Why Managerial Capacity is Key to Ambulance Reform: University of York Submission to the House of Lords Public Services Committee Inquiry

The NHS ambulance service is at a tipping point, moving from an outdated 1960s model to modern, complex care. While organisational innovations offer fragile signs of recovery, sustaining this progress requires a clear national strategy and urgent investment in managerial capacity to prevent system collapse and staff burnout. In this blog, Professor Leo McCann and colleagues summarise their written evidence submission to the House of Lords Public Services Committee, exploring how the service must move beyond an "obsession" with rigid response targets to meet the demands of modern patient care.

Beyond the Firefighting: Why Management is the Underrated Engine of NHS Innovation

How can we define the value of NHS management in a time when innovation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for survival? While often viewed as a bureaucratic burden, managers are the essential "lifeblood" that keeps the system functioning. This blog captures a recent Health Foundation webinar, exploring how managers in the NHS transforms daily firefighting into sustainable improvement for patient care.

A Personal Reflection on the Rapid Evaluation of NHS IMPACT from Amar Shah, National Clinical Director for Improvement, NHS England

The National Clinical Director for Improvement, Amar Shah, reflects on the evolution of improvement within the NHS and the impact of NHS IMPACT, emphasizing the importance of leadership, collaboration, and maintaining a consistent approach despite challenges. He acknowledges the significant progress in adopting improvement practices and advocates for strengthened communities and learning spaces to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Strengthening NHS Management Capacity: Reflections from the Birmingham Panel Discuss

The event on 29 April 2025 gathered academics, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to discuss NHS management. Key insights included the undervaluation of managers, the need for professional regulation, and the importance of supporting management capacity. Recommendations emphasized reframing management perceptions, defining standards, and investing in development pathways to enhance effectiveness in challenging environments.