Unlocking insights to lead change in the NHS with data-driven workforce strategies
Following a workshop we recently co-hosted with the Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA), we’re looking at how to support NHS HR, OD and workforce managers to use data to drive smarter, evidence-based decisions, and introduce our 90-day data challenge...
14 August 2025
How do you transform the use of workforce data across your NHS organisation?
Recently, we co-hosted a workshop with the Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA), in which we supported NHS HR, OD and workforce managers in building confidence and capacity in using data to drive smarter, evidence-based decisions.
The video below, developed from the workshop, helps you through the stages of making better use of workforce data, allowing managers to tap into the potential of workforce data in the NHS, and move from data challenges to confident, evidence-led action.
Starting with challenges
Before our recent joint workshop with HPMA, just 6% of attendees said they felt very confident using workforce data. And the challenges were all too familiar:
- Financial constraints
- System limitations
- Capacity issues
These are barriers faced by most workforce leaders and that’s before adding the data itself – from the NHS Staff Survey to recruitment statistics, manager insights, and much more. The NHS has a wealth of data at its fingertips. The challenge is transforming it into action.
Turning data into insight
When challenges and data combines, it can feel like hitting a brick wall. You face more barriers. Too much data. Not enough time or training. Uncertainty about where to start.
But what if we paused?
What if we asked:
- What do we really need this data to tell us?
- How do we simplify what we see?
- How can storytelling unlock understanding?
That’s where things begin to shift. The wall becomes a door, and new possibilities open up.
Tools, methodologies, and momentum
Every HR team has different tools, platforms, and frameworks to work with. Some may lean on business intelligence platforms, others on strategic HR models. The key is to start small, engage stakeholders, and make the best use of what’s available – without waiting for the “perfect” dataset.
Look to case studies and peer organisations, and learn from what’s working elsewhere. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Your 90-day data challenge
We’re inviting NHS workforce leaders to make one measurable improvement in workforce planning, culture, or efficiency – all powered by data – within 90 days.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Define your 90-day challenge. Keep it focused, realistic, and meaningful.
Step 2: Create your plan. Identify barriers, enablers, and the tools you’ll use.
Step 3: Share what you learn. Your insight can empower others to take their own first step.
And remember: You don’t need perfect data. You just need a good question, curiosity, a starting point, and the will to act.
Ready to get started?
As your workforce data journey begins, ask yourself what’s the one thing you’ll do this week to get started?
We’d love to hear about your 90-day data challenge. Let’s lead change together, one data-driven step at a time.