This is the eleventh annual survey conducted by the Medical Schools Council to assess clinical academic staffing levels across UK medical schools. The report analyses data by academic grade, specialty, region, gender, age and ethnicity. It also examines funding sources, vacancy rates and Clinical Excellence Awards. The findings inform workforce planning and policy development.
Summary
Clinical academic medicine is vital to the UK’s healthcare system. This report provides an overview of staffing levels in UK medical schools as of July 2012. It highlights a steady state in overall numbers, growth in early-career roles, and persistent challenges in recruitment, diversity, and specialty coverage.
Key findings
- There were 3,167 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinical academics in post, a slight increase from 2011.
- Lecturer numbers rose to 552 FTE – the highest in a decade – driven by NHS investment and structured training pathways.
- Professors and Senior Lecturers make up 83% of the workforce; Lecturers account for 17%.
- The workforce is ageing: 64% of clinical academics are now aged 45 or over.
- Women remain underrepresented at senior levels, but their numbers are increasing steadily.
- Ethnic diversity is improving, especially among Lecturers and younger academics.
- Five specialties saw growth in 2012, while six declined and four remained stable.
- Pathology and Psychiatry continue to experience long-term declines.
- Vacancy rates have fallen to 5%, but recruitment challenges persist in Oncology, Surgery, and Public Health.
- Clinical academics are more likely than NHS consultants to hold national Clinical Excellence Awards (39% vs 14%).
Recommendations
- Sustain investment in early-career academic pathways and fellowships.
- Address recruitment challenges in underrepresented specialties and senior roles.
- Promote flexible training models to support academic development alongside clinical training.
- Strengthen diversity through targeted initiatives and support for career progression.
- Ensure continued collaboration between universities, the NHS and funders to protect academic capacity.
Next steps
We are calling for coordinated action across universities, the NHS, funders and policymakers. The report recommends regular data collection and evaluation to monitor progress and ensure that the clinical academic workforce reflects the diversity of those entering medical and dental education. Sustained collaboration will be essential to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready academic workforce.
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