About us
Transforming the workforce for a healthier Wales
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is the statutory education and strategic workforce organisation for NHS Wales.
As a Special Health Authority with an all-Wales remit, we work with partners across health, social care, education and government to strengthen the workforce that underpins care in NHS Wales.
Our role is to help ensure the right people, with the right skills, are in the right place, at the right time to deliver high quality care for patients and communities, now and for the future.
Why we exist
The health and care system faces growing and complex challenges, including; workforce shortages, changing population needs, new models of care and rapid advances in digital and clinical practice.
Our role is to help the system respond to these challenges by:
- planning for the workforce Wales needs
- developing the skills and confidence of people at every stage of their career
- supporting transformation so services can adapt and improve
Ultimately, our work helps improve the quality, safety and sustainability of care across Wales.
Our vision, purpose and values
Our vision
Transforming the workforce for a healthier Wales.
Our purpose
To work with partners to develop a skilled and sustainable workforce that improves care and population health.
Our values
Our culture is shaped with our staff and guided by:
- Respect for all – in every interaction
- Together as a team – working collaboratively across NHS Wales and with partners
- Ideas that improve – embracing creativity, innovation and continuous learning
Who we work with
We work with people and organisations across the health and care system, including:
- students, trainees and learners
- NHS organisations, health boards and trusts
- universities and education providers
- professional bodies and regulators
- Welsh Government and national partners
We bring people together to support shared priorities and long-term workforce improvement across Wales.
What we do
We provide national strategic leadership across education, workforce planning and transformation. Our work focuses on a number of core areas:
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Education and training
To support workforce development and sustainability, we produce an annual Education and Training Plan (ETP) with recommendations across most healthcare professions, and invest over 85% of our £351.657m budget directly into education and training, including widening access through apprenticeships, work-based learning, and multi-professional models.
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Workforce strategy and intelligence
Turning national workforce data and insight into evidence that informs policy, planning and delivery at both national and local level.
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Workforce development and transformation
Upskilling staff, supporting new and evolving roles, redesigning services, and enabling continuing professional development and flexible career pathways.
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Leadership, culture and succession
Developing compassionate leaders, embedding inclusive cultures, and building a sustainable talent and succession pipeline for the future.
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Attraction, careers and widening access
Promoting health and care careers and reducing barriers to entry and progression for underrepresented groups.
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Professional support
Strengthening the People profession to create supportive, effective workplaces.
Our impact
We add value to the health and care system in Wales by:
- strengthening workforce sustainability through better planning, recruitment and retention
- accelerating workforce readiness in priority and shortage areas
- supporting integration across health and social care
- providing open and accessible workforce intelligence
- future proofing skills through digital learning, simulation, AI and modern education models
- embedding compassionate leadership and inclusive practice
How we are governed
Sitting alongside health boards and trusts as part of NHS Wales, our work is guided by national policy and the Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care in Wales, and is delivered through our Integrated Medium Term Plan.
Find out more
For a deeper look at our role, impact and achievements, you can also read our organisational brochure.