NHS 10-Year Plan Faces Key Criticism
Persistent Gaps in the NHS Workforce Strategy
The government’s announcement of ambitious reforms for the NHS has sparked both anticipation and concern. While there is broad support for much-needed change, many in the professional staffing industry believe the 10-year plan does not adequately address the pressing issue of skills and workforce shortages across the NHS.The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has been vocal in its assessment of the government’s approach. According to Tania Bowers, APSCo’s Global Public Policy Director, "While we welcome the focus on NHS reform, a robust people and resourcing strategy—promised for later in the year—remains absent. The planned reduction in access to overseas talent, including doctors, is disappointing and could intensify existing workforce pressures. With the time required to train new medical professionals, the importance of international recruitment cannot be overstated."
Key Concerns Highlighted by Industry Experts
Several issues have been identified by APSCo and other stakeholders:- No Immediate People Strategy: The delay in delivering a comprehensive resourcing strategy leaves unresolved questions about how critical skills gaps will be filled.
- Reduced International Recruitment: Limiting access to overseas healthcare professionals risks worsening staffing shortages, especially in specialised and hard-to-fill roles.
- Agency Staffing Under Threat: Proposals to eradicate agency spending overlook the crucial role that flexible agency staff play in providing specialist skills and urgent cover.
- Lack of Reform in Hiring Practices: The plan is criticised for failing to introduce provisions to modernise or streamline recruitment, onboarding, and compliance processes.
Tania Bowers states, "A blended, flexible workforce is vital for the diverse demands of NHS and care providers. Minimising agency use may sound efficient, but it jeopardises service delivery, especially in niche and emergent health centres."
The Case for Standardised and Flexible Resourcing
APSCo’s recommendations include:1. One Set of Recruitment Rules: Enforcing standardised recruitment and onboarding across all NHS frameworks to streamline compliance and improve patient outcomes.
2. Supporting Flexible Staffing: Recognising the ongoing need for agency and flexible professionals to address expertise shortages and manage workload peaks across clinical settings.
3. Investing in Technology and Skills: Welcoming initiatives for digital efficiencies, but noting the UK’s widespread tech skills shortages. Implementation success will hinge on access to talent with relevant expertise.
Bowers adds, "We have urged the Department of Health and Social Care to standardise recruitment across banks, direct hires, and insourcing, extending unified standards into primary care, social care, and community services."
What’s Next for the NHS and its Workforce?
APSCo has communicated directly with the Health and Social Care Secretary, stressing the importance of flexibility and member representation throughout the implementation of the 10-year plan. The organisation commits to ongoing advocacy to ensure the government considers the realities faced by healthcare recruiters and professionals.Fast Facts: NHS Workforce and Agency Needs
| Factor | Current Issue | APSCo’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce shortages | Significant, ongoing | Maintain access to overseas talent and agency staff |
| Agency staff usage | At risk of reduction | Essential for expertise and flexibility |
| Skills development | Takes years | Overseas professionals necessary for short-term relief |
| Tech implementation | Promised in plan | Lacks workforce with necessary digital skills |
