The Council of Deans of Health has published two Academic Educator Workforce Survey reports following extensive research undertaken in August 2024 into the state of the academic educator workforce across nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions (AHPs) in the UK’s universities and colleges.
The two reports present a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the educator workforce in these critical fields. Drawing on the experiences of university educators across nursing, midwifery and the AHPs, the reports identify challenges, barriers and facilitators in recruitment, retention and career development.
Ed Hughes, CEO at the Council of Deans of Health said:
“A sustainable and properly supported academic workforce is essential to providing the health care professionals of the future. Our research, based on extensive feedback from our members, highlights the pressures which they face in recruiting, retaining and supporting academic staff in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions. It’s vital that we work together with health and education system leaders, employers and funders to address these challenges.
Our recommendations point towards a joined-up approach to align the incentives to attract and retain academic educators. We will continue working with our members to support them to educate the next generation of health professionals, equipping students to work in new ways in a rapidly changing world.”