Workforce is one of the RCP’s three campaigning pillars.
A strong NHS depends on a strong medical workforce. Yet physicians are working under intense pressure, burnout remains high, and too many doctors are unable to access the training opportunities they need to build their careers.
The RCP is campaigning for long-term investment in the medical workforce, reform of postgraduate medical training, and better support for the next generation of physicians. We believe every patient benefits from access to highly trained doctors, whose clinical expertise, judgement and leadership are essential to delivering safe, high-quality care.
What we're doing
We are calling for:
- a dedicated, regularly updated workforce strategy, supported by independently verified modelling of the workforce needed to meet population need and address health inequalities
- continued expansion of medical school places and specialty training posts
- a pathway that guarantees progression from medical school through to specialty training
- better support and career opportunities for resident doctors and clinical academics.
We have welcomed the national medical education and training review, which followed longstanding RCP calls for reform. Many of our recommendations were reflected in the phase 1 diagnostic report, and we continue to influence the next phase of the review. In our response to the government’s consultation on the 10 Year Workforce Plan for England, we have called for meaningful engagement with doctors and royal colleges on the ideas and assumptions that underpin this work.
We are also making the case that while digital tools and AI can support healthcare, they cannot replace doctors' expertise, clinical judgement or patient relationships.
Our next generation campaign
Our next generation campaign is a resident doctor-led initiative focused on improving the quality, fairness and experience of medical training. Through surveys, member engagement, events and national influencing, we are ensuring that the voice of resident doctors is helping to shape the future of medical training and the physician workforce.
Explore our case studies and campaign resources
