As we move into the second half of the Policy Research Unit (PRU) contract, Health and Social Care Workforce PRU Director Professor Annette Boaz sets out our new work programme.
This blog outlines the priorities we have developed and the core projects we propose to take forward. (1047 words)
Reflecting on the First Half of the Contract (2024-26)
The first half of the PRU contract has been both productive and wide‑ranging. We have:
- Completed the seven core projects agreed with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Oversight Group
- Delivered five responsive projects, addressing current and emerging policy needs
- Concluded the final phase of work on the International Recruitment Fund for Social Care
- Established a Workforce Panel, strengthening our engagement with people working across the health and social care sectors
Over the past six months, we have been consulting widely with stakeholders, including our Public Contributor Involvement and Engagement Advisory Group and the Workforce Panel, to identify priorities for the next phase. These discussions were shared with the Oversight Group in October 2025 and followed by meetings with DHSC policy and analytical teams. The final programme was agreed by the Oversight Group in February 2026.
A More Responsive Programme for 2026–2028
We anticipate an even greater emphasis on responsive research in Policy Research Units going forwards. To ensure we have the flexibility to meet this need, we are proposing a smaller set of four core projects. Continue reading