Agenda for Change, introduced 20 years ago, was supposed to put an end to inconsistency and unfairness in how NHS staff are paid. But staff shortages and tight budgets mean many staff are now graded below the level of the work they’re doing. It’s time to modernise the system, says Rhys McKenzie.

Special Report: People in public-facing jobs are being confronted by more violence and abuse at work, and the NHS is at the sharp end. Existing policies are failing – we need a more co-ordinated and energetic approach to tackle the root causes and protect the staff who care for others.

Reflecting on our own assumptions and behaviour is the first step towards inclusive leadership, writes Ramima Khanam. By putting ourselves in other people’s shoes and learning from conversations we can help to create more inclusive and productive workplaces.

ELECTION 2024:We look at four looming trouble spots you won’t hear much about in the campaign.

ELECTION 2024:We look at what the experts say about six key challenges facing the NHS: waiting lists, workforce, social care, reform, buildings and technology. Do Labour or the Conservatives have the policies to meet them?

ELECTION 2024:As polling day nears, Jon Restell and Rhys McKenzie set out MiP’s agenda for the next government: supporting the workforce, stabilising the health and care system, boosting productivity and giving managers freedom to do their jobs.

Under pressure from political demands and relentless organisational change, many board-level NHS managers are feeling the effects of burnout and contemplating leaving the NHS, according to MiP’s ’Sounding Board’ of senior members and the union’s evidence to the pay review body.

Thinly-staffed NHS mental health services are under intense pressure, with patients facing interminable waits for diagnosis and treatment. Could artificial intelligence and chatbots be part of the answer? What are the risks and what does this largely-unregulated new technology mean for patients and staff?

Joining the Scottish health department weeks before the pandemic struck, Caroline Lamb found herself head of NHS Scotland within a year. She talks about the “intense and scary” experience of managing through the Covid crisis, her plans to integrate services and tackle staff shortages and why Scotland needs more money for health and care.

With constant upheaval in the health service, new mothers working for the NHS are often anxious about going back to work. Jo Seery explains the rights women have when returning after maternity leave.