University of Surrey joins collaborative group to probe NHS staff retention issues

The I-CARE project is a collaboration between the University of Surrey, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and University College London (UCL). 

With a NIHR research grant worth £255,670 awarded to Surrey Business School, I-CARE will explore the reasons why staff from non-white backgrounds are more likely to leave the service than their counterparts. Researchers will use data from various sources, including HR and staff surveys, alongside findings from the UK-REACH study on UK healthcare workers. Additionally, they will conduct interviews and focus groups with NHS staff and managers. 

Carol Woodhams, Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of Surrey 

"The NHS faces a significant workforce challenge, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. 

"We're committed to lending our expertise in analysing large NHS datasets to understand why some ethnic groups may be more likely to leave the healthcare system compared to white British staff. Retaining staff is as important as recruiting new staff, and this study will help NHS managers take steps to keep skilled, experienced, highly trained staff within their organisations. 

"Our goal is to develop evidence-based interventions alongside policymakers, NHS staff, and patients. This collaborative approach will ensure that we create solutions that effectively encourage valued NHS staff from all backgrounds to remain within the healthcare system."