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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.
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Consultants and SAS doctors - job planning toolkit

From preparation for the first job planning meeting through to objective setting and review. Plus information on leave and alternative working patterns.
Toolkit for consultants and SAS doctors
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Postgraduate doctors in training - rostering guidance

Including what to expect from a working week, examples of a work plan and details on minimal staffing levels, flexible working and leave.
Rostering guidance for trainees
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Flexible working - data, legislation and guidance

Data and insights on flexible working patterns from 2015 to 2025, relevant UK legislation, guidance from the NHS and RCPCH and real-life experiences.
Flexible working guidance
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Preparing for the consultant role

Lived experiences, data and recommended actions for this significant transition from specialty training to the consultant paediatrician role.
Preparing for the consultant role
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CCT survey report 2025

We surveyed paediatricians who had recently completed, or were about to complete, their paediatric training. Our report highlights the changing ways paediatricians choose to train and work when they enter the specialist register.
CCT survey report 2025
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Rota gaps survey report 2024

Paediatric services in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland face rota gaps of over 20%, with Wales services at 11.3%. We outline our findings and recommendations for deaneries and employers.
Report

Child health workforce in England briefing

We set principles and recommendations to support the development of a new long-term workforce plan in England and that will help realise the government’s ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.
Policy briefing

Workforce information and evidence library

We collate paediatric workforce information in the UK to support members, workforce planners and other stakeholders - displayed as interactive maps and graphs.

Information and evidence

Deep dives on workforce information

On bed occupancy in devolved nations - winter 2025
On bed occupancy in England - autumn 2024
On sickness absence rates - summer 2024
On consultant and SAS doctor numbers - spring 2024

"Worried and waiting" - reviews of waiting times in devolved nations (2024)

Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales

Other reports

Self-rostering in paediatrics - case study presentation
Workforce consultation responses - summary
NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan - evidence and advocacy guide

Workforce reports archive since 1999

We undertook our first workforce census in 1986 and have regularly completed censuses since 1999. Our archive of censuses and related reports shows changes over time.
Archive

Latest news about the child health workforce

More news
Dr Lindsey McVey
Blog
20 April 2026

Investing in child health means investing in Scotland's future

Dr Linsey McVey, RCPCH Trainee Representative for the West of Scotland, speaks about RCPCH Scotland’s manifesto, The Prescription for Change, and outlines why investment in child health must be a priority ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
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Blog
2 April 2026

A Q&A with our new Co-Officers for Wales

Dr Dana Beasley and Dr Lizzy Nickerson talk about their priorities, motivations and hopes in their new role as Co-Officers for Wales. Read below to learn more about what they aim to achieve together and why their Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ matters for child health in Wales.
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Media response
6 March 2026

RCPCH responds to Medical Training Prioritisation Act

On 5 March 2026, the Medical Training Prioritisation Bill received royal assent and is expected to apply to the 2026 medical specialty recruitment rounds, affecting both foundation and specialty recruitment processes.