Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to prevent experienced women with non-linear NHS careers from being disproportionately excluded from leadership development opportunities during periods of (a) workforce restructuring and (b) redundancy.

NHS England actively promotes inclusion and accessibility in its formal leadership development programmes, including for experienced women with non-linear careers. Diversity data is monitored at every stage of selection to identify and address any risk of disproportionate exclusion.

National leadership development programmes offered by NHS England are designed to assess potential, skills, and experience rather than continuous career progression. Entry routes are flexible and inclusive, enabling participation from colleagues working part-time, returning from career breaks, or with varied professional backgrounds.

A wider programme of work is underway to support and develop National Health Service leaders including the commitment to establish a College of Executive and Clinical Leadership for the NHS. The college will provide access to development for all levels of managers and leaders, including those with non-linear career paths, to support them to succeed and progress in their NHS careers.