The Chamber hosts the only region-wide, curated industry working group for the health and life sciences (HLS) sector.  We bring together industry leaders from global corporates, SMEs and spin-outs; academics and researchers; NHS hospital trusts and government representatives.

Inspired by the call from the Office for Life Sciences to bring together the industry cluster located across the region, our ambition remains to foster collaboration, information and knowledge exchange and advance the Thames Valley’s global reputation for HLS.  The continued importance, and value, of our working group is recognised by government in the invitation we receive to comment on government policy (most recently the Industrial Strategy white paper) and through our lobbying work in representing the business interests of the sector.

In July, we will be looking specifically at one of the working groups ‘manifesto’ asks and considering improvements for regulatory pathways that can get the get the best care to patients. Shaping healthcare and steering healthcare towards excellence, equity, and compassion the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have an industry leading role to consider and address our future challenges and opportunities for health and care system, ensure value for money, and provide people with access to the best quality care.

In July we will also welcome Carl Bramwell, Research Manager at Cogent Skills, who led on the project behind the Futures Group’s recent Skills Report: Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth, to our Working Group to explore the findings and necessary actions for the HLS sector. The report highlights the need for up to 70,000 additional jobs by 2035. On top of this, an estimated 75,000 further roles may need to be filled to replace those exiting the workforce. These projections underscore the urgent need for action across the skills pipeline, from education and lifelong learning to inclusive workplaces.

Speaker

Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Carl Bramwell, Research Manager, Cogent Skills

Please note that this working group is by invitation only, with priority given to our members, companies from the health and life sciences sector or having an evidentially connection, through their supply chain. Please contact the Business Representation & Policy team for more information.

Photo Credit: University of Reading