GMC review highlights need for clearer, more targeted use of workforce and workplace reports

A new evaluation published on 11 March 2026 shows that the General Medical Council’s State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK reports are widely regarded as credible and influential sources of evidence. Stakeholders across the UK’s health sector said the reports help shape understanding of workforce trends and doctors’ experiences, but also highlighted the need for clearer differentiation between GMC insight products and more tailored formats.

The research found that the reports are most often used to provide contextual background for policy papers, workforce planning and organisational strategies. They also support evidence‑based decision‑making and inform discussions about training, retention and workplace culture. Participants described the reports as authoritative and useful for summarising complex datasets, reinforcing their influence across the four UK nations.

However, several challenges emerged. Some stakeholders struggled to distinguish the State of Medical Education and Practice reports from the National Training Survey outputs, particularly given their close publication timings. Engagement preferences varied widely: some audiences wanted concise summaries, while others preferred detailed datasets or regional comparisons. The timing of the evaluation — shortly after the NTS results and before the publication of the Workplace Experiences report — may also have shaped perceptions.

The study drew on a literature review, interviews and focus groups with 60 internal and external stakeholders, and a survey for those unable to attend interviews. At the time, the Workforce report was the most recent publication, which influenced how participants engaged with the material.

The GMC commissioned the evaluation to ensure its evidence and insight products continue to deliver maximum value to the health system and support safe, high‑quality patient care. The findings are expected to inform future decisions about report structure, data presentation, product differentiation and opportunities for more tailored or interactive formats.

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