On Monday 18 May 2026, the Council hosted an invitation-only pre-Spring Conference dinner at Woburn House, London, kindly sponsored by Elsevier.
The evening brought together a small group of leading healthcare academics from our member universities across the UK alongside the Council’s Chief Executive, Chair and Director of Policy and External Affairs, as well as representatives from Elsevier. The event provided members with an opportunity to engage directly with key sector figures and contribute to open, forward-looking discussion in an informal setting.
The central theme focused on how AI-enabled, personalised learning can support and accelerate the transition from nursing students into practice-ready professionals. Discussions explored both the opportunities presented by advancing technologies and the responsibilities associated with their adoption across education and practice environments.
Members shared perspectives on how AI can enhance learning experiences, better support students during placements, and help build confidence as individuals enter the workforce. At the same time, there was clear recognition of the need to uphold equity, transparency, safety and robust data governance, ensuring that innovation strengthens professional standards and public trust.
The conversation also highlighted important policy considerations, including how regulatory frameworks, educational standards and workforce strategies must evolve to keep pace with technological change. Ensuring that students not only benefit from innovation but also develop strong critical thinking skills was identified as a key priority for the profession.
Ed Hughes, Chief Executive of the Council, said:
It was invaluable to bring together industry leaders and our members in such an open and constructive setting. As AI continues to shape the future of education and practice, these discussions play a vital role in informing our policy thinking and helping us respond to the evolving needs of students, educators, healthcare system leaders and researchers.
David Game, SVP of Product Management at Elsevier Health Education, said:
The CODH pre-Spring Conference dinner provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from nursing leaders and educators and to understand the key concerns shaping the sector. Ahead of the dinner, we asked guests to share their top three concerns, and responses showed strong common ground – particularly around supporting students through recruitment, wellbeing and placement support; strengthening clear career pathways; ensuring government strategy is fit for purpose; and the use of AI, especially in relation to assessment, alongside its use in teaching and learning. The role of simulation in nurse training also featured strongly. Overall, this informal feedback offered a clear and timely snapshot of leadership priorities, and it helped guide a lively, action-oriented conversation throughout the dinner.
The small-group format enabled a rich exchange of insights, reinforcing the importance of bringing together voices from across the community to inform the Council’s work.
The Council extends its thanks to Elsevier for the evening, and to all members and colleagues from Elsevier who contributed their expertise and perspectives. Themes from the discussion will continue to inform conversations in ongoing policy development, particularly in the Innovation Strategic Policy Group.
Elsevier have also published their report based on the conversations from the dinner.
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