PPN Midlands, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and the British Psychological Society, has published an important discussion paper, Ethnic Representation and the Practitioner Psychology Workforce in the West Midlands. This paper offers a snapshot analysis of workforce ethnicity within two Midlands Integrated Care Systems (ICS), comparing it to local population demographics and NHS mental health service users. It highlights key areas for improvement, including better data collection and alignment, targeted outreach to diverse communities, and initiatives to attract a more representative workforce. This foundational work calls for action to address disparities and provides a framework for further exploration across other psychological professions.

In collaboration with NHS England’s Workforce, Training and Education Directorate and Chief Psychological Professions Officers from across the region, PPN Midlands have developed a Workforce Overview report.

The project was initiated by PPN Midlands to inform regional workforce planning conversations and developments. It aims to provide a picture of the psychological professions workforce to inform planning at multiple levels, and in conjunction with other local and regionally held information, it will support effective workforce planning and set a baseline from which to measure expansion requirements over coming years