Our Work
The Shelford Group is led by the ten member chief executives and the managing director, who set the strategic direction and policy priorities for the Group. Our work is co-ordinated by a central secretariat, and delivered through sub-groups of executive directors and professional leads from member trusts.
We have three modes of operating, through which we aim to create value for members and the wider health system:
- Mutual learning: Supporting collaboration to share best practice within the network and the wider NHS.
- Policy Development: Navigating and shaping the external environment to maximise the positive contribution Shelford Group Trusts can make to the health system including the “three shifts” of sickness/prevention, hospital/community and analogue/digital.
- System leadership: Building partnerships within healthcare, life sciences, academia and government, developing our role as anchor institutions and giving back to the NHS.
We have three strategic objectives:
- Lead improvement in NHS services through the 10 Year Health Plan and Workforce Plan.
- Strengthen research and innovation that supports improvement and contributes to economic growth.
- Achieve sustainable success as NHS provider organisations including clinical, financial, environmental and workforce factors.
Our strategic priorities
Latest News
Expansion of pioneering START programme announced
The Shelford Group has announced a major expansion of its pioneering Surgical Training in Advanced Robotic Technology (START) programme, extending accredited, platform-agnostic robotic surgery...
New SNCT and MHOST data capture workbooks published
New ‘Data Capture Workbooks’ have been published by the Shelford Group. These are optional tools to support trusts with collecting SNCT and MHOST data. The workbooks enable trusts to input data...
MHOST Fellowship: bringing mental health workforce insight to the refresh of the Mental Health Optimal Staffing Tool
In 2025, Kerry Woodcock, Head of Professional Standards and Practice Education at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, joined the Shelford Group as MHOST Fellow, a role established to...


