From Research to Practice: Reflections from the UK Public Health Science Conference 2026
I was delighted to present findings from research I led for NHS England at the UK Public Health Science Conference 2026, one of the UK's leading conferences for public health researchers and practitioners. It was a privilege to contribute to an important conversation about one of the most pressing challenges facing our workforce: creating workplaces where people from all backgrounds can thrive.
The research explored the experiences of minority ethnic professionals working within public health and the factors that influence career progression. While the study focused on public health, many of the issues raised are equally relevant across the NHS, local government, higher education and the voluntary sector.
Looking beyond recruitment
Over recent years, many organisations have invested considerable effort in making recruitment more inclusive. This is important and necessary. However, one of the strongest messages from the research was that recruitment is only one part of the picture. Participants repeatedly spoke about what happens after people join an organisation.. They described the value of supportive relationships, psychologically safe teams, opportunities to learn, and feeling able to contribute openly without fear of judgement.
These findings highlight the kinds of questions that organisations should be asking:
How do we retain talented staff?
How do we help people feel they belong?
How do we support staff working in emotionally demanding environments?
How do we create cultures where different perspectives are genuinely valued?
None of these challenges can be addressed through policies or recruitment practices alone. They require organisations to create cultures where people feel able to talk honestly about their experiences, learn from one another and work through challenges together. That is where reflective practice can play such an important role.
Why Reflections Matter
One of the things that I’ve been thinking about since the conference is the importance of reflection. When organisations are busy - and many are under immense pressure - the first thing that often disappears is time to stop and think. Yet reflection is one of the key ways individuals and teams make sense of complexity, learn from experience and strengthen relationships.
Without those opportunities, people can begin to feel isolated, unheard or disconnected from the purpose of their work. With them, organisations are much better placed to build trust, improve communication and create psychologically safe cultures.
Turning research into practice
This resonates with me because it reflects the philosophy that underpins Choices. Throughout my work, whether conducting research, facilitating Action Learning Sets or leading Reflective Practice Groups, I have seen how creating protected space for reflection helps individuals and teams navigate complexity, strengthen relationships and develop healthier ways of working.
Our Reflective Practice Groups provide structured, facilitated spaces where professionals can step back from the demands of day-to-day work to explore complex situations, learn from one another and strengthen psychologically safe ways of working.
Alongside this, Action Learning Sets support leaders to work collaboratively on real organisational challenges.
Healthy Workplace Conversations supports teams to understand how to discuss wellbeing, relationships and organisational culture openly and constructively.
For individuals working in emotionally demanding roles, our coaching provides dedicated reflective space to develop insight, confidence and sustainable ways of working.
Together, these approaches help organisations move beyond simply responding to challenges, creating healthier workplace cultures where people feel valued, supported and able to contribute their best.
Why conferences matter
One of the reasons I valued presenting at the UK Public Health Science Conference is that it brought together research, policy and practice. It provided an opportunity not only to share evidence, but also to learn from others working to improve workplaces and population health. For me, the next step is always translating that evidence into practical action that supports people in their everyday working lives. That is exactly what Choices exists to do.
If you're interested in creating more reflective, psychologically safe and sustainable workplaces, I'd love to talk about how our Reflective Practice Groups, Action Learning Sets and other facilitated interventions can support your organisation.
