We have revamped our Workforce Census to better reflect the experiences of the pathology workforce across all 17 specialties.
The census is now open to fellows, diplomates, affiliates, medical examiners, registered trainees, and candidates working in the UK. It will remain open for around six weeks. To effectively advocate for pathology when working with the government, we need as much census data as possible - we urge all invited participants to respond.
How do I access the census?
Each eligible member has been sent a unique survey link via email from [email protected]. Please ensure that this email address is in your contact list, and you check your junk folder if you cannot find your invitation.
If you work in the UK, and you are a fellow, diplomate, affiliate, medical examiner, registered trainee or candidate, and cannot locate your link, please email: [email protected].
Why are we doing a workforce census?
Aligned with the College Workforce Strategy 2025–2028, the census is vital for gathering data to inform workforce planning. It helps the College advocate for you by responding to government and NHS plans, media inquiries, and policy discussions. It enables us to identify shortfalls, address recruitment, retention and morale issues across the pathology workforce.
There is a lack of nationally coordinated data on pathologists and pathology services in the UK, making you as members invaluable in helping provide the information we need to understand the composition of the pathology workforce and the challenges you face.
To find out more about the workforce cenus:
What information are we asking for?
The census covers a range of key areas, including
- Demographics
- Employment and working patterns
- Retirement and caree intentions
- Contracted versus actual working hours
- Workforce shortages and vacancies
- Morale and wellbeing
Questions are tailored to different groups to ensure we gather relevant information, for example Registered trainees and candidates will be asked about their training pathway whilst career grade pathologists will not.
The census uses ‘survey logic’ to ensure you are only asked questions that are relevant to you.
How long will the census take?
The census has been structured in way that means you will only see the questions that are relevant to you. Depending on this, we estimate the time it will take to complete the census ranges from 5-20 minutes.
Your personalised link also allows you to save your answers and continue where you left off.
How will the data be collected and used?
We have commissioned an independent market research agency, Research by Design, to manage the census on our behalf.
You will be emailed a unique survey link via email from [email protected] with a link to the census.
Please ensure that this email address is in your contact list, and you check your junk folder if you cannot find your invitation.
Have we conducted this kind of census before?
Since 2010, the College has conducted a short workforce census via the member’s area of the website. Recognising the need for a more comprehensive approach, we have transformed the census to better capture the breadth of information required. The new census is now more relevant and inclusive, reflecting the diverse professional backgrounds and specialties of our members and those in training.
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