The highly anticipated Train the Trainer programme and resource pack will be released by Workforce Projects Team in January and is set to take workforce planning to the next level.

Train the Trainer has been developed to give workforce planners or trainers in healthcare organisations the tools to deliver workforce planning training personally.

The pack will include presentation slides, suggested formats, guidance, plus advice on delivery, plus much more.

Find out more about the programme here >>>

Lord Darzi's Next Stage Review thrust World Class Commissioning to the forefront of the healthcare agenda, as a central method of improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services in the NHS.

Workforce Projects Team is holding a special masterclass on 22nd January 2009 at the Cabinet War Rooms, London, to explore the implications of World Class Commissioning and Practice Based Commissioning on workforce issues across primary and secondary care. Professor Paul Corrigan, Director of Commissioning, Improvement and Innovation from NHS London will be the keynote speaker.

Register your interest for the event here >>>

Long term conditions will be the focus of brand new section of the healthcare workforce portal launching in January.

Workforce Projects Team has been commissioned by the Department of Health to provide a range of resources supporting integrated workforce planning in long term conditions.

The new portal section will feature both general and condition specific resources, including a patient pathway that provides personalised yet systemic support and helps ensure effective joint working between health and social care organisations. It features relevant workforce planning resources, plus relevant links and information on specific conditions like neurological and renal.

Keep an eye on the healthcare workforce portal in the new year for more information.

Workforce Projects Team will host a series of workshops in spring 2009 to help healthcare staff get the most out of the NHS Benchmarking Database.

The events will help them master the database and illustrate the benefits of applying it to your trust's workforce planning and development strategy.

The first event will take place on 10th March 2009 at the Hilton Hotel, Leeds. Further events in Manchester, Birmingham and London are planned. If you are interested in taking part in any of these potential workshops, visit the healthcare workforce portal and register your interest here >>>

The Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning is three months old in January, and Workforce Projects Team are preparing to let you have your say on the resource and how you use it.

As part of our constant commitment to refine and improve our tools, we will be issuing a set of evaluation questions in the new year to help find out exactly how we can continue to develop the resource. We will also be looking for interested parties to take part in good practice case studies following use of the new Six Steps.

Register your interest to take part in the evaluation here >>>