Spread and scale AI

The RCR’s approach to AI

AI can transform how healthcare is delivered by boosting productivity, improving patient care, and helping manage rising demand for services. However, expert oversight is essential to mitigate risks and ensure its safe and effective implementation.

SOV/AI

The Sovereign AI Fund is offering grants of £1 million to £9 million to fund the creation of strategic AI assets. The programme initially focuses on two asset classes: high-value AI datasets and autonomous or automated laboratory infrastructure. Grants are open to UK-registered companies research organisations, universities and consortia with a credible plan to build a strategic AI asset aligned with one or more Sovereign AI focus areas. The scheme sits within the Sovereign AI Funds wider offer to support AI firms in the UK. Applications closed on 5 June. Published April 2026.

Implementation and scaling of AI in health and social care

An exploration with some recommendations of how different parts of the health and social care system are approaching implementation, scale and translation – from research and innovation to clinical practice. It’s based on conversations with a broad range of people, including AI specialists, GPs, dentists, researchers and innovators.

AI Opportunities Action Plan: One Year On

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology commissioned an independent AI Opportunities Action Plan which set out recommendations for Government and AI adoption across the economy to boost growth whilst improving products and services. This updates outlines how where the plan has moved from ambition to delivery and also how the UK is securing it's stake in frontier AI through the Sovereign AI Unit. Published 29 February 2026

Council of Deans of Health (UK) – Principles for the Use of Generative AI in Healthcare Education (Feb 2026)

A report outlining eight high level principles for integrating AI into healthcare education, recognising its potential to enhance teaching, learning, and student support.

NHS England Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) Supplier Registry

A national self-certified registry of AVT suppliers to support and accelerate local procurement and assurance activities to support for NHS organisations in adoption and scaling. This includes a list of self-certified suppliers, and a resource library. Published January 2026.

Scaling innovations in public health systems: guidance and toolkit

The World Health Organisation guidance and toolkit for scaling innovations in public health systems offer an evidence-based, practical framework to assist governments to lead, coordinate and sustain the scaling of health innovations. Published 30 January 2026.

Infrastructure for innovation: getting the NHS and social care ready for AI

Explores the question: what infrastructure needs to be in place to ensure that AI can be used in the health and care sectors? Published June 2025

Guidance on the use of AI-enabled ambient scribing products in health and care setting

This guidance outlines key considerations for NHS technology leaders implementing ambient scribing products across health and care settings in England. Ambient scribing products, when combined with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), can convert speech directly into structured medical documentation, such as notes and letters. The products are sometimes referred to as ambient scribes or AI scribes and include advanced ambient voice technologies (AVTs) used for clinical or patient documentation and workflow support. Updated 2025.

Putting the United Kingdom at the forefront of using artificial intelligence for the benefit of health and care: a mixed methods formative evaluation of the NHS Artificial Intelligence Lab

This document reports on the background, methods, findings, discussion and conclusions of the independent evaluation of the NHS AI Lab Published 2025.

10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future

Sets out the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England including how AI and technology will be included. Published 2025.