At Nexa Life Sciences, we pride ourselves on our values of bringing exceptional talent and minds together within the Life Sciences industry. We wanted to start understanding the impact of our unique and complex industry with a new government. By understanding that, we can ensure that for candidates and clients alike, we are able to attract and consult the right talent to guarantee we stay a stride ahead and continue to work with agility.
As we see in a new Labour government, there are many questions around how this critical UK industry will continue to contribute to the success of our nation. On the 30th of January this year, Wes Streeting MP and Peter Kyle MP visited the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst to launch the Labour Party’s Life Sciences sector strategy. Labour has introduced a new slogan “A Prescription for Growth” reflecting their focus on the sectors importance. Streeting and Kyle presented themselves as a team that understands the bond between health and innovation, in a show of “supporting the scale up of scientific research and the latest technologies to revolutionise future healthcare” (UKSPA).
Labour appears committed, to retaining the Life Sciences vision published in 2021 by the outgoing government. The vision committed to the NHS is to operate as an innovative partner, adopting a strategy in England which brings together industry, patients and integrated care systems. A further element of continuity is Labour’s plan is to retain the recommendations from the O’Shaughnessy Review into commercial clinical trials, committed to reducing the red tape, so that the NHS can fulfil its potential of leading the world in clinical trials. This is a critical piece of the puzzle to achieve UK ambition.
Just to recap, in March 2021, the Conservative government unveiled a 10-year plan titled “Saving and Improving Lives: The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery.” Central to this vision was establishing a digitally empowered, innovation-driven, and patient-centred clinical research landscape. The approach aimed to position the UK as a global leader in Life Sciences, to work towards better health outcomes for the UK population and attracting investment from around the globe. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies was seen as critical in enhancing patient well-being and making a tangible impact on lives across the UK through clinical research, with clinical research serving as the foundation for advancing healthcare standards.
Reviving UK research activities sits at the heart of our global success and is an opportunity for transformation. The collaborative efforts under the UK Clinical Research Recovery, Resilience, and Growth program have laid a foundation for success, bringing together expertise and support from various sectors including industry, academia, charities, patients, regulators, funders, and the NHS.
Steps have been made in the past few years, such as streamlining the approval process for new Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products; launching £200 million for data research and development initiatives and introducing a professional accreditation scheme for Clinical Research Practitioners to strengthen the workforce. Additional funding has been allocated to enhance research capacity, particularly in community settings. A UK-wide census was conducted to gauge the number and diversity of nurses and midwives engaged in clinical research, showcasing their vital role in the healthcare sector. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Associate Principal Investigator Scheme and the research career pathways vision in Wales aim to encourage and expand the pool of healthcare professionals involved in research activities.
By promoting a culture of research excellence and collaboration, the UK is laying the groundwork for a brighter and healthier future for all. This will only happen with continuity and purpose.
The UK Life Sciences industry has so much to offer this country. At Nexa, we witness these advancements firsthand through our work with a diverse and innovative range of clients and candidates, and we remain committed to driving progress in this vital industry.
In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to focus on the continuity and change promised, to continue to drive our strategy and relationships that deliver for all.
For any further insight reach out to Kirsty Calow or Suzanne Swan
suzanne@nexalifesciences.co.uk
References: Shadow Science and Health Ministers visit Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst to Launch Life Sciences Strategy | UKSPA Labour launches Life Sciences Industry Strategy at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst | Cambridge Network
