NHS workforce supply in a new era: opportunities and challenges

Hear opening reflections on the 10 year health plan and future workforce plan from NHS Employer's CEO Danny Mortimer and Craig De Sousa, Director of Workforce supply at NHS England.

Employment is a powerful social determinant of health and the NHS is uniquely positioned to harness it for positive change. Explore how removing barriers to employment, strengthening community links and engaging local young people early in their career journeys can help reduce health inequalities. Discover how wellbeing initiatives, staff engagement and career progression can boost job satisfaction and retention among existing colleagues. Take away practical ways to support your own initiatives to build the future workforce, widen participation and support the 10 Year Health Plan.

Speakers:

Elaine Pope, Associate Director of Organisational Development, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Luisa Clarke, Schools Engagement Lead, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

This bite-size session will explore how thinking of mental health provisions differently supports the shift from treatment to prevention.

Speakers:

Vicki Dunham, CAMHS, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Laura David, Deputy Director, the North, Midlands and Wales, Place2Be

This session explores how enhanced level practice is being used to strengthen workforce productivity, improve service delivery, and support career development across health and care. Presenters from Coventry University and the University of Salford will share how these roles help manage complexity and risk, reduce reliance on advanced practice for routine care, and create clear progression pathways that support retention.

Speakers: 

Dr Kim Stuart, Head of Allied Health Professions, Coventry and Warwickshire ICB

Louise Henstock, Directorate Lead for Teaching and Learning, University of Salford

Louise Wheeler is our head of leadership and organisational development and is also an organisational psychologist and trained yoga teacher.  

This session will explain the benefits of breath work and a provide an introduction into some of the quick exercises that can be worked into your daily wellness routine, and set us up well for the afternoon. 

Hear from colleagues who share how they have facilitated high-quality T Level industry placements in several different settings including mental health and community. There will also be an introduction to and reflections on T Level industry placements from the Gatsby Foundation and the opportunity for attendees to ask questions of our speakers. 

Speakers:

Sarah Herdan, Project Officer, Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Kirsti Shaw, Senior Development Nurse, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Sharon Pearce, Central Family Hub Manager, West Berkshire Council.

In a challenging financial and workforce climate, how can we keep young people inspired about careers in health and care? This session shares findings from the Careers and Enterprise Company’s latest report and showcases innovative solutions developed by the Health Sector Advisory Group. Delegates will leave with practical tools to support career engagement in their own systems, including how to maintain momentum when resources are limited.

Speakers:

Shajeda Ahmed, Chair of Careers and Enterprise Company Health Sector Advisory Group and Chief People Officer, Black Country ICB.

Learn how NHS Employers is championing inclusive recruitment through a dedicated refugee employment workstream, with a spotlight on the ReSTORE Programme – a pioneering initiative helping refugee nurses in South Yorkshire transition into meaningful employment and contribute their skills to the NHS.

Speakers:

Blerta Ilazi, ReSTORE Programme Lead & Health Inequalities Educator, South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub

Louise Berwick, Director, South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce Training Hub

Sarah Withers, Strategic Lead, Primary Care Additional Roles Programme & AHP Advanced Practice Advisor, South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce Training Hub

Lisa Dalby, NHS Partnership/Employability Advisor, DWP

This session offers a practical and insightful look at how the NHS can better support the Armed Forces community across its workforce. We’ll explore the commitments and benefits of employing members of the armed forces community, the transition journey from military to civilian employment, and hear directly from an NHS employer about their experience becoming a forces-friendly organisation. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Employer Recognition Scheme, and actionable steps to build inclusive, supportive pathways for service leavers, reservists, and their families.

Speaker:

Daniel Brooks, Armed Forces Lead, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. 

A panel discussion with colleagues from University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust discussing how innovative digital solutions have shown a postitive impact on recruitment and retention. 

Speakers:

Donna Griffiths, Chief People Officer, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Alison Newcomb-Ferreday, Assistant Director of People, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Jilly Jamieson, Head of client services and GPO for recruitment, North London Partners Shared Services

James Davies, Head of Digital Productivity, Transformation Partners in Health and Care.

In this closing session we will explore collaborative, innovative, locally-driven models of education and training that are helping to shape a health and care workforce ready to meet the challenges ahead.