Videos / Using real-world NHS job data to inform and improve the standards for data-related roles (6:43)

Using real-world NHS job data to inform and improve the standards for data-related roles (6:43)

Northern Health Futures (NortHFutures)

14 July 2026

Last Updated

1 January 2025

Should all Data Scientist roles within the NHS have the same skill set? Are recruiting organisations across the NHS consistent in their requested skills when hiring a Data Scientist? As a Data Scientist at the NHS, Tom has delved into these questions and more. In collaboration with NHS England and utilising NHS Jobs data, he have conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing the skill sets of Data Scientists across the NHS.

In this talk, he will introduce you to some of the techniques he has used to extract skills from job descriptions and compare the skill sets of various vacancies. This analysis has provided a clearer understanding of the Data Science landscape within the NHS and has helped quantify the potential impact of initiatives like the National Competency Framework on its workforce.

Instructor

Tom Owen

Data Scientist, NHS Business Services Authority

Tom began his career as a Data Scientist during his PhD at Newcastle University. Tom’s research involved applying analytical met...

Organisation

Northern Health Futures (NortHFutures)

The Northern Health Futures (NortHFutures) Digital Health Hub aims to enhance health and wellbeing across the North East and North Cumbria region of the UK. The hub facilitates responsible research and innovation in healthcare technologies (health-tech), supported by inclusive digital skills sharing, training, and making connections. We take a people-centred approach and are committed to humanising health-tech by championing equity, participation, and investment across the region. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone, from health and social care professionals and industry leaders to community organisations, advocacy groups and academic researchers, can come together to collaborate, innovate and share insights and experience.