ShiftPartner, which was first used at Southend and Broomfield hospitals, works with electronic rostering systems to give managers a clear overview of the skills, schedules and training needs of their staff.

In addition, the platform supports staff by making it easier to swap shifts, find learning opportunities and improve work-life balance.

ShiftPartner's chief executive and founder is Dr Dilshan Arawwawala, consultant and chief clinical information officer at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. He said: ‘Using cutting-edge AI and behavioural analysis, ShiftPartner helps match the right people to the right shifts at the right time, unlocking potential within the workforce, allowing organisations to use, develop and retain talent more effectively. It also helps improve care for patients by building a more flexible, skilled and engaged workforce.

‘We are proud to have been selected for the NIA, which means the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care can see the practicalities of this software and the efficiencies it will bring.'

Selina Dundas, chief people officer for the trust, added: ‘Encouraging our people to innovate helps us grow as an organisation and find smarter ways to support our workforce. ShiftPartner's AI-driven approach is already making a difference by improving workforce planning, reducing reliance on bank staff and helping retain staff by offering opportunities to gain new skills and work across different departments.'