The event served as a call to action for NHS leaders to collaborate in creating a sustainable and robust workforce, ultimately leading to enhanced patient care and the achievement of long-term healthcare goals.

Keynote speaker Fiona Hogg, chief people officer at NHS Scotland, told delegates about the current and future people agenda in NHS Scotland as it embarks on a critical journey of transformation and reform of its services and population health.

Staff networks

Representatives from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust also discussed the trust's LGBTQ+ Staff Network, which was created in 2017 as a space for staff to come together and create a sense of community and belonging at work. The network does a lot of campaigning and raising awareness, as well as social activities.

Paul Nethercott, community partnership manager at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘The importance of staff networks that go right across your protected characteristics, the different communities that work in your hospitals and your trust and your health services, is really, really important to allow people to be themselves. Because I think we all know that if you can be yourself at work, you can deliver to the best of your ability.'

He added: ‘Your work community has lived a personal experience you can learn from and if you need to be supported, particularly now more than anything, because things are changing, and not for the good, unfortunately. So listen to them, learn from them, support them, accommodate as best you can.'

Future workforce

Chris Sleight, chief officer at Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network, also gave delegates an in-depth look at the future workforce – Gen Z.

He told delegates: ‘They are technology-driven, they are hugely aware of diversity and inclusion, they want flexible working… they are very, very independent – and that's a challenge for managers - and they want continuous development.'

You're on mute

The conference also heard from Dr Simon Mac Rory, chief executive of The Guardian Service, who urged delegates to take their staff off mute. 

He highlighted that in January, the NHS lost 2.5m sick days, staff turnover was about 12.5%, which means around 187,000 people left in the past year. And on top of that, demand continued to grow, with 488,000 people required by early next decade. 

Dr Mac Rory told delegates: ‘Change is bloody hard work, but it's possible, it can only happen through proactive engagement by leaders setting the example. 

‘It takes courage to stand up and speak up, but it also takes courage to sit down and listen and remember, if they're not talking to you, who are they talking to? It's time to take your staff off mute.'