techUK respond to NICE consultation on updates to the Evidence Standards Framework for Digital Health Technologies
techUK worked with members to review the ESF and welcomed NICE’s ambition to encompass all DHTs, helping to overcome the major barriers facing suppliers in generating evidence whilst also remaining commercially active.
techUK called for several changes to the framework, which we have outlined in brief below:
- Need for further clarity on standards and categorisations
The ambition to make this framework all-encompassing has resulted in certain areas which could benefit from further clarification. In order to ensure maximal clinical benefit for patients, better value for money for the NHS, and fast-paced processes, techUK would recommend further clarity is provided on standards and categorisations.
- Need for additional detail on practice and processes
techUK called for some additional detail on how the ESF will be translated into reality. Examples of how the ESF will be shared and turned from theory into practice, ensuring standardisation across different platforms, will be necessary.
In line with this, we would welcome further clarity around how the ESF, and the role of the NICE Digital Health Office, fits into the wider digital health and innovation ecosystem, particularly in relation to work with the MHRA on regulating Software as a Medical Device, and with NHS England & Improvement on the implementation of the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC).
- Introducing a level of proportionality for SMEs
techUK would welcome engagement with the wider system and with industry to ensure that the challenges posed to SMEs with limited resources by these changes are properly understood, of which we included several examples in our response.
Overall, it is fantastic to see NICE play a stronger role in easing the path to adoption and diffusion for DHTs. techUK applaud the intention of the ESF and welcome collaboration with industry to ensure the framework is an enabler of innovation.
If you are a member of techUK and would like to see a full copy of our response, please email [email protected]. techUK will continue to engage with the NICE Office for Digital Health across several areas of interest to members.
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
- Email:
- [email protected]
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
Rachel Kennedy
Rachel Kennedy
Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.
Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.
Francesca Richiusa
Francesca Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/