What's in store for health and care in 2026?

2026 will be another year of challenge and change for health and social care. 

This free online event will explore what’s ahead, and what it means for those who lead, work in and rely on the health and care system.

Health and care leaders face a daunting task: rising demand, fragile social care, industrial action, and low public satisfaction. Add in NHS restructuring and cuts across integrated care boards and these are uncertain, distracting times.

Yet there are reasons for hope. At our recent annual conference, one message stood out: progress in improved patient care happens when people work together. So we’ll look at what’s possible – from putting community partnerships at the heart of neighbourhood health to delivering a cancer plan that improves lives and scaling AI in health and social care.

Plans don’t deliver change – people do. That’s why we’ll also explore the learning from Healthwatch and the essential role of skilled management and clinical leadership in making the 10 Year Health Plan a reality, alongside the forthcoming workforce plan and other major reforms.

Join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping health and care in 2026 – and how together we can turn plans into action.

Speakers

• Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive, The King's Fund
• Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, Events and Partnerships, The King's Fund
• Suzie Bailey, Director of Leadership and Organisational Development, The King's Fund

How to watch

One week prior to the event, you will receive a link to watch the event on the day. The link will not go live until Wednesday 28 January at 1.00pm when the event begins.

The event will be hosted on the Microsoft Teams event feature, Microsoft Teams Town Halls. If you are familiar with Microsoft Teams, you'll be pleased to know the joining process is largely the same as a regular Teams meeting.

Users can join on a browser (on a desktop only) and on the Microsoft Teams app. Please note the event is not available on a mobile web browser. We recommend joining on the Microsoft Teams app for the best experience.