Programmes
Collaborative programmes developed by NHS leaders.
The Shelford Group develops and supports practical programmes that help member trusts and the wider NHS improve safe staffing, surgical training and collaborative improvement, drawing on the expertise of ten major teaching and research trusts.
Our programmes
Select a programme below for more detail, including how to get involved or apply for a licence.
Safe staffing
Safer Nursing Care Tool
SNCT and MHOST calculate clinical staffing requirements based on patients’ acuity and dependency, supporting chief nurses across the NHS in setting optimal nurse staffing establishments. Free of charge to NHS organisations in England.
View SNCT →Mental health staffing
Mental Health Optimal Staffing Tool
MHOST supports safer staffing decisions in mental health services, calculated alongside professional judgement to inform chief nurse recommendations to their board.
View MHOST →Surgical training
Shelford START programme
Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, START helps surgical trainees develop robotic-assisted surgery skills earlier in their careers, across multiple RAS platforms. Currently piloting in the North East, North West and East of England.
View START →Improvement
Collaborative Action Programme
Launched in June 2025, the Collaborative Action Programme is a collective programme of work delivered across member trusts, supporting core government priorities for the NHS with potential for wider spread across the health service.
Find out more →Evidence-based staffing
Supporting safe nurse staffing decisions
SNCT and MHOST help NHS organisations make evidence-based workforce decisions by assessing patient acuity and dependency, alongside professional judgement. The licensing process is managed by Imperial College London on behalf of the Shelford Group and is free of charge to NHS organisations in England.
Explore SNCTQuestions about a programme?
For licensing enquiries, pilot information or to find out how your trust can get involved, contact the Shelford Group team.
Programmes
Collaborative programmes developed by NHS leaders.
The Shelford Group develops and supports practical programmes that help member trusts and the wider NHS improve safe staffing, surgical training and collaborative improvement, drawing on the expertise of ten major teaching and research trusts.
Our programmes
Select a programme below for more detail, including how to get involved or apply for a licence.
Safe staffing
Safer Nursing Care Tool
SNCT and MHOST calculate clinical staffing requirements based on patients’ acuity and dependency, supporting chief nurses across the NHS in setting optimal nurse staffing establishments. Free of charge to NHS organisations in England.
View SNCT →Mental health staffing
Mental Health Optimal Staffing Tool
MHOST supports safer staffing decisions in mental health services, calculated alongside professional judgement to inform chief nurse recommendations to their board.
View MHOST →Surgical training
Shelford START programme
Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, START helps surgical trainees develop robotic-assisted surgery skills earlier in their careers, across multiple RAS platforms. Currently piloting in the North East, North West and East of England.
View START →Improvement
Collaborative Action Programme
Launched in June 2025, the Collaborative Action Programme is a collective programme of work delivered across member trusts, supporting core government priorities for the NHS with potential for wider spread across the health service.
Find out more →Evidence-based staffing
Supporting safe nurse staffing decisions
SNCT and MHOST help NHS organisations make evidence-based workforce decisions by assessing patient acuity and dependency, alongside professional judgement. The licensing process is managed by Imperial College London on behalf of the Shelford Group and is free of charge to NHS organisations in England.
Explore SNCTQuestions about a programme?
For licensing enquiries, pilot information or to find out how your trust can get involved, contact the Shelford Group team.