The 2026 workforce census is now live, and the College would like to invite all fellows, diplomates, affiliates, registered trainees and candidates working in the UK to complete the census.
Following the 2026 census, the College does not intend to conduct another census until 2028. The data collected this year will continue to play a central role in supporting our advocacy activities aligned to the College Workforce Strategy. We, therefore, strongly encourage all invited participants to complete the census and help shape the next phase of workforce planning.
How can I access the census?
Each eligible participant will be sent a unique survey link from [email protected] or [email protected].
Please ensure these email addresses are saved in your contacts, as NHS firewalls have previously flagged census emails as spam. Adding these addresses to your contact list will help prevent this.
If you are a Joint Royal College Physicians Training Board registered trainee, studying Immunology or Haematology but not yet registered with the College, but would like to contribute, please fill out the following form.
How long will the census take?
The census has been constructed in a way that means you will only see the questions that are relevant to you. Depending on this, we estimate that the time it will take you to complete the census will range between 10-25 minutes.
Your personalised link will allow you to save your answers and continue where you left off at any time – there is no obligation to complete the census in one session.
Each time you move to a new page of the Census, your responses will be saved. Once you have submitted the Census, amendments are not possible; if you wish to make revisions after you have pressed ‘submit’, please contact Chloe Bethell ([email protected]) at Research by Design to discuss the options available.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important that I respond to the census?
Your insights help the College advocate on your behalf, informing government and NHS leaders, shaping policy discussions, and responding to media inquiries. The data also highlights specialty - and region - specific trends, which we publish via our specialty reports and use to influence broader conversations with stakeholders, including parliaments.
To find out more about the impact we had with our 2025 census click here: How insights from the 2025 Workforce Census have shaped – and strengthened – our work
Why are we running the workforce census again?
The census provides a straightforward way for members to tell us about workforce pressures, challenges and possible solutions; helping build the evidence we need to feed into workforce planning.
Last year’s census gave the College our most robust data set to date. Running it again in 2026 allows us to improve this data set and track year-on-year changes. It also is an opportunity for anyone who did not respond last year, to complete their census this year.
Workforce remains one of the most pressing issues facing pathology and a priority area for the College. Our advocacy is strongest when grounded in lived experience; the College remains committed to listening to and representing both the profession and our members. We therefore strongly encourage all invited participants to complete the census as soon as possible.
What information will we ask for?
The census covers a range of key areas, including
- Demographics
- Retirement
- Employment status
- Job plans / working patterns
- Workload
- Vacancies and Recruitment
- Training / Trainers
- Morale and Wellbeing
Questions are tailored to different groups to ensure we gather relevant information, for example Registered trainees and candidates will be asked about their training pathway whilst career grade pathologists will not. The census uses ‘survey logic’ to ensure you are only asked questions that are relevant to you.
What if I am a member and have not received a link to take the census?
If you are a current member of the Royal College of Pathologists and have not received a link to participate in the Census, please contact [email protected] to request a link.
The College is focusing this year’s 2026 Workforce Census on individuals currently working in UK-based pathology roles. This is with the aim of building an accurate picture of the current domestic workforce, ensuring the College’s advocacy work is founded on those directly affected by UK policy.
The College values all members, including those outside the UK and those now retired. In the future, the College hopes to explore these areas in greater detail.
How will my data be used?
We have commissioned an independent market research agency, Research by Design, to manage the census on our behalf.
Your responses to the survey will be processed securely and confidentially in accordance with both UK and EU General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act at all times. Click here to read our privacy policy. Click here to read Research by Design’s privacy policy.
All Census responses will be passed back to the College who will complete the analysis and reporting in-house, enabling the College to continue contributing to workforce planning efforts. The College will report on the Census in aggregate form, and no members will be identifiable through this reporting. No information will be shared with your trust or employer, so please do answer as openly and honestly as possible.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
I have more questions about the census
If you have more questions about the census, please get in contact with the team at [email protected]
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