Masterclass for board directors: AI at scale - Maximising the opportunity for the NHS
29 June 2026
9:30 - 17:00
In-person
IBM, 20 York Road, London,SE1 7ND
Digital
Overview
Artificial intelligence is rapidly being implemented across the NHS. For executive and non-executive directors it is important to feel confident in their understanding of AI and its application across health and care settings, in order to effectively maximise the opportunities available and manage any associated risks.
This masterclass, delivered in partnership with IBM, is designed for board leaders who want to build their confidence on what AI is, how it is being adopted, how to maximise value and how it can be effectively governed.
Key takeaways
The masterclass will help board level leaders across health and care settings to:
- Build a strong understanding of what AI is.
- Understand the key risks, regulatory considerations and clinical assurance associated with AI.
- Explore how other NHS organisations are approaching AI and the benefits being realised.
- Gain clarity on your role as a board director in overseeing AI strategy and implementation.
I found the whole day and all sessions incredibly stimulating. The thought leadership, innovation, utility and examples were brilliant.
Agenda
Monday 29 Jun
09:30Registration and breakfast
10:00Welcome
Welcome
Setting the scene by grounding AI in today’s NHS reality, gauging confidence in the room, and shaping a shared conversation around what leaders actually need — not what suppliers want to sell.
10:30Session 1
What AI is and what it is not, and why it matters for you in your role on an NHS board?
This session demystifies what AI actually is (and isn’t), explains why modern AI behaves differently to traditional IT systems, and explores the real clinical safety risks such as hallucinations, bias, and over‑confidence. Crucially, it sets out pragmatic governance approaches that allow organisations to enable innovation while remaining safe, accountable, and compliant - without needing to become data scientists overnight.
Speakers: Dr Avi Mehra, Clinical Safety Officer & Associate Partner, Healthcare and Life Sciences, IBM
Dr Avi Mehra
12:00Lunch
13:30Session 2
Real world use cases of AI from the NHS and beyond
Drawing on real‑world NHS and cross‑industry examples, this session shows how organisations are using AI to reduce administrative burden, improve access, personalise communication, and scale insight at speed. This session features live demonstrations from NHS organisations using AI, and an opportunity to ask open questions about real implementation experiences.
Trust case study: Dr Shankar Sridharan, chief clinical information officer at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, will lead a live demonstration of AVT showcasing how it works in practice, the improved outcomes for patients and the benefits of staff productivity and efficiency.
Speakers:Paul Frodsham
Dr Shankar Sridharan
15:00Break
15:15Session 3
Using AI to increase productivity and efficiency: A practical guide for board members
Most AI initiatives fail not because of technology, but because organisations start in the wrong place. This practical segment offers a clear, board‑level guide to getting started: how to choose the right problems, how to assess value versus risk, and how to avoid “pilot purgatory.” Leaders will leave with a simple framework for prioritising opportunities, building momentum, and treating AI as an organisational capability - not just another digital project.
Speakers: Kerman Jasavala, associate partner and healthcare productivity lead, IBM
Kerman Jasavala
15:45Workshop
Leaving with practical actions
16:45Reflections and Close
Who should attend?
This masterclass is designed for all board directors, both non-executive and executive directors. The content is applicable to those with a digital background as well as those looking to develop their understanding.
How to book
This masterclass is free, however you will need to book in advance to receive joining instructions and further information. If you have any questions, please contact the Digital team: digital.boards@nhsproviders.org.
This masterclass is being run in partnership with IBM. Please note that by registering for the masterclass, your registration details will be shared with IBM for the purpose of event management and follow-up after the event. If you would like to opt-out of sharing your details with IBM, please contact digital.boards@thenhsalliance.org and for further information on how IBM uses data, please view the IBM Privacy Statement on IBM's website.