Workforce Profiling for National Genomics Service
Context
Akeso were engaged by a National Genomics Service to help understand demand and workforce requirements over a 10 year timeframe through the development of a Strategic Planning Model that forecast demand and capacity requirements, net of likely improvements in productivity and tech or AI.
Methodology
A workforce demand and capacity model was developed for the NGS team, designed to support ‘what-if’ analysis and build the evidence base for future changes. Various demand and capacity scenarios across a 10-year horizon were modelled reflecting potential changes to the operating model. Importantly, adjustable workforce efficiency levers were built into the model for each service unit and workforce group, allowing staff efficiency to be changed in line with various efficiency opportunities identified during the current-state assessment.
There were three key areas of focus in the delivery of this work:
Current State Assessment
Recognising emerging operating models, the current state assessment aligned to the three pillars of the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan: Train, Retain, Reform. We conducted an in-depth current state assessment with 55 interview sessions, an information request, and a forum with over 150 stakeholders in attendance. This provided a comprehensive understanding of current workforce challenges across the service, as well as short, medium and long-term improvement opportunities and efficiency incentives.
Opportunity Assessment
To support decision-making and adoption of workforce improvements and efficiencies, a quantitative opportunity assessment was conducted. This generated an opportunity prioritisation matrix based on impact to people, organisation, quality of service and future proofing, as well as implementation time, resource investment, non-pay costs and barriers to success.
Knowledge Transfer and Training
Managing staff across the service were thoroughly trained on the functionality of the workforce model prior to handover, supporting future use and internal ownership of the model.
Impact
Used across 24 laboratories and 17 clinical service lines
Future-ready Designed a future state model based on predicted demand and capacity
Transferable approach Successfully deployed with clients across the service
On-budget delivery Transformation delivered within budget
We have successfully deployed this approach with clients, delivering transformation within budget, such as in our Workforce Profiling for the NGS. Here, we were asked to design a future state model based on predicted demand and capacity across 24 laboratories and 17 clinical service lines.