2025 Agenda

Eliminating agency spend: a smarter workforce for a sustainable NHS

11 Jun 2025
Exchange Hall - main stage
Workforce, people and leadership

The NHS is under growing pressure to meet rising patient demand, while addressing the evolving needs of its people and respond to the call for reducing agency spend. To achieve this, a strong, integrated and flexible workforce is no longer optional - it is essential.

This panel session brings together prominent system leaders to explore how we can move beyond outdated workforce models. Through innovative staffing strategies, career development pathways and smarter, data-driven workforce planning, the panel will demonstrate how the NHS can deliver cost-effective care, without compromising quality.

Real-world examples will illustrate how reducing agency usage is not only helping to remove cost, but also driving better patient outcomes, improving staff satisfaction, and enhancing productivity across the system.

Tom Simons
Tom Simons, Chief HR and OD Officer - NHS England
Karen Bonner
Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse - NHS London
Phillip Marshall
Phillip Marshall, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development - Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust
Danny Mortimer
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive - NHS Employers
Rob Webster
Rob Webster, Chief Executive - West Yorkshire ICB

Supported by:

NHS Professionals