AI surprises: Five minutes with Ed Kendall, director of advanced analysis at NHS England
In this sister series to our ‘Five minutes with’ interviews, we share insights from the civil and public service leaders who will speak at our Innovation conference. Taking place in London on 25 and 26 March, attendees will hear about how their peers are developing new approaches to policymaking and service delivery.
In this interview, Ed Kendall, director of advanced analysis, data and analytics, at NHS England – who will speak at Innovation 2025 in the session Applying AI in the UK government: how to make it happen – tells GGF about unpicking siloed data, and the first cassette he bought.
Click here to find out more and register for Innovation 2025
What are you most interested in discussing at Innovation 2025?
I’m really keen to get a broad view of the types of problems AI is being successfully deployed to. As capabilities get better I expect to be surprised at where, as much as how, it is delivering results.
What more do you want to achieve before you retire?
In health (as in probably most places) things can be siloed across national, regional and local level and across domains such activity, finance and workforce. For data and analysis we’ve made progress in unpicking some of this, and I would love to say we’ve succeeded before retirement.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your working life?
In meetings observe what the person who has most influence does, and observe what the person who is most senior does. Compare and contrast.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the civil service?
Finding a way to get on with people is an important skill that we underemphasise.
Are there any projects or innovations in the UK that might be valuable to your peers overseas?
We have a work programme on developing data and analytical professionals in the healthcare sector, including standardised but flexible competency frameworks, links to training opportunities and a vibrant online community (known as AnalystX). I wonder whether that could be really helpful in other areas.
What attributes do you most value in people?
Conscientiousness, friendliness and adaptability.
What was your first car?
A Ford Fiesta LX1.25. Probably one of the last cars without power steering and I loved it for that.
What was the first piece of music you bought?
A tape (a tape!) of No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom. I have bought music far more embarrassing since, but I am pretty pleased young-Ed made a solid first decision at least.
Click here to find out more and register for Innovation 2025
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