RCPCH Podcasts

How can we use digital technology to address children's physical and mental health needs and shift from reactive to anticipatory, personalised care?
This episode is the first of a series on research and child health and discusses the role of technology in transforming child health. Professor Paul Dimitri, Director of Research and Innovation at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust and paediatric endocrinology consultant talks with Nish Talawila Da Camara, Head of Research and Evidence. Paul outlines how digital tools, data and artificial intelligence can be used to build a more proactive and humane system for addressing children and young people's health.
There are many exciting advancements in the world of digital health technology, from new infrastructure like the incoming National Centre for Child Health Technology to advancements like remote monitoring, digital twins and AI. But we now face new challenges: Paul emphasises the need for child-focused digital standards and safeguarding measures. As children and young people's physical and mental needs are rising, 'the real opportunity isn't the technology itself. It's what we choose to do with it.'
Read our news page summary and download the transcript from episode 1 - on RCPCH website
Discover more of our podcasts - on RCPCH Learning
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual.
About Paul
Professor Paul Dimitri is a Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology and the Director of Research and Innovation at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust. He has been working in the field of Paediatrics since 1998 and Paediatric Endocrinology since 2004. 
Paul took office as Vice President for Science and Research at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in early 2022 and is leading on the development of the National Centre for Child Health Technology, aiming to bring together industry, universities, healthcare professionals, children and young people and their families to develop the most advanced healthcare technologies for children worldwide.

How does the College combine paediatric and policy expertise to influence legislation? Professor Andrew Rowland, Officer for Child Protection, talks about our work with colleagues from RCPCH and NSPCC.
The UK Government introduced the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill in 2024. This proposed measures to improve information sharing between services, strengthen safeguarding, reform children's social care and raise standards and protections in schools. This received Royal Assent in early May 2026. 
Andrew invites Elizabeth Collin, RCPCH Public Affairs and Campaign Manager and Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy, to discuss the work of the College and the NSPCC in influencing this piece of legislation and reflections on the joint campaign for equal protection from assault across the UK. He then speaks with Grace Hastie, RCPCH Policy Manager for Child Protection and Ethics, on the long-term engagement and policy work surrounding the bill.
Read more about our campaign to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault - on RCPCH website
Get involved in the College's influencing work - Paediatric Influencing Network
Find out more about the NSPCC's ongoing campaign to end physical punishment – on NSPCC website
Download transcript (PDF)
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual. 

About Andrew 
Professor Andrew Rowland is the RCPCH Officer for Child Protection and a consultant in paediatric emergency medicine. He has worked nationally and internationally in child protection, advocating for and with children and young people and safeguarding vulnerable groups. 

About Elizabeth 

Elizabeth Collin is the RCPCH Public Affairs and Campaign Manager. She works with College Officers, staff and members to make the case to Parliament and government for policies to support the paediatric workforce and improve child health outcomes.  

About Joanna 

Joanna Barrett is the Associate Head of Policy at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).  She was heavily involved in the successful campaign to end the physical punishment of children in Scotland and is leading NSPCC's work on this campaign in England.  

About Grace 

Grace Hastie is the Policy Manager for Child Protection and Ethics at RCPCH. She works closely with the Officer for Child Protection to improve child protection and safeguarding across the UK.

How can we overcome the transition from clinical practice to managerial roles?
In this episode, Dr Jonathan Darling, RCPCH Vice President for Education and Professional Development, speaks with Dr Erum Jamall, a consultant paediatrician and currently the Divisional Medical Director for Women's, Children and Core Services at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. The two discuss leadership within NHS trusts and the crucial role of medical management.
A key theme was the importance of viewing medical management as an essential part of trust leadership, particularly by building networks and collaborating across stakeholders. Erum shared her experiences of leading during the COVID‑19 pandemic, highlighting how even the toughest environments can offer an opportunity for meaningful growth. 
Erum pointed to the difficulty in balancing clinical and managerial roles, and cites self-belief, coaching and supportive networks as essential in navigating such challenges in senior leadership roles. Finally, she emphasised the importance of diverse and inclusive leadership, noting how varied perspectives strengthen teams and improve outcomes. 
Read Jonathan's reflections and download the transcript from episode 11 - on RCPCH website
See related resources about 'Leading the way'- on RCPCH Learning
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual.
About Erum
Erum is a consultant paediatrician, with sub-specialty accreditation in paediatric emergency medicine. She is currently the Divisional Medical Director for Women's, Children and Core Services at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. Her previous leadership roles include Divisional Clinical Director for Children and Young People Services and Associate Medical Director for Quality & Clinical Effectiveness at Whittington Health NHS Trust.
She is passionate about diverse representation and clinical expertise in leadership roles across Health Care Organisations and equitable access to healthcare for all. She firmly believes that we can shape better outcomes for Children and Young People through better leadership.

How can we be firm, fair, and tenacious in standing up for our teams and those we serve?
In this episode, Dr Jonathan Darling, RCPCH Vice President for Education and Professional Development, speaks with Dr Kay Tyerman, a paediatric nephrologist. Kay's approach to leadership is rooted in advocacy and collaboration, qualities that are essential in shaping effective health systems.
Kay and Jonathan talk about how hard knowledge has helped her build a valid argument to invest in child health, how she's been encouraged by a simple thank you, and how she's learned when to hand over a role to someone else. Because leadership is about being genuine and curious and building trust. 
Read Jonathan's reflections and download the transcript from episode 10 - on RCPCH website
See related resources about 'Leading the way'- on RCPCH Learning
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual.
About Kay
Kay is a paediatric nephrologist in Leeds, current Head of School for Yorkshire and Humber and Officer for Workforce Planning.
Over her consultant career, she has undertaken a variety of portfolio posts and voluntary roles. Her proudest achievement is her family and feeling as enthusiastic about paediatrics now as when she undertook her first post at the Norfolk & Norwich.

We are working in a period of sustained challenge. Many colleagues across the health system are stretched, fatigued and, in some cases, bordering on burnout.
In this episode, Will Clement, a leadership consultant, executive coach and facilitator who has worked across the NHS and with RCPCH, tell us how compassionate leadership offers more than kindness; it delivers measurable improvements in wellbeing, team cohesion and outcomes.
Read Jonathan's reflections and download the transcript from episode 9 - on RCPCH website
See related resources about 'Leading the way'- on RCPCH Learning
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual.
About Will Clement
Will Clement is an experienced leadership consultant, executive coach, and facilitator, with a background spanning public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. He is the founder and Managing Director of Clement Leadership Development, a values-led consultancy specialising in leadership development, executive coaching, and organisational culture.
With over 20 years of experience, including several senior leadership roles with Royal Mail, The AA, NHS and other large complex organisations, Will brings a grounded, practical approach informed by contemporary leadership thinking, coaching psychology, and systems leadership. His style is purposeful, challenging, and human, helping leaders lead with clarity, courage, and care in high pressure environments. 
Clement Leadership Development has delivered impactful programmes for national bodies, including NHS Trusts, Royal Colleges, universities, police leadership teams, and local authorities. Will also leads the design and delivery of bespoke leadership frameworks, awaydays, and cultural diagnostics.
A qualified Level 7 executive coach and MBA graduate, Will is passionate about helping drive purpose and professionalism in leaders.