Six Steps Methodology
The gold standard in workforce planning
Our Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning® is trusted by hundreds of NHS and independent healthcare organisations to build a workforce of the right size, with the right skills, at the right time.
In this section:
Aligning workforce and service needs with Six Steps
Workforce planning connects service demand with workforce supply, understanding the skills you have today, the capabilities you’ll need tomorrow, and the best way to bridge that gap.
The Six Steps Methodology turns this principle into action, helping you align current and future service need with your workforce data including, skills, demographics, and cost.
Whether you want to apply it yourself, build capability through training, or partner with us for a managed service, we make sure the methodology delivers for your unique context.
A robust strategic process that delivers
The Six Steps Methodology is tried, tested and recognised as the healthcare sector’s approach to strategic workforce planning, and can be mapped to any healthcare workforce need both clinical and operational. Six Steps can help you to:
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Define a plan that will make a real impact
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Map the services needed to deliver exceptional patient care
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Realise the workforce needs to achieve better outcomes
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Understand workforce availability from local and regional data
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Plan a process to develop the future workforce
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Implement and review the effectiveness of your new team
How you can use the Six Steps Methodology
The Six Steps Methodology is flexible. You can adopt it in the way that works best for your organisation.
Six Steps Checklist
A practical tool to introduce the key principles of the Six Steps. It offers a quick reference to help you consider your approach to workforce planning.
Best for: Organisations exploring the framework or reviewing current practice.
Download the checklist
Open pageSix Steps Training
Expert-led programmes that build your team’s capability and confidence to apply the Six Steps effectively, supported by proven tools and guidance.
Best for: Organisations that want to embed workforce planning expertise in-house.
Talk to us about training
Open pageManaged Service
End-to-end workforce planning delivered by our experts, with ongoing reviews and ready-to-implement plans.
Best for: Organisations that are time or resource-poor and need expert support to deliver results quickly and sustainably.
Book a call about our managed service
Open pageSpeak to an expert
We have specialists who can meet you virtually or face-to-face to discuss how to best implement Six Steps Methodology to enhance your workforce strategy. Find out how we can help develop your integrated workforce to meet the needs of the future.
Who else we’ve helped
Hundreds of healthcare organisations across the UK trust us as their partner to deliver effective workforce planning solutions. Read our case studies below.
Skills for Health’s Six Step Methodology builds into the process of workforce planning essential elements to ensure the quality of services are both discussed and planned for.
David Withers, Head of Education, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Workforce development insights and articles
Read specialist insight pieces from some of the health sector’s leading experts – or download brochures, case studies and healthcare research reports from the Skills for Health Information Hub.