New report calls for workforce-centred AI adoption
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping NHS roles, skills and ways of working, according to a new report commissioned by NHS England London Region.
Beyond productivity: AI and NHS workforce implications finds workforce planning, governance, and training must keep pace with how AI tools are being used in practice, from administrative and operational processes to clinical documentation supported by ambient voice technologies (AVT).
The report explores the impact of non-clinical AI and AVT on the NHS workforce in London. It was developed by the three London Health Innovation Networks, Health Innovation Network South London, UCLPartners and Imperial College Health Partners, drawing on published evidence and insight from NHS leaders, clinicians, operational teams and workforce representatives.
The publication comes as NHS England has announced plans to accelerate AI adoption across healthcare services, providing 505,000 clinicians and support staff with access to Microsoft 365 Copilot. The rollout is expected by October 2026 and is intended to support administrative work and free up more time for patient care.
Against this backdrop, it argues that the NHS conversation on AI needs to move beyond productivity. While AI can help reduce administrative burden and release time for patient care, its impact on staff and organisations is more complex. The report highlights that benefits are shaped not only by the technology itself, but by how it is implemented within existing workflows, teams and services.
Rather than simply reducing work, AI can redistribute it. The report highlights new responsibilities for staff around checking, validation, professional judgement, accountability, and oversight. It says these changes need to be reflected in workforce planning, role design, professional development, and how the NHS measures the value of AI.
Planning for AI-enabled work
AI tools are increasingly being used across NHS settings to support day-to-day tasks, often in response to immediate workload pressures. But adoption is moving faster than organisational readiness, with staff and teams using tools before workforce models, governance arrangements and training approaches have fully adapted.
The report calls for a more workforce-centred approach to AI adoption, including clearer governance and “permission to use”, better measures of productivity and value, support for staff development, and stronger shared learning across London’s NHS.
It is intended to support discussion and future planning, identifying key workforce considerations as AI adoption continues to evolve.
Dr Rishi Das-Gupta, CEO at Health Innovation Network South London said:
The question isn’t whether AI will change the NHS workforce, it’s whether we shape that change or let it shape us.”
“AI is already being used in the NHS and the challenge now is to adapt our workforce’s roles and skills quickly to maximise the benefits.”
“Crucially this report shows that success with AI isn’t about technology alone, it’s about implementation, collaboration and scale, which is precisely the space the Health Innovation Network exists to support.”
In the report’s foreword, Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for London, NHS England, says:
AI is no longer a future consideration for the NHS. As this work demonstrates, it is already being adopted across organisations and teams, often in response to very real operational pressures.”
“The report reinforces that successful adoption will depend not only on technology itself, but on leadership, workforce engagement, trust and clear governance.”
The report was commissioned by NHS England London Region and is being published by UCLPartners on behalf of the London Health Innovation Networks.
Read the report: Beyond productivity: AI and NHS workforce implications.