University of Leicester and UCL host Labour Party Conference discussion on future NHS workforce
The University of Leicester’s Institute for Policy and University College London (UCL) will bring together healthcare leaders, researchers and policymakers at the Labour Party Conference to discuss how the NHS can build and retain a workforce fit for the future.
As the NHS continues to face significant recruitment and retention challenges, the session will examine the evidence behind effective workforce policies and consider what action the Government can take to support a sustainable and diverse healthcare workforce.
The discussion will draw on emerging findings from the landmark I-CARE (InCreAsing Retention of healthcare staff from Ethnic minority groups) study, which is investigating why NHS staff from ethnic minority and migrant backgrounds choose to stay in, or leave, healthcare roles. Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), I-CARE research aims to provide evidence that can inform future workforce policy and improve staff retention across the NHS.
The event will build upon a Parliamentary roundtable co-organised by the two universities in December 2025, which saw initial I-CARE findings presented to policymakers and stakeholders.
Appearing on the panel will be Professor Manish Pareek, Clinical Professor in Infectious Diseases at University of Leicester and Co-Principal Investigator of the I-CARE study.
He said: “The NHS is its staff. To build a health service that is fit for the future, it is critically important that we recruit and retain talented staff from diverse backgrounds, while giving them the opportunities to develop, progress and thrive. By investing in the workforce, we can ensure staff have the skills, support and opportunities they need to continue delivering outstanding care to patients.”
Also appearing will be Professor Katherine Woolf, Professor of Medical Education Research at UCL and Co-Principal Investigator of the I-CARE study.
She said: “I’m proud that the NHS has one of the world’s largest and most diverse workforces, providing care for all. But urgent reforms are needed to ensure the NHS can continue to recruit, train and retain staff, now and in the future. I look forward to discussing evidence-informed ideas and solutions for change.”
The panel will be chaired by Alice Semark, senior researcher at Re:State and completed by Ben Morrin, Chief Executive of NHS Employers, and Professor Thomas Solomon CBE, academic vice-president of the Royal College of Physicians.
The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A session, providing delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with experts and decision-makers on one of the most pressing issues facing the NHS.
Event details
The How can the NHS ensure a workforce fit for the future? event takes place on Tuesday 29th September, 9am to 9.50am in the Albert Johstone Room, Novotel Liverpool Centre, Liverpool L1 4LN.
Visit the event website for more information and to attend.