Strategic Nursing Workforce Plan for Wales: A National Milestone
On 17th March 2025, Wales marked a landmark moment with the launch of its first-ever Strategic Nursing Workforce Plan (SNWP), unveiled at HEIW’s Nursing Workforce Conference 2025. The event brought together leaders and innovators to explore themes such as multigenerational working, high-performing teams and the role of AI in healthcare - key priorities reflected in the plan’s vision.
Developed through HEIW’s three-pillar approach, the SNWP is a future-focused response to the evolving demands of healthcare in Wales. It aims to grow, transform and support the nursing workforce to deliver equitable access to care, improved outcomes for the people of Wales, and long-term workforce sustainability.
National Engagement and Momentum
March: Building Connections
The SNWP team launched its stakeholder engagement at the Future of Nursing Workshop with Hywel Dda University Health Board, quickly followed by a presentation to the Deputy Directors of Nursing Group and Cwm Taf Morgannwg’s Nursing and Midwifery Professional Forum, setting the stage for a nationwide collaboration to implement the plan.
April: Progressing Strategic Dialogue
Engagement continued with Public Health Wales and senior nurses at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to discuss the plan, its implementation and impact measures. Presentations at Velindre NHS Trust’s Professional Nurse Forum and to the Executive Directors of Nursing Peer group brought further opportunities for engagement, collaboration and effective implementation planning.
May: Strengthening Collaboration
Momentum accelerated in May with the first meeting of the SNWP Implementation Board reviewing progress. Further local sessions included:
- Welsh Ambulance Services Trust – listening to emergency service workforce needs.
- All-Wales Nurse Staffing Programme – aligning the SNWP with broader system initiatives.
- Betsi Cadwaladr UHB Nursing Conference – sharing the plan and its implementation with nurses from across North Wales.
- Cardiff and Vale, Swansea Bay, and Powys Health Boards – sharing updates, gathering feedback, and co-developing implementation plans.
- Senior Nurses for Community and Primary Care Forums – promoting service delivery innovations and collaborative leadership.
- Hywel Dda Primary Care Conference – highlighting compassionate leadership as a core value.
A Vision for the Future
The Strategic Nursing Workforce Plan is not just a roadmap - it’s a commitment to building a resilient, capable, and empowered nursing workforce. Grounded in strategic insight and wide-ranging collaboration, it sets out a clear course of action:
1. Grow the Workforce
- Expand capacity to meet rising demand.
- Attract and retain talent through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
2. Support the Workforce
- Prioritise nurse wellbeing and career progression.
- Enhance access to education, training, and supportive work environments.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
3. Transform the Workforce
- Introduce new models of care across hospital and community settings.
- Build capabilities in genomics, digital health, and prevention-focused care.
- Align skills with future health priorities and system needs.
Benefits for All
- For patients: Access to safer, more effective care delivered by skilled, compassionate professionals.
- For nurses: Clearer career pathways, improved wellbeing, and meaningful recognition.
- For the system: A sustainable, innovative workforce model equipped for future healthcare challenges.
For further information, contact: heiw.nursingworkforceplan@wales.nhs.uk