The UK government is seeking evidence and views on its 10 Year Workforce Plan, which sets out the delivery of a new workforce model for NHS staff.
As part of its 10 Year Health Plan, the government has already conducted the largest ever public and staff engagement exercise on the future of the NHS.
Now, to support the development of a workforce model aligned with the future direction of reform, it has put out a call for evidence from staff, unions and employers.
Reinventing the healthcare model
In his independent investigation of the NHS in England, Ara Darzi, independent peer of the House of Lords and academic surgeon, said: “Falling productivity doesn’t reduce the workload for staff. Rather, it crushes their enjoyment of work. Instead of putting their time and talents into achieving better outcomes, clinicians’ efforts are wasted on solving process problems, such as ringing around wards desperately trying to find available beds.”
The 10 Year Health Plan for England: Fit for the Future, set out three priorities for reinventing the healthcare model:
- Hospital to community
- Analogue to digital
- Sickness to prevention
Rather than formally consulting on specific proposals, the government has put out a call for evidence so that stakeholders can provide views on its plans over the next decades, as well as sharing examples and case studies that will support delivery.
These views will help to develop the Workforce Plan that will best provide a workforce model suitable for the priorities set out in the 10 Year Health Plan.
Commitment to a sustainable NHS
Instead of asking ‘how many staff do we need to maintain our current care model over the next 10 years?’, it is asking: ‘given our reform plan, and our commitment to a sustainable NHS, what workforce do we need, what should they do, where should they be deployed and what skills do they need to deliver better care for patients and citizens?’
It has set out four key themes central to its approach to answering these questions:
- Creating a new culture: New staff standards focused on respect will help NHS workers to stay healthy and work flexibly
- Building a workforce fit for the future: In collaboration with employers and education providers, the government will ensure education develops the right skills and staff have access to lifelong learning
- Having the right skills in the right places: Healthcare providers will recruit more from local communities and support people who are unemployed to take on appropriate roles
- Working in a digital first service: The NHS will provide universal access to digital tools and health apps, free at the point of need
Views are being sought from anyone with relevant evidence, including: trade unions; royal colleges; employers; charities; and those with expertise by experience.
Evidence and submission
Members of the SoR who are interested in submitting evidence and perspectives can email [email protected] with the subject line ‘Evidence for 10 Year Workforce Plan.’ Submissions must be made by Wednesday 29 October 2025 so this evidence can be considered by the SoR when compiling its response.
Alternatively, evidence can be submitted directly here. This national call for evidence closes at 11:59pm on 7 November 2025.
All members are also encouraged to frequently repeat relevant key titles when referencing the evidence: "Diagnostic Radiographer," "Therapeutic Radiographer," "Radiographer," "Allied Health Professional," "AHP”, in order to aid visibility in response gathering.
(Image: Lord Ara Darzi, via Getty Images)