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Workforce information and planning

We play a key role in workforce planning to ensure there is an appropriately trained paediatric medical workforce to deliver safe and sustainable services for children in the UK - in the present and in the future.
Medical case

Consultant and SAS doctor job planning toolkit

Our toolkit guides consultant paediatricians and SAS doctors in the NHS - from preparation for the first job planning meeting to objective setting and review, plus information on leave and alternative working patterns.

Toolkit
Map of UK with regions marked out in colour

Information maps, graphs and evidence library

To support members and other stakeholders, we collate and present paediatric workforce information in the UK via interactive maps and graphs, plus a detailed list of official resources.
Workforce information and evidence library
Reports with bar charts and magnifying glass

Our workforce reports

Our varied reports on the paediatric workforce in the UK are based on data we have collected via the workforce census, service audits and other research projects.
All workforce reports
Document

Workforce census

Our most recent census reports, published in October 2022, provide an overview of the paediatric and child health workforce, focusing on consultants and SAS doctors working in the UK, with key recommendations.
Census 2022 - overview of key findings and recommendations
Census 2022 - full report
Group of people

Thrive Paediatrics

This project aims to improve the working lives of paediatricians. It recognises the many multi-layered, multifaceted challenges that the workforce is facing and identifies the need for change.
About Thrive Paediatrics

Further resources on workforce

Your wellbeing - resources and blogs by members
Facing the Future - service standards for paediatric care
Applying to paediatrics - specialty training and consultant posts
Lifelong careers in paediatrics - our resources to support members
Opportunities in the UK for international doctors, including MTI(p)
Advisory Appointments Committees (AACs) - employer guide
NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan - evidence and advocacy
Workforce consultation responses

Latest news and blogs about workforce

All news about workforce
Health professionals in scrubs walking down hospital corridor
Media response
6 January 2025

RCPCH responds to Elective Recovery Plan

Paediatricians reiterate need for adequate workforce planning and funding for to tackle out of control waiting times for child health services.
Megaphone
Announcement
31 December 2024

New Year Honours 2025

The New Year Honours list has been announced celebrating contributions to those supporting child health and patient safety across the country. 

Most recent resources about workforce

More related resources
Resource

Rota gaps survey findings 2024

According to our UK-wide survey of College members, paediatric services in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are facing rota gaps of over 20%, with Wales services at 11.3%. Tier 2 rotas were generally more impacted than Tier 1, and combined general/neonatal services had the highest gaps. Less t...