Five key themes from NHS ConfedExpo 2026

It was remarkable to take in the scale of the conference and variation of different voices in attendance. From a live podcast area within the exhibition hall, to panel sessions on the multiple facets of NHS policy and workings, it was two days of diverse and lively discussion on what’s next for the NHS.

A few themes which emerged from my time in Manchester:

Balancing local progress with ongoing reform

The wider political context loomed large. This year’s conference was taking place with a new Secretary of State only a month in post, the NHS Modernisation Bill undergoing parliamentary scrutiny, and questions over the Labour Party’s longer-term leadership ahead of the Makerfield by-election. James Murray MP was keen to reiterate in his keynote speech that he will not drive a change in priorities, but instead a ‘change in gear’ – with a continued focus on elective recovery and the aims of the 10-Year Health Plan.

There was, however, some cynicism towards the ongoing reform agenda from Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Alliance, who said in his welcoming remarks: ‘Restructuring is not change. Restructuring is what organisations do when they cannot bring themselves to do the harder work, which is leadership’.

During sessions, those discussing progress being made in the system often suggested it was being made in spite of wider change taking place rather than because of it.

A challenging picture for neighbourhood health

Despite neighbourhood health being at the forefront of the Government’s vision for the NHS, there was a lack of concrete progress shared on the local establishment of services.

The directive from those representing NHS England and Government during relevant panel discussions appear to be ‘go out and make it happen!’ But NHS attendees spoke to a general lack of optimism around delivery without more specific central guidance, as well as clarity on funding arrangements and where power will sit – with huge geographical variation inevitable.

The NHS continues to crack on with delivery in the meantime

Sessions across the two days demonstrated that, despite these challenges, leaders continue to drive forward change within the NHS. This included remarks from National Voices’ Jacob Lant on ensuring that any work to improve access to treatment options within the pathway is grounded in patient experience and insight. Mike Bell, Chair of NHS West & North London ICB, also discussed the establishment of a London Innovation Fund to enable access to different forms of innovation locally.

Consensus on a clear role for innovation

ConfedExpo saw varied and optimistic discussion on critical role of innovation within the NHS. Sessions focused on the evolving medicines policy in the context of a drive towards reducing unwarranted variation and achieving greater consistency and routes to expanding genomic testing. Panellists also spoke to what it takes to truly embed innovative approaches – with culture, leadership and behaviour change raised as enablers alongside funding.

At a time when the debate on this area of healthcare can sometimes feel polarised, it was positive to see agreement from attendees on the opportunities both for the public and the system.

How the NHS responds to evolving needs and societal issues

It was interesting to observe how conversations at the conference often bled into other sectors. Mental health is one area where this comes through clearly – with one panel exploring the challenges facing the NHS in rapidly responding to complex societal issues and changes in technology.

More broadly, Jim Mackey focused his keynote speech more on attitudes and behaviour within the NHS rather than structures – noting growing divisions across society. Fairly light on specific policy ambition and detail, he instead emphasised the need for collaboration and strong leadership.

ConfedExpo serves as an important reminder of the challenges facing the NHS in continually adapting to changes both in and outside of health.

During a period of continued organisational change, this year’s conference offered many different perspectives on setting the NHS up for success for the future. It will be interesting to see how much of the positive sentiment from panel sessions and exhibition hall conversations now continues ‘on the ground’.