CDAO Conference 2026 – Leeds
Introducing the CDAON Conference – Click here
Join senior data and analytical leaders from across the NHS for a full day of insight, challenge and collaboration. This year’s programme brings together national experts, system leaders and frontline practitioners to explore the future of NHS data, analytics and AI.
Pre‑Conference Evening
A relaxed start to the CDAON experience
Aim: To create a friendly, informal networking environment for the UK’s senior data and analytical professionals.
- 6:30pm – Arrival and informal networking
- 7:00pm – Welcome speeches
- Afterwards – Open networking with music
Session Sponsor: Hunter
Conference Day Programme
8:30 – 9:30
Tea & Coffee on Arrival
9:30
Welcome Remarks & Housekeeping
Dr Marc Farr
Chief Data and Analytical Officer, East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & NHS Kent and Medway ICB
10:00 – Session 1
‘A shift left sounds great but there’s no data over there’
What does the 10‑year plan mean in practice for data and analytics?
The shift to regional and ICB‑level planning introduces new expectations around local population data, new measures of value, and new analytical approaches. This session explores how the NHS can adapt to these significant changes in data use and capability.
Chair: Ruth Holland
Speakers: Sam Williamson, Matt Hennessey, Jane Johnstone / Emma Wright, Laura Bell
Session Sponsor: Alteryx
11:15
Coffee Break
11:45 – Session 2
‘Is there anyone left that understands how this machine works?’
With changes to NHSE, CSUs and ICBs — alongside the rollout of the Federated Data Platform and Secure Data Environment — the future organisation of the NHS analytical workforce is uncertain. This session examines what the new landscape may look like and what it means for capability and delivery.
Chair: James Freed
Speakers: Janine Dellar, Helen Seth, Will Monaghan, Rick McLeod
Session Sponsor: Multiverse
12:45
Lunch
13:30
Data Observatory Launch
Chair: Rony Arafin
With: Kate Cheema
A first look at the new Data Observatory for Health and Care.
13:45 – Session 3
‘Can AI really transform the way we think about health?’
A deep exploration of how AI is reshaping our understanding of health, care and population outcomes — and what this means for analytical practice and decision‑making across the NHS.
Chair: Tilly Allen
Speakers: Roger Taylor, Sarah Culkin, Chris Mainey, Catherine Dampney, Benedikt von Thungen, David Howell
Session Sponsor: Snowflake
15:00
Coffee Break
15:30 – Session 4
‘At which point will we believe the analyst rather than the consultant?’
With the NHS and wider government still heavily reliant on management consultancy, how do we move toward a model where senior analysts sit at the executive table and external assurance becomes the exception rather than the norm? This session explores how to reposition consultants as providers of specialist, high‑value, ad‑hoc insight.
Chair: Joe Talora
Speakers: Lisa Fox, Ranjita Sen, Rowland Adigee, Simon Miller‑Wellesley, Rachel McIlroy
Session Sponsor: Hunter
16:45 – Panel & Next Steps
‘What does the future hold for the CDAON?’
A forward‑looking discussion on the future direction of the Network and the wider analytical profession.
Chair: Marc Farr
Speakers: Ruth Holland, James Freed, David Howell
17:15
Close
Marc Farr