The Nuffield Trust

The Nuffield Trust is an independent health think tank. We aim to help achieve a high quality health and social care system that improves the health and care of people in the UK by providing evidence-based research and policy analysis and informing and generating debate.

Standing independent both of the NHS and of politics, funded largely by its own endowment, and small enough to respond quickly to the volatile political and policy environment, we produce incisive commentary and research with three main aims:

  • To influence policy and practice by generating and synthesising information on health and social care to facilitate both better policy and better practice
  • To challenge and support those involved in planning and delivering healthcare to think more creatively and innovatively about how to adapt and redesign services to meet changing patient needs
  • To provide information on the evidence, statistics, facts and research which politicians and policymakers use in their interventions in the health and care system in the UK.

We seek to be respected and highly-regarded by our main audiences; to remain separate from but expert in the NHS and social care; and above all to use our independence, highly skilled staff and unique position to be a force for good in improving the health and social care of the UK population.


Latest reports

Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2024: Results from the British Social Attitudes survey

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust analyses results from the British Social Attitudes survey. The survey results indicate a significant decline in public satisfaction with the NHS and social care services. The report analyses factors contributing to this trend, such as service accessibility and quality, and discusses implications for policymakers aiming to...

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Health in the UK after Brexit: Moving apart or stuck together?

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust examines the ongoing impact of Brexit on the UK's health system. This report examines the ongoing impact of Brexit on the UK's health system, focusing on areas such as medicines, workforce migration, and procurement legislation. It highlights emerging challenges in AI, funding, professional qualifications, and cross-border...

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Public expenditure in the last year of life

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust analyses healthcare spending patterns during individuals' final year of life. The study analyses healthcare spending patterns during individuals' final year of life, revealing significant expenditures and variations across services. It underscores the importance of understanding these patterns to inform policy decisions aimed at improving end-of-life care...

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In the balance: Lessons for changing the mix of professions in NHS services

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust explores the implications of altering the professional composition within NHS services. This report explores the implications of altering the professional composition within NHS services. It discusses the potential benefits and challenges of diversifying roles, aiming to enhance service delivery and address workforce shortages through strategic role...

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Practice learning in nursing and midwifery education: An independent rapid review

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust assesses the current state of practice learning in nursing and midwifery education. The review assesses the current state of practice learning in nursing and midwifery education, identifying areas for improvement. It provides recommendations to enhance educational experiences, support student placements, and ensure the development of competent...

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What needs to improve for social care to better support people with dementia?

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust evaluates the effectiveness of social care services for individuals with dementia. This report evaluates the effectiveness of social care services for individuals with dementia, highlighting gaps in support and service provision. It offers strategic recommendations to improve care quality, accessibility, and integration with healthcare services to...

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From ambition to reality: national policy options to improve care worker pay in England

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust sets out the options for pay reform and explains the advantages and pitfalls of introducing them. Low pay for care workers is a key factor among the problems that beset the social care sector. The case for reform is strong, but as yet there is no...

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The future for health after Brexit

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust looks at the delivery of health and care in the UK after Brexit. Our Health and International Relations Monitor project, supported by the Health Foundation, tracks issues that are important for the delivery of health and care in the UK to understand how our changing relationship...

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Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2023

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust examines public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2023. The British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey is a ‘gold standard’ nationally representative survey that uses a robust methodology to explore public views on a wide range of issues. The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust...

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Preventing people with a learning disability from dying too young

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust looks at preventative health care services for people with a learning disability. Around 1.3 million people in England have a learning disability and may need more support to stay in good health. But are they able to get access to the services they are entitled to...

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Bold action or slow decay? The state of NHS dentistry and future policy actions

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust explores the state of NHS dentistry and future policy actions. NHS-funded dental services in England are in near-terminal decline: nearly six million fewer courses of NHS dental treatment were provided last year than in the pre-pandemic year; funding in 2021/22 was over £500m lower in real...

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Growing up inside: Understanding the key health care issues for young people in young offender institutions and prisons

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust considers how the prison service can meet the needs of young people in custodial settings. Serious challenges remain over the health and care of children in young offender institutions, as well as for younger people in prisons across the country. This Nuffield Trust analysis, funded by...

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Waste not, want not: Strategies to improve the supply of clinical staff to the NHS

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust sets out the scale of NHS attrition and puts forward a 10-point plan to improve retention. For every five nurse training places, only three full-time nurses join the NHS. The rate of dropouts in the staffing pipeline from student to early-career clinician is worryingly high, with...

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A vision for community pharmacy

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust explores a vision for the direction of community pharmacy. Community pharmacy needs to adapt to meet the needs of a changing population at a time of unprecedented challenge for health and care in England. The Nuffield Trust and The King's Fund were commissioned by Community Pharmacy...

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In train? Progress on mental health nurse education

This report from UK think tank the Nuffield Trust takes stock of progress on mental health nurse education. Despite steps towards closing the gap between mental and physical health services, many people still cannot access services and face long waits for treatment. Addressing workforce challenges in mental health services will be crucial to improving this...

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