Liberating the NHS: developing the healthcare workforce - from design to delivery

Foreword by Secretary of State
In December 2010 we set out our vision for a new system for developing the healthcare workforce. One that would ensure employers supported by clinicians were placed at the heart of the decision-making process, with the opportunity to design the shape of their workforce and the way in which they develop the people they employ.
The NHS in England is one of the best healthcare systems in the world and that is down to the dedication of the workforce. However, while the NHS currently delivers excellent care, in some areas outcomes for patients still lag behind the top countries in the international league. As we strive to improve the NHS to deliver world-class health outcomes for patients, we need also to improve the way we develop the healthcare and public health workforce.
The people who work in health services, whatever the sector, need to be well supported to attain the right professional and clinical skills, as well as providing care with compassion, kindness, and respect for people. Today’s health workers must also be able to cope with ever-changing patient and public needs and adapt quickly to innovation in service models.
We are setting up a new system that can produce the flexible workforce we need to address future challenges, that aspires to excellence in training as well as a better educational experience for trainees, and is supported by a fairer and more responsive funding system. This presents a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships between all providers of services and the professionals who deliver them, as well as fully harnessing the natural partnerships with research and innovation to improve health outcomes.
Making these changes work is all about placing accountabilities in the right place. Locally, with providers supported by professionals who understand the local needs of their workforce, and nationally with Health Education England to interpret workforce intelligence and planning and then lead in support, guidance and oversight for the commissioning of education and training.
The Education Outcomes Framework will directly link education and learning to improvements in patient outcomes. By providing a clear line of sight and improvement to patient outcomes, it will help address variation in standards and ensure excellence in innovation through high quality education and training.

Since we first published these plans, a great deal of progress has been made. We have consulted widely and used the work of the NHS Future Forum, whose second report has shaped our thinking. We have listened to your comments and ideas and believe this document presents the right steps forward for the successful implementation of our proposals.
Now is the time to focus on making this work. Health employers, with their professional leaders, universities and the education and research sectors need to come together and work to ensure a carefully managed transition into the new system - a system that will have a positive outcome for both patients and staff.
Andrew Lansley Secretary of State for Health

Department of Health | http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_132076 | 18 January 2012