A long-term strategic framework for workforce planning by spring 2022.

Earlier this year HEE was commissioned to convene work with leaders, influencers and advocates to co-design and shape a long-term strategic framework for workforce planning by spring 2022.

For the first time ever, this will span health and social care, and will also include regulated professionals working in social care, like social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists.

On the 1st November, we were delighted to co-host our first Deliberative Event, to start the conversation with stakeholders. Over 200 senior leaders from across health and social care, as well as representatives from the third sector and those representing people who need and receive care, attended.

There were some excellent conversations focusing on challenges and opportunities arising from the analysis of over 300 submissions to the Call for Evidence, which was open throughout August and September.

The determination of all stakeholders to debate the many thorny issues we face both now, and in years to come, was clear for all to see, and we are currently collating these to draw out key themes as we shape and co-design the future health and social care workforce together.

The event was well received by those who took part, with a real emphasis on ensuring the wicked issues facing us are tackled head-on and put on our collective to-do list.

The next of the three Deliberative Events will take place on the 9th December and other events are also being arranged with specific groups such as young people, patients and those who need and receive care, as well as experts from other countries.

There is no doubt that a committed, compassionate, and qualified workforce is the bedrock of delivery now and for future improvement in health and social care. This is the reason these discussions to shape a long-term framework for workforce planning, and the Government’s 2021 Spending Review settlement are essential.

We have an important job ahead to bring these together. We are continuing to work with NHS England and Improvement and the Department of Health and Social Care to agree HEE’s funding settlement, which will ensure with funding and planning connected, we can keep building a bigger, better trained workforce.

Best Wishes

Navina

Dr Navina Evans

Chief Executive 

Health Education England