About

Process mapping is a way of clearly documenting how a task or activity is carried out, step by step, so that it can be analysed and improved. A process is something repeatable that can be followed from a set of instructions and helps ensure productivity and control.

In the NHS finance context, process mapping is particularly useful for identifying inefficiencies and making improvements that support standardisation and automation. Improving a process involves three key steps: first, mapping out the current process; second, analysing what isn’t working; and third, optimising it by simplifying, standardising, and then automating where possible. AI tools like ChatGPT can now support much of this work by suggesting improvements and technologies to streamline tasks, freeing up staff time for more valuable work. The focus is on making processes as clear, consistent, and efficient as possible. Learn more and use our AI Forum Assistant here.

Workshops

During the Process Redesign with AI workshops, attendees will learn how to map their processes and use AI to redesign them to be more efficient. Attendees will also be equipped with the tools to be able to start to teach others these skills. The pilot workshop was led by Oli Deacon, a former Finance Director at Microsoft who empowers finance teams with the skills they need to thrive in the future of finance.

No technical expertise is required—process mapping is for everyone!

If you have booked on to attend one of the workshops, in preparation you will need to ensure you have:

• Downloaded the ChatGPT app by OpenAI on a personal device and set up a free account. You can start playing with it before the workshop, if you are not already familiar with it, maybe ask it to plan your next meal from what you have in the fridge.
• Think about the processes you would like to map (e.g. raising a Purchase Order) and come prepared with three processes in mind that you’d like to work on.

The slides from the pilot workshop and a workbook to get you started with process mapping are both available for you to download at the bottom of this page.

We are looking for volunteers to run these Process Redesign with AI workshops, if you have attended one of the workshops and feel that you are ready to teach others how to do the same, drop us an email at finance.innovation@nhs.net or one.finance@nhs.net

Book on to the upcoming online workshops:

More dates will be added soon.