR diploma in public relations and is a member of the CIPR. He is a member of the CIPR’s Health Committee. Daniel is also a Visiting Fellow at Buckinghamshire New University where he is a contributor to the postgraduate qualification in health communication and consultation. Daniel runs an NHS communications network for member organisations of the NHS Confederation, and co-founded the NHS Communicate initiative in 2021 with NHS Providers and the Centre for Health Communications Research. He is currently part of two major initiatives to improve communications practice in the areas of AI and diversifying the profession. 

Ranjeet is the national NHS Communications AI Taskforce Chair, a role that he shares with Daniel Reynolds, Director of Communications at the NHS Confederation. The Taskforce is the single convening space where all NHS Communications AI Network workstreams come together with national experts to shape the future AI policy and practice landscape. Under his leadership, the Taskforce is driving forward a shared vision for how AI can be embedded responsibly, transparently, and inclusively across health communications. 

With over 25 years of experience in NHS communications and engagement, Ranjeet brings unparalleled expertise in leading large, complex systems. He currently manages one of the most extensive health communications portfolios in the country, working both at system level with South East London ICB and at provider level as a Board Director at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, where he is responsible for AI strategy. 

Ranjeet is passionate about how AI can transform NHS communications, not only by improving efficiency and insight, but also by supporting more personalised and equitable engagement with diverse communities. He is a vocal advocate for ensuring that AI adoption actively contributes to reducing health inequalities, using data and technology to better understand and address the wider determinants of ill-health. 

Richard is an experienced communications leader with expertise and academic qualifications in public relations, business and reputation management. He has worked across both provider and commissioner organisations and now operates at board level in the NHS. 

Richard is currently Director of Communications and Community Engagement at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), where he leads strategic communications and engagement to support staff, patients, and the wider community. 

Alongside his Trust role, Richard plays a national leadership role as Co-Chair of the Monitoring and Evaluation working group for the NHS Communications AI Network. In this capacity, he is helping to shape how communications professionals across the NHS can build confidence and capability in using AI responsibly. His focus is on ensuring AI tools are applied in ways that improve transparency, sharpen insights, and enhance public engagement, while always safeguarding trust and inclusivity.

Sumit has over 15 years of experience in communications, spanning both the public and private sectors. His career has covered the full breadth of the profession - from speechwriting and internal communications, to public affairs and strategic leadership. He is currently Deputy Director of Communications at West London NHS Trust, where he leads on delivering impactful communications that connect staff, patients, and communities.

Alongside his Trust role, Sumit is a founding member of the NHS Communications AI Network, and serves as Co-Chair of the Innovation and Training working group. In this position, he plays a central role in supporting NHS communications professionals understand, adopt, and apply new technologies with confidence.

Sumit is particularly passionate about building the skills and confidence of communicators so that AI becomes a trusted tool for innovation, rather than a source of uncertainty.

Caitlin is the Senior Marketing and Communications Officer for our Member Communications department, where she works closely with senior colleagues to ensure all members’ concerns are effectively represented across our communications and marketing output, from our Daily Member Briefing, through to social media, and wider marketing output.

She has a strong interest in inclusivity in health, health communications, and community outreach, building trusted relationships with diverse communities to make sure messaging is relevant, representative, and accessible to all. 

Alongside this, Caitlin plays a leading role in the NHS Communications AI Network, where she oversees communications, collaborating with network members and specialist working groups to champion high quality and innovative practice. Her focus is on how AI can be harnessed responsibly and inclusively - ensuring that emerging tools can improve efficiency while also strengthening equity, trust, and engagement across all communities.  

Michelle joined Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) as Director of Communications and Engagement in September 2025, bringing a wealth of experience from senior communications leadership roles across the NHS. She has previously served as Director of Communications at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and led the Insights and Communications Team at Bristol ICB, where she built expertise in system-wide engagement, behavioural insights, and strategic communications.

Alongside her Trust role, Michelle is also Co-Chair of the NHS Communications AI Network's Ethics working group. In this role, she champions the responsible and trusted adoption of AI across health communications. She leads discussions on ethical governance, transparency, and accountability, helping to ensure that as AI tools become embedded in NHS communications, they are used in ways that uphold public trust, avoid bias, and strengthen equity. 

Michelle is particularly interested in the evolving role of communications leaders as stewards of ethical AI adoption, not only as innovators, but as guardians of integrity in how technologies are applied across health and care. 

Sarah Roberts Chart.PR, FCIPR, is an award-winning, senior communications leader with more than 15 years’ experience across digital, internal and strategic communications in healthcare and public service.  

A Chartered practitioner and CIPR Fellow, she leads digital communications at Cambridge University Hospitals, one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals with a focus on delivering improved staff and patient digital experiences through compelling, audience-led content and accessible platforms. 

As a co-chair of the NHS Communications AI Network's Training and Innovation Group, she aims to empower communicators to take the driving seat in unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence, through knowledge sharing and upskilling. 

Emma is a communications and corporate affairs leader with almost 20 years’ experience spanning government, the NHS and the private sector. With a track record advising CEOs, health leaders and ministers on fast-moving, dynamic narratives, she is also passionate about health tech and the digital development of the NHS.