Staff working in roles that are crucial to protecting the public’s health have said they lack the training, funding and support they need to do their jobs, according to new findings from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
The charity is warning that growing workforce shortages could pose a threat to the health of the public if action is not taken.
RSPH surveyed people who work in a range of roles that protect and improve health, such as food safety, environmental health and pest control.
Limited funding, persistent staffing shortages, health inequalities, rising demand and collaboration barriers were among the top challenges reported.
The findings show:
- Just 14% say they have all the skills they need to do their job;
- 40% say that their employer’s training offer does not meet emerging health threats;
- Nearly three in five say there is a disparity between the training they receive and the practical demands of their job;
- 56% say they are not given time by their employers for training; and
- Most staff (56%) report a lack of funding for professional development.
RSPH estimates that there are 1.5 million people working outside hospitals and GP surgeries whose roles help impact health, who it refers to as the ‘wider public health workforce’. These roles help people in everyday, non-clinical settings, such as community organisations, workplaces and local services.
It argues that these roles are essential to reducing pressure on the NHS by preventing sickness and improving health.
The charity is calling for better support and career pathways for people who have a significant impact on the health of the public, but who may not have health in their job title. It argues that the Government’s ambition to shift from hospital to community, outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, will require a broad, skilled workforce beyond NHS and clinical staff, including people working in community organisations and other local settings.
RSPH says that to ensure neighbourhood health approaches are effective, they must organise NHS services, local government, public health, voluntary and community organisations around the needs of local people. It highlights that those working within communities can often reach people the NHS may struggle to, as well as support prevention and reduce health inequalities.
William Roberts, chief executive of RSPH, said: “From ensuring our food is safe to eat to supporting us to do more physical activity, there are a range of professions outside of the NHS that are essential to protecting and improving our health. But these people are being left behind. “A lack of training support and funding, compounded by rising demand and worsening health outcomes, is driving workforce shortages.”
Mr Roberts continued: “Nationally, we are facing greater health challenges than ever. More people are living in poor health, inequalities are widening, and a warming climate continues to put pressure on our health security. We cannot overlook the impact that the workforce has in tackling these challenges.
“If the Government wants to deliver on its ambition to shift from hospital to community, it cannot simply mean moving NHS services closer to people’s homes. It must also recognise and invest in the people who are already improving health in neighbourhoods, community organisations, workplaces and other everyday settings. These workers have the relationships, reach and trust to support prevention and help people stay well before they need hospital care.”
