TechToTransform

We’re kicking off our first episode of 2024 with a focus on student mental health. Today’s students are facing a very unique set of challenges, the Covid legacy, and the cost-of-living crisis, have added to the ‘traditional’ pressures a student might face during their time at university. But the sector is responding, and there is some fantastic digital tools out there providing extra support. So what can we expect to see develop further over the coming months? We spoke to Aphrael Spindloe, Content Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, to find out more about the support that’s out there for both students, and universities, and how tech can play an all important part in the mental health agenda.  This year, Student Minds is supporting the sector through a number of initiatives, take a look at Aphrael’s top picks below:  Student Space provides a range of trusted information, tools and services to help with the uncertainty of student life.  The Student Minds Hub is a place where you can find community, engage with training, and resources, and find out how your university can put student mental health first.  #UniMentalHealthDay On the 14th March, the nation will get talking about student mental health and working together to make mental health a university-wide priority. No matter who you are, you can take part in this day.  University Mental Health Manifesto Sign up to Student Minds’ national newsletter to stay up-to-date with progress of the manifesto. 

As the saying goes… if you do what you always did, you’ll get what you’ve always got. ‘Neutered tech’, as Dan Fitzpatrick, The AI Educator, likes to call it, is when we follow the above approach when we apply technology to our traditional ways of working, and then expecting a different outcome. Dan enables schools to innovate in an AI world. He wrote the bestselling book  "The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education. In this episode of TechToTransform, he speaks to Rebecca Paddick about what the future holds for AI in our schools, and how disruptive edtech leaders can empower educators and learners to embrace AI's potential. Dan talks about the strategy needed for change in an ever-evolving AI world. Take a listen. Dan’s upcoming book,  Infinite Education, provides the four step strategy for leading change in the age of AI. Packed with strategies, case studies, and insights, it empowers educators to lead with purpose and build institutions that are dynamic, resilient, and ready for the future.

In this episode, Rebecca Paddick spoke to Holly Felstead, Social Media Manager at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.  TikTok and other social media sites have helped Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to target new audiences of all ages, and to generate meaningful engagement.  Holly and Rebecca discussed why some NHS Trusts may have shied away from TikTok in the past and how the attitude towards the platform has now shifted, and how else the NHS could leverage TikTok to effectively communicate important health information to different audiences.  Take a listen. 

In this episode, Rebecca Paddick spoke to Dr Ian Jackson, IT Lead and webmaster at International Association for Ambulatory Surgery, to discuss how the Labour Government could leverage technology to improve patient care. Ian became Clinical Safety Officer for York Teaching Hospital NHSFT in 2011. His extensive experience in the CSO role has been gained both in development and deployment of healthtech software. The two largest projects being the implementation of York Trust Electronic Patient Record into Scarborough Hospital which had no EPR and creating the Safety Case for an in house developed Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) system. Both projects were successful and were well received by clinicians and nursing staff in the Trust. Today, Ian continues to provide the CSO role for the Trust and several other health IT firms. During the discussion, Ian highlighted some of the digital health tools helping to make healthcare more accessible and equitable, and the metrics the government could use to evaluate the success of tech-driven healthcare initiatives.   Take a listen.

In this episode, Rebecca Paddick spoke to Mark Anderson, known as the ICT Evangelist, to find out what’s next for tech in schools.   Mark is a former school leader with more than twenty years of experience in the classroom, and is now one of the UK’s most in-demand consultants and trainers, who advocates for the purposeful use of technology.   Mark talked about the future potential of generative AI, and the ethical considerations educators and edtech developers prioritise when implementing AI-driven solutions. He also discussed tech’s role in aiding schools to streamline their data on crucial areas like attendance, and what the results of the upcoming election could mean for edtech. Take a listen.   Additional resources: Global EdTech Awards https://edtechawardsglobal.com EdTech Playbook https://edtechplaybook.co.uk Mobile phone guidance  https://ictevangelist.com/ten-takeaways-from-the-dfes-mobile-phones-in-schools-guidance/ Little Book of Gen AI prompts  https://ictevangelist.com/free-resource-the-little-book-of-generative-ai-prompts-for-teachers/ AI policy template for schools https://ictevangelist.com/free-resource-use-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education-school-policy-template/

In this episode, we talk to Rob Anderson, Chief Analyst and Service Director, Public Sector at Global Data, about what the future holds for govtech.  Rob explained how the Procurement Act – a central digital platform for suppliers to register and store their details so that they can be used for multiple bids – could be the biggest change in public sector procurement in a generation.   Rob then talked about the potential impact of the upcoming election, and why a more digitally focused government should look to build on the existing Roadmap for digital and data.  He also discussed the potential benefits of Generative AI, the urgency for cyber security funding, and how we can continue to tackle technical debt… aka legacy tech.  Take a listen. 

Welcome to the latest episode of Tech to Transform, the Mantis podcast.   In the episode, medtech journalist and editor Ian Bolland discusses the first ever medical technology strategy. The government says the plan will support a thriving UK medtech sector and make sure the health and care system can reliably access safe, effective and innovative medical technologies to deliver the best outcomes for patients.  As well as delving into the policy, Ian discusses the sector frustrations left behind by Covid-19 and debates if the pandemic was a lost opportunity for the medtech sector to drive innovation forward.   He also tells us more about the upcoming Med-Tech Innovation Expo, and explains what medtech and healthtech vendors can do to cut through the noise and get their message heard in a busy and thriving sector.  Take a listen. 

Welcome to the first Mantis podcast of 2023. Tech to Transform is our podcast series featuring the leaders driving digital change forward in the public sector. In this episode, we talk to education journalist Charley Rogers about trends and challenges facing schools over the coming months. We discuss the types of edtech stories that cut through the noise in a busy and ever-growing marketplace, and show how the right technology can support overstretched teachers and impact teaching and learning for the better. We also take a look at what’s in store at this year’s largest edtech trade show, Bett. Take a listen.

Welcome to the latest episode of TechToTransform, the Mantis podcast.  In this episode, Mantis Account Director Rebecca Paddick caught up with Dr Sophie Newton, a GP with a diploma in Lifestyle Medicine and YouTube channel, where she aims to share accurate, honest and evidence-based medical information. They discussed life in a busy GP practice, and the ways in which technology is helping to improve patient access to primary care.  Sophie also shared what she’d say to Therese Coffey if she had ten minutes in a taxi with her. Take a listen.

Welcome to the latest episode of TechToTransform, the Mantis podcast. This episode is going to sound a little different because it’s a recap of the event the Mantis team held in Bristol on the 10th October. Mantis PR took part in this year’s Bristol Technology Festival, where we gathered a fantastic panel to discuss ‘Government innovation in science and technology, where next?’ Chaired by Eleanor Willock, Head of Mantis, the panel discussion and networking event gave the science and tech community access to the Government's own perspective on the topic, VC input on the industry investment landscape, and discussion opportunity with growth and collaboration specialists A world-leading programme of innovation in science and tech is a huge Government priority. How does it manage its ecosystem and partnerships to achieve this? How can firms wanting to work with public sector innovators become suppliers and grow their business? Where are investors focused right now? How will the NHS and health tech industry collaborate? These were just some of the questions the panellists tackled during the discussion. The full, uninterrupted panel session is already on website, but we’ve included some highlights here too, particularly some advice and insight from panellist Dr Chen Mao Davies, CEO and Founder, LatchAid, a parenting and breastfeeding support app. Chen was also a 2021 Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award Winner. Chen then discussed the types of funding her business has received to help it grow, which led the conversation on the do’s and don’ts for innovators looking for investment. Other panellist included: Matt Newman, Deputy Director of Accelerated Access Collaboration for Innovation, Research and Life Sciences, NHS England; Alex Leach, Acting Director of Innovation at the West of England AHSN, and Hugo Villanueva, Biotech and Health Specialist VC, Octopus Ventures. Take a listen.

On the 10thOctober, Mantis PR took part in this year’s Bristol Technology Festival. We gathered a fantastic panel to discuss ‘Government innovation in science and technology, where next?’ Chaired by Eleanor Willock, Head of Mantis, the panel discussion and networking event gave the science and tech community access to the Government's own perspective on the topic, VC input on the industry investment landscape, and discussion opportunity with growth and collaboration specialists. A world-leading programme of innovation in science and tech is a huge Government priority. How does it manage its ecosystem and partnerships to achieve this? How can firms wanting to work with Public Sector innovators become suppliers and grow their business? Where are investors focused right now? How will the NHS and health tech industry collaborate? These were just some of the questions the panellists tackled during the discussion. Panellists included: · Matt Newman, Deputy Director of Accelerated Access Collaboration for Innovation, Research and Life Sciences, NHS England. · Alex Leach, acting director of innovation at the West of England AHSN. · Hugo Villanueva, biotech and health specialist VC, Octopus Ventures. · Dr Chen Mao Davies, CEO and Founder, LatchAid, Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award Winner 2021 If you missed the event, you can listen to the full panel discussion and questions from the audience here.

Welcome to the latest episode of TechToTransform, the Mantis podcast. In this episode, Head of Mantis, Eleanor Willock chats to Darren Caveney, from comms2point0, a shared learning space for creative communications professionals. After 12 years as an award-winning director and head of communications, Darren launched a specialist communications consultancy which has since supported over 150 organisations across the UK. Darren discusses his career challenges and achievements, and the unique pressures on public sector comms professionals today, and how we can address them. Take a listen.

In latest episode of Tech To Transform, the Mantis podcast – we delve into a topic we’ve not visited before, homelessness. Mantis Account Director Rebecca Paddick chatted to Seb Barker, COO and co-founder of Beam, the world's first crowdfunding platform for homeless people. Seb was joined by Cllr Elly Cutkelvin from Leicester City Council. They all discussed Beam's tech-driven approach to solving homelessness, as well as its partnership with Leicester, and the city’s strong innovation ethos. Both also gave some inspiring examples of what happens when people, charities, government and companies work together, and how millions of homeless people can benefit. Take a listen.

The latest episode of  Tech To Transform is going to sound a little different, as Account Director Rebecca Paddick heads to Bett, Europe’s largest edtech trade show. Rebecca chatted to Peter Claxton, Senior Director of EdTech Solutions at ViewSonic, Lauren Jeffery, Area Sales Manager at OrCam and Sophie Bailey, Founder of The Edtech Podcast, to find out the latest edtech trends. Take a listen.

In the latest episode of Tech To Transform, Account Director Rebecca Paddick discusses all things innovation in the National Health Service, with NHS England’s Lindsey Hughes. Lindsey, the Director of Policy and Strategy, Innovation, Research and Life Sciences Group at NHS England, discusses how the dynamic and ever-evolving NHS is an institution that has famously always innovated. She also listed the areas where innovation is being prioritised. She reflected on how the pandemic has spotlighted the critical role of research and innovation. And we asked, is innovation the way forward when many Trusts remain in Covid crisis mode? Take a listen.

In the latest episode of Tech To Transform, Mantis PR Managing Director Eleanor Willock delves into the subject of chemistry. She asks, what is it? Why is it important? Does it mean different things to an agency than it does to a client? Whose job is it to build it? Eleanor and her guest, Alison O'Leary from Live True, examine some of their past chemistry experiences and get deeply into a discussion on the impact of shared values on chemistry. Alison also gives her experience on the personality types of a typical PR person. If you're building any sort of team, looking to engage with a PR agency or wondering what you need to prepare for if you do, this is the podcast for you. Take a listen.

In the first Tech To Transform podcast of 2022, Mantis MD Eleanor Willock delves into the use of data and the ethics of AI in the NHS. Eleanor spoke to Sam Gilbert, author of Good Data: An Optimist's Guide to Our Digital Future, and Daniel Bamford, Deputy Director AI Award, Accelerated Access Collaborative at NHS England, on what NHSE is doing to fund AI innovation. They discussed how machine learning is already transforming 80,000 clinical pathways, and looked at reasons to be optimistic about how good data can make a positive difference. They also questioned whether the NHS has that good data, and whether public sector tech companies should focus on other markets to attract investors. And, they explained why switching the radio to Heart FM is the first thing they'll all be doing on their imaginary taxi ride with Sajid Javid. Take a listen.

In the last TechToTransform podcast of 2021, Mantis MD Eleanor Willock talks to Liam Cahill, national adviser on health and social care, and expert in digital organisational change. They discuss the huge challenges facing the NHSE/D/X integration, whether ICS regulation will solve the innovation gap, the digital NHS mindset, and the exact point at which citizen data should become patient data. Advisory: this podcast contains Star Wars analogies some listeners may find upsetting. Although, if you do, we find your lack of faith disturbing.

Following Mantis PR’s acquisition by new parent company Ruder Finn, Eleanor Willock talks to managing director Nick Leonard. They discuss agency management, what they can learn from their colleagues and clients, how working in medtech and the public sector motivates them, and how faxing should make a return to media relations. Take a listen.

In episode 9 of our podcast series, Mantis PR's Rebecca Paddick sat down with Med-Tech Innovation’s editor Ian Bolland, to discuss the medtech market. Med-Tech Innovation is the leading multi-platform communication brand for the UK medical design and manufacturing industries. Since its launch, the title has become the voice of authority for the sector, providing daily news, technical guidance, analysis, case studies and high-profile interviews with industry experts and thought leaders. Today, we’re seeing tech revolutionise both the clinical and non-clinical fields, and with the continued drive to digitise and connect systems across health and social care, Rebecca and Ian discuss if there remains a dividing line between healthtech and medtech. They also talk about how the pandemic has driven a new wave of tech companies into the market, and they discuss predictions for the future tech trends across the healthcare sector. Take a listen.