The recent CHAIN event held at Weetwood Hall Conference Centre, Leeds on 22-23 March attracted more than 110 participants for two days of learning, mutual support and sharing experience around the topic of e-learning in health and social care. The days were planned to explore the issues seen as critical to participants by bringing together CHAIN members and others with practical experience and academic interests in e-learning.

The Director of the NHSU Institute, Phil Candy, and the founder of CHAIN, David Evans, welcomed participants, and Bill Sang, Chair of North West Strategic Health Authorities E-learning Strategy Group introduced the keynote speakers, Prof. Steve Molyneux, Director of Learning Lab, and Dr Anne Wright, Consultant to DFES and to NHSU. In an entertaining opening talk, Professor Molyneux explored the potential and pitfalls of e-learning. Dr Wright then drew from her experience of e-learning at DfES to consider the potential value of an e-learning strategy to health and social care.

The majority of the remainder of the event comprised sessions facilitated by CHAIN members and others working in the field. A wide range of sessions considered different facets of e-learning, ranging from highly practical sessions on lessons learnt to theoretical critiques and analysis of the concepts which influence e-learning and the capacity of health and social care to make use of it. These sessions provided some excellent opportunities for learning to be shared and for networking to take place. Each participant was able to select 7 sessions which interested them from a 'menu' of 17 offered. In the tradition of CHAIN events, this meant that each individual had their own bespoke programme, tailored to match his or her interests and learning needs. Additionally, a 'Question Time' style panel discussion, Chaired by Phil Candy, was held during the afternoon of the second day. This provided all participants with an opportunity to put to key contributors questions arising over the two days.

Overall the event provided a valuable focal point for a currently hot topic in the NHS. Ideas were shared and alliances forged, and it was announced that a sub-group of CHAIN focusing on e-learning would be established. 8 participants declared their interest in facilitating this 'e-network on e-learning', which will be taken forward by CHAIN as soon as circumstances permit.