On 1 April 2013, Health Education England takes over responsibility for national leadership of health education and training and ensuring that the health work force has the right skills, behaviours and training, and is available in the right numbers, to deliver high-quality patient care. We have already announced our intention to establish Health Education England as a non-departmental public body at the earliest opportunity, as set out in the Draft Care and Support Bill.

The creation of Health Education England will bring together responsibility for education and training; the outcome of which will be a better work force planning, education and training system for health and public health, and one that is clearly focused on continually improving the health of the public and services for patients.

Given the findings of the Francis report and the importance of reflecting the changes and improvements required in the recruitment, training and education of NHS staff in the Government’s response, the full mandate for Health Education England will be published at the end of April.