An updated version of the Multi-Professional Workforce Plan for Adults and Children with Kidney Disease has been published. Updated in 2025 by the professional groups affiliated with the UK Kidney Association, it brings together current workforce recommendations for specialist kidney services across the UK.

The report sets out workforce capacity, skill mix, education and advanced practice requirements for the non-medical kidney workforce, with dedicated chapters on dietetics, nursing, pharmacy, psychosocial practitioners (psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers), technologists, therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical exercise physiology), as well as a section on workforce wellbeing, research and future recommendations.

The recommendations are based on the complex needs of people living with kidney disease and the specialist skills required to deliver care, recognising sustained growth in the number of adults and children needing kidney services, increasing clinical complexity and shortages in key parts of the workforce. The report emphasises the need for integrated, multi-professional and multi-agency working across the kidney care pathway.

The workforce plan is intended to support organisations involved in the development and management of kidney services, commissioners and providers of healthcare, national guideline and standards groups, people living with kidney disease and those who support them, and organisations that support people affected by kidney disease. It is designed to sit alongside other national guidance, such as the Renal Services Transformation Programme, NICE guidance, and Renal GIRFT.

Described as a “living document”, it will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect innovations in practice, research and the changing needs of the UK population.