Shaping safer health systems: Insights from Acacium Group’s new white paper

The future of healthcare depends on the people who deliver it. Acacium Group’s latest white paper, developed in partnership with Cavell, highlights the vital contribution of the flexible workforce in building safer, more resilient health systems. As part of Acacium Group, Bank Partners is proud to champion these insights and the professionals who make them possible.

Why this matters now

The UK’s health and social care system is under unprecedented pressure. Workforce shortages, financial constraints and rising patient demand are stretching services to their limits. In this environment, bank workers are not just filling gaps, they are sustaining care delivery, supporting system resilience and enabling rapid response to changing needs.

Bank Partners, as part of Acacium Group, is uniquely positioned to support NHS Trusts and healthcare providers with innovative, people-centred bank solutions built on strong partnerships, robust clinical governance and a commitment to putting people first.

Key findings: The voice of over 26,000 flexible workers

Acacium Group’s white paper draws on insights from more than 26,000 flexible health and social care professionals across 1,000+ client sites. The data reveals several important themes:

Patient safety: 21% of flexible workers raised concerns about patient safety, with staffing shortages (65%) and burnout (13%) cited as major risks.
Workforce motivation: Flexibility and work-life balance are the top reasons professionals choose flexible work (36%), followed by financial needs and career development.
Retention risks: Only 41% of workers expect to stay in their roles long-term, down from 55% last year. 11% are considering leaving, citing pay, working conditions and retirement.
Mental health & wellbeing: While most workers rate their mental health as “good” or “excellent,” 27% reported taking time off due to illness, with 19% citing mental health as a factor. Financial stress is a major concern, with 46% worried about meeting essential living costs and 29% considering leaving the sector due to financial pressures.
Inclusion & discrimination: Reports of discrimination have fallen 7% year-on-year, but disparities remain, especially for disabled staff, women and LGBTQ+ professionals.

The value of flexibility

Flexible working is not just a stopgap; it’s a strategic asset. It enables career mobility, supports workforce re-entry and helps retain experienced professionals who might otherwise leave the sector. Bank Partners’ managed staff bank solutions are designed to maximise these benefits, offering a responsive, adaptable workforce that prioritises patient safety and staff wellbeing.

Our partnership with NHS Trusts, such as University College London Hospitals (UCLH), demonstrates how flexible staffing can be both people-centred and high-performing. At UCLH, bank workers are fully integrated into the organisation, with access to the same wellbeing services, recognition schemes and development opportunities as permanent staff. This inclusive approach fosters a strong sense of belonging and professional pride.

Bridging the experience gap

Despite their critical role, flexible workers often face challenges in integration and recognition. The white paper highlights a decline in overall satisfaction among flexible workers, pointing to the need for better induction, on-site support and access to digital systems. At Bank Partners, we’re committed to closing this experience gap, ensuring that every flexible worker feels valued, supported and empowered to deliver their best.

Taking action: Insights for workforce planning

Understanding the motivations, challenges and aspirations of the flexible workforce is essential for long-term workforce planning. Acacium Group’s data-driven approach provides actionable insights for NHS Integrated Care Systems, Health Boards and private providers across the UK. By listening to the voice of flexible workers, we can design more inclusive, sustainable and effective workforce models.

Join the conversation

We invite our clients, partners and colleagues to explore the full white paper and join us in shaping a safer, more resilient health system.

Read the full white paper on the Acacium Group website here.

About Bank Partners

Bank Partners is the UK’s leading independent expert in managed staff bank solutions, supporting NHS Trusts and healthcare providers to deliver safe, high-quality care through flexible workforce models.