National Institute for Health and Care Research Launches Workforce Funding Calls Following UKRI Science Advice in the UK

The health and social care sector is entering a new era, guided by innovative research priorities and strategic planning that aim to strengthen workforce capacity for the future.

A key driver behind this transformation has been the work of Dr Jo Daniels, whose UKRI Policy Fellowship has left a lasting imprint on how evidence informs policy and pandemic preparedness.

Dr Jo Daniels’ Role in Workforce Research

Dr Daniels, serving as a UKRI Policy Fellow within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Science Research and Evidence directorate, focused on “Shaping the Health and Social Care Workforce of the Future,” formally known as Area of Interest (ARI) 3.

Her role extended to supporting the pandemic preparedness team and advising the Chief Scientific Adviser on workforce and research culture in healthcare and social care settings.

She worked closely with policymakers and stakeholders to identify gaps in existing evidence and establish new research priorities.

Through collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Dr Daniels helped develop cross-NIHR funding calls aimed at generating insights to guide policy and strengthen workforce planning.

Influencing Policy and Funding Decisions

Among her significant contributions, Dr Daniels authored the first-ever workforce funding priority section in the government spending review.

She briefed ministers and the Chief Scientific Adviser on workforce research, feeding into long-term workforce strategy planning.

Additionally, she represented DHSC in collaborative working groups with the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Council of Deans, driving initiatives to expand research capacity in the health and social care sectors.

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Pandemic Preparedness and Strategic Workforce Planning

Dr Daniels played a central role in shaping the workforce section of the national pandemic research framework.

Working alongside NHS England and other stakeholders, she helped establish research priorities for both routine healthcare delivery and emergency pandemic situations.

Her work contributed to commissioning new research on NHS workforce deployment and refining the government’s pandemic preparedness framework, integrating fresh questions developed through extensive stakeholder consultation.

Evidence-Based Impact Across the Sector

As a result of Dr Daniels’ fellowship, several new NIHR funding calls were launched, directly influencing the direction of workforce research.

Her leadership in pandemic preparedness research has informed strategies for NHS workforce deployment and long-term planning, while national initiatives have been shaped through her contributions to the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Council of Deans.

Dr Daniels also authored an inaugural evidence briefing highlighting the benefits of conducting research within health and social care environments, which has been used to shape DHSC policy and strategy.

Continuing Influence Beyond the Fellowship

Since completing her fellowship, Dr Daniels has become Faculty Director of Partnership, Engagement, and Impact at the University of Bath, where she prioritizes increasing policy engagement.

Her earlier work also laid the foundation for integrating academic expertise into policymaking, a theme she continues to champion.

Her contributions to workforce policy earned her an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

She continues to advise DHSC, NHS England, think tanks, charities, and other organizations on workforce and mental health policy.

Impact and Consequences

Dr Daniels’ work has led to tangible changes in health and social care research and policy:

• New NIHR funding calls focused on workforce priorities.
• Revised pandemic preparedness framework incorporating workforce research gaps.
• Strengthened research capacity in health and social care through national initiatives.
• Policy briefings influencing government spending, planning, and strategy.

What’s Next?

The research priorities and frameworks developed with Dr Daniels’ input will continue to guide:

• Future NHS workforce deployment strategies.
• Long-term pandemic preparedness planning.
• Evidence-based policymaking for integrated health and social care.
• Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to address workforce challenges.

Summary

Dr Jo Daniels’ fellowship illustrates how targeted science advice can transform workforce planning, pandemic preparedness, and research funding in the UK health and social care sector.

Her work has set the stage for more resilient, evidence-driven policy and practice that will influence the sector for years to come.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Dr Daniels’ fellowship focused on shaping the health and social care workforce for the future.
• She identified evidence gaps and established new research priorities with NIHR collaboration.
• Authored workforce funding priorities in the government spending review.
• Led the workforce section of the national pandemic research framework.
• Her work has influenced NIHR funding calls, pandemic preparedness, and national workforce initiatives.
• Continues to provide expertise to DHSC, NHS England, think tanks, and charities.