Trust Awarded Digital Inclusion Charter Accreditation

3 September 2025

Velindre University NHS Trust has proudly received the Digital Inclusion Charter Accreditation from Digital Communities Wales (DCW), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to digital equity and innovation.

This prestigious recognition celebrates Velindre’s efforts to embed digital inclusion across all levels of its organisation, from strategic planning to frontline service delivery.

Digital Communities Wales (DCW) is a Welsh Government programme that is designed to facilitate digital inclusion and improve basic digital literacy across Wales. The Digital Inclusion Charter exists to support and champion organisations in Wales who are willing to promote basic digital skills and help people get online.

DCW praised Velindre’s approach as a “model of best practice,” highlighting its ambition, innovation, and people-centred ethos.

Velindre is now the second Health Board/Trust in Wales to achieve this accreditation, joining Hywel Dda University Health Board in leading the way for inclusive digital transformation in healthcare.

Digital inclusion is a cornerstone of Velindre’s Destination 2033 Digital Strategy. The Trust’s dedicated Digital Inclusion team has championed equitable access to digital tools and training for staff, patients, and volunteers.

Velindre’s evidence submission, titled Digitally Transforming Healthcare, showcased the tangible impact of its digital inclusion work, including:

• Over 100 inpatient nurses upskilled in cloud-based systems
• Ward infrastructure transformed via M365 SharePoint
• 250 radiotherapy staff trained through in-house e-learning
• 50 nurses and 6 reception staff upskilled in MS Lists
• Enhanced digital confidence for the Welfare Rights Team
• Trust-wide induction module, ‘Digital Hello’, embedding inclusion from day one

Carl Taylor, Chief Digital Officer, said:

“….The partnership forged between Digital Communities Wales (DCW) and the Trust, over the last three years, has provided exceptional support, guidance and rigour, as the Trust worked towards achieving accreditation of the Digital Inclusion Charter. DCW encouraged us to be bold! Establishing ‘Digital Inclusion’ as one of our six themes within our Digital Strategy, ensuring a consistency in our approach with due consideration of ‘leaving no-one behind’. Their positive influence has empowered us in our work and continues to support our development of both accessible and acceptable digital services for our patients, donors and colleagues….".

Lindsay Foyster, Vice Chair of Velindre University NHS Trust, said:

“….I am delighted to have been appointed as Vice Chair for the Trust at this exciting time. The Partnership with DCW has helped the organisation understand the profound impact of our digital inclusion activities to date – bringing our colleagues across the Trust, in from the edges of inclusion - building strong digital foundations and upskilling those who in turn, will support our patients, donors and their families. I look forward to championing the next phase of the digital inclusion plan….”.

Looking Ahead

Velindre University NHS Trust’s priorities for 2025–2026 include:

• Expanding Microsoft 365 adoption
• Launching a senior leadership upskilling programme
• Supporting Cardiff University clinical students during placements
• Collaborating with the Welsh Blood Service on the Better Blood training initiative
• Improving digital access for porters, estates, and catering staff

The Trust is also preparing to launch a Digital Heroes Network in partnership with DCW, alongside the strategic use of the Learn365 platform to deliver personalised training dashboards. Persona workshops have helped tailor digital support to the unique needs of different staff groups, ensuring no one is left behind.

This accreditation reflects a shared vision between Velindre University NHS Trust and Digital Communities Wales: to create a digitally inclusive Wales where everyone has the skills and confidence to thrive.

Special thanks to Elin Griffiths, Tristan Fareel, and the Velindre Digital Inclusion team for their continued leadership in championing accessibility, inclusion, and innovation.