Event details
The NHS Workforce online conference will focus on the key challenges and opportunities in building a resilient, skilled, and supported workforce for the National Health Service. Bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and workforce development experts, the event will explore critical issues such as recruitment and retention, staff well-being, skills development, and leadership in the NHS. Key discussions will also cover adapting the workforce to meet future healthcare demands, addressing workforce shortages, and ensuring diversity and inclusion. Attendees will gain insights into innovative strategies for workforce planning and support, ensuring the NHS can continue to deliver high-quality care amidst evolving healthcare needs.
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WHO ATTENDS
Times are displayed in BST
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08:55 AM - 09:25 AM
Apprenticeships
We’ll be exploring how apprenticeships offer a valuable route into a wide range of NHS careers, from clinical roles to essential support services. Our expert panel, including apprentices, employers, and training providers, will share their experiences, answer your questions, and provide guidance on how to start or progress your career in the NHS. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or employer, this discussion will give you a clearer understanding of the opportunities available. Get ready for an engaging conversation about the future of NHS apprenticeships!
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09:35 AM - 10:05 AM
Workforce Digital Skills
As the NHS invests in digital skills, NHS Scotland, along with NHS England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is leading initiatives aligned with the Digital Health and Care Strategy. This panel will explore how AI, electronic patient records, and digital literacy are transforming healthcare. Scotland’s Digital and Data Capability Framework and Digital Skills Resource Hub provide training to equip health and care staff with essential digital competencies. Experts will discuss how these efforts enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and address challenges in digital adoption across the UK.
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10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote
Recruitment tech provider, Oleeo, will explore how AI can revolutionise NHS recruitment, focusing on practical, low-risk tools that can boost efficiency, improve candidate experience, and reduce recruiter burnout. Samir Khelil, Oleeo's NHS recruitment tech expert, will also discuss how trusts can increase EDI within their workforces while significantly reducing their time to hire.
Samir Khelil NHS Recruitment Expert OleeoSamir is a public sector recruitment, workforce and DE&I expert and has worked in SaaS and HCM for over 20 years. He is passionate about innovating and pushing more of the diversity agenda into everyday recruitment using more big data and automation.
In recent years, Samir’s focus has been on the NHS, supporting Trusts to shape and get the absolute best out of their recruitment strategies and meet their recruitment and workforce goals. He understands the challenges NHS Trusts and organisations are facing when it comes to areas such as DE&I, talent shortages and the rate at which roles need to be filled, to name but a few.
As well as being a keen freerunner, Samir has an interest in psychology, looking at why people do what they do and how they make decisions. He has taken this passion and helped evolve Oleeo’s recruitment technology offering.
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10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
Training & Development
How will the NHS enhance training to support staff retention and improve patient care? With £250 million allocated for workforce development, this panel will explore apprenticeships, leadership programs, and skills training. Experts will discuss strategies to future-proof NHS careers and ensure ongoing professional growth.
Lucy Hunte National Programme Manager Health Education EnglandLucy Hunte is a National Programme Manager for the NHS. Lucy has worked in the training and education sector for over 20 years and for the past 10 years she has been working in the Apprenticeship arena. First leading the business development teams at 2 London FE colleges and for the past 5 years working for Health Education England offering strategic support to the NHS on all aspects of apprenticeship development, delivery, and implementation.
She is very passionate about widening participation and sees apprenticeships as a great tool to recruit new talent to the NHS but also as a way to upskill the existing workforce and offer career pathways and progression.
Diversity and inclusion is another passion and she believes they should be at the heart of all business plans.
Aisling Diamond Deputy Medical Director - Education & Workforce Southern Health and Social Care Trust- Dr Diamond is a consultant in Emergency Medicine. She has trained in the UK and Australia. She was an international examiner for the Royal College before taking position as the deputy medical director of the Southern Trust in Northern Ireland. Her portfolio covers workforce and training.
- She developed an out reach service to manage intoxicated patients rather than using the default position of send to ED.
- She has developed several apps and cloud based technology in partnership with the University of Ulster.
- She has developed and grown 2 companies which have seen growth through periods which were associated with austerity.
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11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Recruitment
With over 110,000 NHS vacancies, recruitment will remain a pressing challenge. This session will explore international hiring, retention strategies, and expanding medical training places. Panelists will discuss how to attract talent, address workforce gaps, and create sustainable staffing solutions for the future.
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12:50 PM - 13:20 PM
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
With 24.2% of NHS staff from ethnic minority backgrounds, how will the NHS strengthen inclusivity? This panel will examine barriers to career progression, unconscious bias, and leadership diversity. Experts will discuss actionable strategies for fostering a truly equitable workplace that enhances both staff experience and patient outcomes.