Introducing Thrive Paediatrics - A framework for wellbeing, agency and sustainable staffing

RCPCH is pleased to announce Thrive Paediatrics! This programme of work will support paediatric clinicians to thrive and improve their lived experiences at work. With funding from the Dinwoodie Charitable Company for pilot schemes, this represents a substantial multi-year programme of work.
Health professional wearing scrubs and stethoscope stands in front of other health professionals

Update - July 2023 We have now published new pages on Thrive Paediatrics. These include our Roadmap for Transforming the Lives of Paediatricians, pilot Wellbeing and Innovation Networks (WINs), communities where paediatricians come together to share stories, plus members' blogs and updates.  


We are committed to this project and exploring the possibilities through pilot schemes because the sustainability of our workforce is now a critical priority within the NHS. In defining the scope of work for this programme, preliminary research was undertaken that confirmed the requirement for action that improved paediatrician recruitment, retention and lived experiences.

To date, paediatricians have been working tirelessly, individually or in small, disparate clusters to enact change and many have successfully delivered on interventions that have transformed their colleagues’ working lives. RCPCH hopes to galvanise this energy, connect changemakers across the UK, and amplify successful ideas that support paediatric clinicians to create fulfilling lifelong careers that are well supported by their workplace.

Even more so than ever before we need to invest in opportunities that add value and make people feel valued. At our core we all have a desire to thrive and grow, to experience a sense of vitality and learning. Research has found that thriving employees are more confident and energised, better able to respond to challenges, and recover quicker from the demands of work. Through Thrive Paediatrics the college wishes to send a clear message to its member paediatricians that we are committed to supporting our paediatric workforce to thrive and improve their experiences of the NHS.

Dr Daljit Hothi, Officer for Lifelong Careers

As part of Thrive Paediatrics we are pleased to announce a unique opportunity for two clinical fellows to support delivery of pilot schemes for the programme. If you are interested in getting involved, or know of anyone in your team who might be interested, look at the role and share with your colleagues. [Applications are closed.]

If you have any questions about this programme, get in touch with the team at thrive@rcpch.ac.uk.