Registration & Networking
Chair Opening Address (Confirmed)
Strategic Workforce Planning for Antimicrobial Stewardship: Aligning Capacity with National AMR Priorities
This presentation introduces a strategic workforce planning framework designed to define the capacity and skill mix required for effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) across healthcare settings. Developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and aligned with the NHS Workforce Training and Education (WTE) "6 Steps" methodology, the framework supports implementation of the UK AMR National Action Plan (2024–29), specifically Commitment 5.2. It addresses workforce inequities and capacity gaps in AMS roles, offering practical tools for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and provider organisations to plan, resource, and optimise AMS delivery to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve patient outcomes.
With a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, staff retention has emerged as one of the most pressing workforce challenges. The panel discussion will bring together leaders within workforce planning, clinicians and policy makers to explore the causes of these challenges across NHS roles.
Key Discussion Points:
- Impact of working conditions, pay, and staff morale.
- Strategies for improving career progression, training and support.
- Role of flexible working, well-being initiatives, and leadership culture.
- Effectiveness of current policies and the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan’s ambitions to retain staff.
Panellists:
- Danielle Bird, Operations Manager, The Hill (Provisionally Confirmed)
- Jenny Lewis, Director of Human Resources and Occupational Development, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Invited)
- Dr Jacqui Hepburn M.Ed., CFCCIPD, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Workforce, NHS 24 (Invited)
- Patrick Fowler, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (Provisionally Confirmed)
Morning Break & Networking
Chair Morning Reflection (Confirmed)
Drawing on his experience as a former DHSC minister Andrew will talk candidly about his time in office and provide insight into the challenges and opportunities the current governments will face whilst perusing their healthcare reforms.
Case Study - NHS Workforce Alliance
Chair Afternoon Address (Confirmed)
Trust is crucial for effective teamwork and collaboration. Without it, sharing knowledge and learning from each other becomes challenging.
Trust is the foundation for any relationship both at home and work, absence of trust across teams and in systems is the most severe dysfunction a team can have. Doing more with less means we MUST work better across systems and build the foundations for the future. If we do not trust each other, will we share knowledge, will we learn from each other?
Building trust through communications involves creating systems and protocols that allow different organisations, technologies, and teams to work together seamlessly. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Consistent Information Sharing: Regular and structured communication helps maintain relationships and operational capabilities between all stakeholders.
Interagency Collaboration: Successful projects require collaboration between different agencies, considering their unique needs, capabilities, and operational practices.
How can you build trust in your system?
In healthcare, many of us have internalised the message that we need to be heroes - constantly available, endlessly capable, and always putting patients and colleagues first. But the cost of this mindset is burnout, disillusionment, and workforce attrition.
In this honest and practical interview with the chair, Dr Sarah Coope will explore and take questions from the audience about how the 'superhero' narrative drives unhealthy work habits and prevents staff from setting boundaries. Drawing on over 20 years of experience as a GP, medical educator and conflict resolution expert, she will offer a compelling alternative: a shift from heroic self-sacrifice to sustainable leadership and self-compassion.
This session will resonate with anyone trying to lead, support or retain a workforce under pressure. It’s a call to let go of perfectionism, embrace our limits, and create a healthier, more human way of working in the NHS.
Primary care is the backbone of the NHS, it faces increasing pressure from rising demand, workforce shortages, and changing patient expectations. The panel discussion will bring together GPs, policy leaders and workforce planners to discuss ways in which to strengthen and sustain the primary care workforce.
Key Discussion Points:
- The current state of the primary care workforce.
- GP recruitment and retention.
- The role of multidisciplinary teams, which include pharmacists, paramedics, and physician associates.
- Innovative models of care and digital tools.
- Training expansion to shift towards community-based and apprenticeship routes.
- Workload management, strategies, and work-life balance.
Panellists:
- Kevin Anderson, GP & Director of Workforce, Haxby Group, Primary Care Workforce Lead, HNY Health & Care Partnership (Confirmed)
- Paul Renshaw, Executive Director of Workforce, NHS Devon, Primary and Social Care (Invited)
- Kristin Francis, Director of Primary Care, Care Unbound (Invited)
- Asad Ashraf, GP - Chingford Medical Practice, Medical Director - E4 PCN, CCIO (Bromley Healthcare) and Digital Transformation Lead (NEL ICB), Vice Chair - Waltham Forest LMC (Londonwide LMCs) (Provisonally Confirmed)
