Overview

What is Networking?

A network can be defined as a group of interconnected people. Networking is the skill that you need to develop to become an active participant in a network.

Effective networking is about a long-term commitment to building relationships that allow two or more members of a network to do something together that is better than something they would have done as individuals.

Why Network?

Whilst networking is a skill that is applicable in your personal life the information on this website focuses on developing and maintaining a professional network.

The exact reasons why you decide to invest time and effort in a professional network will vary from individual to individual. Common motivations are:

• to broaden your knowledge of the informatics function and other disciplines
• to gain a greater depth of understanding of a subject by connecting with specialists in that field
• to raise your profile
• to facilitate your career progression within or outside an organisation or profession
• to share what you know with other people
• because you find it more satisfying to work collaboratively rather than alone.

Resources

Useful information on using networks for career planning is contained in Career Planning Guidance: Networking, part of the Finance Staff Development Personal Portfolio materials. See the link below.

One of the advantages of having a mentor is that they can connect you to a new group of people and will be able to facilitate your introduction into that group. For further information visit the mentoring section of this website.

• eSpace - provides a series of on-line communities focusing on topics with a health informatics relevance
• Share and Network - a series of NHS networks, including NHS Live, designed to help spread and sustain effective concepts identified and developed by the networks
• Career Planning Guidance: Networking (part of the Finance Staff Development Personal Portfolio materials)
• Action Learning: a resource book for the NHS (2001)
• NHS National Institute for Health Research: The Service Delivery and Organisation Programme: Key lessons for network management in health care.

Further information

A number of groups provide networking opportunities that will be of relevance to health informatics staff:

Association for Informatics Professionals in Health and Social Care (ASSIST)

Various events run by local branches across England.

British Computer Society

Many events offered by local branches and specialist healthcare sub-groups, including Primary Health Care, Nursing and Interactive Care.

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals

Many and varied events across the UK.

Institute of Health Record & Information Management

See their website for forthcoming events.

Professional Association of Clinical Coders (UK)

See their web site for forthcoming events.

Institute of Healthcare Management

Programs of events offered in all regions across the UK.

NHS Faculty of Health Informatics

Offers a range of organised learning and development opportunities for members through master classes, workshops and forums.