Funding, news and events from April 2024

Events

Rapid Evaluation Conference 2024

This year’s conference will bring together representatives from the rapid evaluation community to explore the theme: Evidence-based decisions when budgets are tight: rapid evaluation and knowledge mobilisation. Register here

Do innovation labs work to improve health and care?

Labs are an innovative approach to tackling complex problems. On Monday 13 May 2024, 12.00–13.30, Q Community and Innovation Unit will explore innovation labs and what they learned from their recent evidence review. It’s an opportunity to hear from leaders in the field of social innovation labs and connect with others interested in social innovation. Register here

Webinar: In the face of financial strain, how can local government protect their communities’ health?

This webinar will share learning on the benefits of an all-council approach to health, and how to engage officers and councillors alike to achieve this. Register here

Health inequalities in 2040: Current and projected patterns of illness by deprivation in England

As we look ahead towards 2040, what will patterns of ill health look like by deprivation in England? This event explores the Health Foundation’s new analysis showing that people in the most deprived areas can expect to develop major illness at least ten years earlier than people in the least deprived areas, and the implications this will have on our working-age population. Register here

The whole-government approach to health explained

We believe that improving people’s health is not just the Department of Health and Social Care’s job. Creating a society where everyone can thrive and lead a healthy life requires sustained efforts across all of government. This graphic explores how each department can contribute. Read here

Current opportunities

Florence Nightingale Award for Excellence in Health and Care Analytics

This annual award celebrates UK practitioners working in health and care analytics who have informed improvements in patient care. Applications are open until midnight, Monday 29 April 2024. Read here

Sciana: The Health Leaders Network

The Sciana Network offers Fellows a two-year systems leadership programme for health and wellbeing and supports cross-country and interdisciplinary connections, innovation and collaboration. Applications for its seventh cohort are open until 30 June 2024. Read here

Join Harkness Fellowship 2025–26 information session 

The Harkness Fellowship is a unique opportunity to spend a fully funded year in the US conducting internationally comparative research, honing your leadership skills, and building a robust network for ongoing exchange and collaboration. If you are interested in finding out more and applying for the 2025–26 Harkness Fellowship, register for the virtual information session on Tuesday, 28 May, 18.00 BST. Register here

Blogs

Devolution in Greater Manchester: findings from a major study 

A major study on the impact of devolution on health in Greater Manchester finds some positive signs but the overall picture is complex. Read here

What is happening to young people’s mental health? 

Mariah Kelly and April Whitworth reflect on findings about young people’s mental health, highlighting the need to address trends proactively. Read here

Ups and downs: what's next for the NHS waiting list?

Kathryn Marszalek looks at whether the NHS waiting list has turned a corner. Read here

Solving the policy paradox: what will it take to build good health?

An expert panel, chaired by Anita Charlesworth, will make recommendations for a ‘Bill of Health’ to help deliver, coordinate and sustain cross-government action on prevention. Read here

Publications and long reads

The challenges and potential of intermediate care

The Networked Data Lab explain what intermediate care is and use national open data to examine the state of play for intermediate care services in England. Read here

Addressing the leading risk factors for ill health – supporting local government to do more 

Tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy foods are the leading causes of preventable ill health in England. This briefing outlines five national policy changes that would support further local government action to reduce harm from these risk factors. Read here

Health inequalities in 2040: Current and projected patterns of illness by deprivation in England

This report explores how patterns of diagnosed ill health vary by socioeconomic deprivation in England and projects these patterns to 2040. Read here

News

Spike in nurses looking to move abroad underlines need to improve retention

New research shows an increase in nurses requesting a Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which other countries require for nurses to prove that they are UK-registered. Read here

Improving healthy life expectancy is a mountain that the next government must climb

Kathryn Marszalek, Senior Analytical Manager at the Health Foundation responds to the latest Office for National Statistics data on healthy life expectancy. Read here

NHS waiting list remains stubbornly high despite recent progress

Tim Gardner comments on the publication of the NHS monthly performance statistics. Read here

700,000 more workers are projected to be living with major illness by 2040

Our REAL Centre release their report on how the levels of illness across different areas of deprivation in England are projected to change by 2040. Read here

Health Foundation responds to the Prime Minister's speech on welfare reform

Health Foundation responds to the Prime Minister's speech on welfare reform. Read here

This content originally featured in our email newsletter, which explores perspectives and expert opinion on a different health or health care topic each month.