Resource Library: Retention

  • Recognising long service is a way of acknowledging the dedication and valuable contribution of employees over the course of their NHS careers.

    There are a range of methods NHS organisations use to recognise the significant milestones of their staff, from celebratory events and meaningful gifts to monetary awards.

    Long-service awards form part of a crucial employee benefit, especially in the context of addressing workforce challenges. With growing vacancy rates, and low and falling staff satisfaction, it is particularly important to show appreciation for long-serving and valuable staff members.

    A simple 'thank you' can create a positive culture of appreciation among employees. NHS organisations can achieve the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan's ambition to attract and retain the workforce needed to deliver improved patient care with the addition of a comprehensive recognition strategy.


    Long-service awards for employee retention | NHS Employers

    • Our NHS is made up of more than 1.3 million people who care for the people of this country with skill, compassion and dedication. We must make the NHS an employer of excellence – valuing, supporting, developing and investing in our colleagues.

      Retaining and supporting our people is a key priority across the NHS as outlined in the People Plan and the NHS Long Term Plan.

      Ensuring that our NHS people feel valued and have the opportunity to develop in their career is crucial to retention. Staff should have access to support, development and opportunities and be encouraged to achieve their individual ambitions in the workplace.


      NHS England » Looking After Our People – Retention hub


      • The NHS People Plan sets out a key ambition to have more people, working differently in a compassionate and inclusive culture in the NHS. Retaining staff is one of the most important factors in ensuring the NHS can deliver quality patient care in the forthcoming years. 

        The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan also places a key focus on retention, setting out how the service will address workforce challenges by recruiting and retaining more staff and improving the experience of both staff and patients. 

        Leaders and line managers have a vital role to play in this retention challenge, with a responsibility to ensure both new and existing staff are supported and encouraged to remain and thrive in the NHS.  


        Retention | NHS Employers


        • A practical guide to using discussions and conversations to support staff retention and improve staff experience in your organisation.

          Improved staff retention is a key objective for the NHS, and is now recognised as such as part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

          There are a range of actions employers can take to persuade more staff to stay and thrive in their jobs. The starting point is to create the conditions for retention by prioritising and improving the experience of our NHS People


          Retention discussions: from reaction to prevention | NHS Employers


          • The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out how the NHS will address existing and future workforce challenges and work in new ways to improve both staff experience and patient care.

            The plan establishes a renewed focus on the retention of our valued workforce through improved culture, staff wellbeing and leadership. 

            This board pack has been designed to guide workforce leaders to develop and implement a successful retention strategy. It explores what actions employers can take to maximise impact, and includes sections on: 

            • the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan 
            • key retention challenges 
            • core areas for employers to consider 
            • employer actions 
            • taking a data-led approach 
            • NHS People Promise 
            • governance and assurance 
            • useful resources. 

            Retention in the NHS: board pack | NHS Employers

            • Guidance highlighting some of the key actions employers can take to improve staff retention.

              Key points

              • Focussed action can improve retention.

              • To have the most impact, action should be data driven.

              • Tailor activity to ensure action is most effective.

              • Review and refresh your approach to retention on a regular basis.


              Retention in the NHS: employer briefing | NHS Employers


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