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Department of Health welcomes the King’s Fund report on new Centre of Excellence for workforce planning

January 30th, 2009

A new Centre of Excellence that will help local NHS organisations deliver better and more efficient workforce planning, was announced by the Department of Health today.

Following a three month consultation with the service, this centre will provide the NHS with high quality intelligence that informs their workforce planning and strengthens decision making at every level in the health and social care system. Local service providers and commissioners will be better informed and supported to plan their workforce and make key decisions around their education, deployment and development.

A report by The King’s Fund, commissioned by the Department of Health, found that a Centre of Excellence would:

* Be an objective, credible source of workforce intelligence, analysis and evidence for the health and social care system;
* Facilitate access to high quality leadership, technical and management development support relating to workforce strategy and planning;
* Provide a one stop-shop for expert advice and support for workforce strategy and planning;
* Take a longer-term perspective on workforce trends informed by an analysis of the broader environment; and
* Ensure improved coordination of activities and reducing duplication in workforce planning.
The King’s Fund observed broad support at all levels for the Centre and their report provides a constructive framework to build on in designing and implementing the Centre in 2009.

Clare Chapman, Director General NHS and Social Care Workforce, said:
“Improving workforce planning across the health service is a key commitment of the NHS Next Stage Review. Providers and commissioners know what workforce works best for their local communities and we want ensure they have access to the best possible intelligence, advice and information. A Centre of Excellence will provide a useful resource for the NHS, supporting and enabling better workforce planning across the service.”

Alastair Henderson, Joint Director of NHS Employers said:

“NHS Employers supports the creation of a Centre for Excellence for workforce planning which can provide expert advice and support to local employers and the service to improve the complex task of planning the healthcare workforce requirements for the future. The publication of the King’s Fund report on its consultation provides a useful framework on which implementation can be built and we look forward to the developing clarity on the role of the Centre.”

The Department of Health will be hosting two national events in partnership with the NHS in February to develop the the King’s Fund recommendations.

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