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Workforce data

The College is committed to collecting comprehensive workforce data that we can use to advocate for and support effective workforce planning for pathology services across the UK. This data is pivotal in informing discussions with government bodies, healthcare organisations and other stakeholders to ensure the pathology workforce has the right resources and the right support to deliver the highest quality of care for patients.

RCPath Workforce Census 2025 

To support the College’s Workforce Strategy 2025-2028 and inform our workforce planning efforts, we conducted a workforce census in 2025 which over 2,900 members responded to.  

"All branches of pathology are challenged by workforce shortages, particularly in the face of ever-increasing clinical demand. The College’s workforce census, therefore, provides a vital opportunity for pathologists to report on their current working environments. 

This year’s census had our most robust response to date – many thanks to everyone who completed it. From this, the College can publish authoritative pieces to use to advocate for investment in pathology staffing; locally, nationally and internationally"

Professor Peter Johnston, Vice President of Workforce 

The insights gained from the census data will inform our discussions with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure pathology workforce needs are met. They will also enable us to respond to calls for evidence for upcoming Government and NHS plans.   

Census Spotlight 1: Response rate, retirements and working patterns

Key findings from spotlight one: 

  • 47% of pathologists are aged 50 and over, suggesting a potential retirement cliff edge within the next decade.  
  • 60% of UK-wide consultants say that in a typical week they work beyond the number of hours stated in their contract. 
  • The majority of pathologists do not believe current staffing levels are adequate to ensure long-term stability of pathology services and to meet growing demand.

You can read the full spotlight below:

Workforce Census Methodology

The RCPath Workforce Census was developed by the College’s Workforce Team and delivered in collaboration with the independent market research agency, Research by Design. A personalised census link was emailed to eligible UK-based members, including fellows, diplomates, affiliates, medical examiners, registered trainees, and candidates. 

The questionnaire was based on the previous RCPath Workforce Census and expanded to capture more detailed and relevant workforce data. Advanced survey logic was used to tailor questions based on respondents’ roles and specialties, ensuring relevance and reducing respondent burden. 

The census was open from 10 February to 31 March 2025, during which reminders were issued to encourage participation. Response rates were actively monitored across the four nations and 17 pathology specialties. The census aimed to achieve a representative sample, targeting a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. 

Data analysis is being conducted in-house by RCPath. This release presents provisional, high-level findings only. Due to conditional survey logic, percentages reflect only those respondents who were asked each question, and response counts vary accordingly. Where appropriate, results have been weighted against the overall sample to support meaningful interpretation.