RCPath Workforce Census 2026: FAQs
Why is the Royal College of Pathologists undertaking this research?
The Royal College of Pathologists invites members to take part in their 2026 Workforce Census to help shape the next phase of workforce planning.
Following the successful completion of the 2025 Workforce Census, the College published spotlight reports on retirements, working patterns, morale and wellbeing, and trainees, as well as specialty-specific reports on immunology and paediatric & perinatal pathology (with additional specialty reports in development). Census data was also used to inform key consultations and workforce plans, including the NSHE Medical Training Review, the Scotland Future Medical Workforce Plan, the NHSE 10-Year Workforce Plan and the National Cancer Plan.
The College is continuing to build on its strong dataset to date by running the Workforce Census for a second time. Running the Census again provides members with an opportunity to speak up on workforce pressures, challenges and possible solutions. These insights help the College track year-on-year changes and build the evidence needed for future workforce planning.
Who has been commissioned to undertake this research?
The Royal College of Pathologists have commissioned Research by Design to undertake this research on their behalf. Research by Design is an independent market research company and part of Box Delta Insights. Research by Design’s website is: http://www.researchbydesign.com/
How will I be invited to participate in the online Census?
An online census will be distributed via email to all fellows, diplomates, affiliates, registered trainees and candidates working in the UK (for whom a valid email address is held). Each eligible participant will be sent a unique survey link via email from [email protected]. All RCPath members are encouraged to save this address to their safe senders list.
You can verify the validity of the email by checking the sender address is from [email protected].
If you are having trouble accessing the link, for example due to NHS firewalls, we request that you forward your invite on to a personal email address and try again using a different server connection.
What if I am a member and have not received a link to take the Census?
If you are a current member of the Royal College of Pathologists and have not received a link to participate in the Census (and are eligible for participation), please contact [email protected].
If you are a Joint Royal College Physicians Training Board registered trainee, training in Immunology or Haematology but are not yet registered with the College, and you would like to contribute to the census, please complete this form.
The College is focusing this year’s 2026 Workforce Census on individuals currently working in UK-based pathology roles. This is with the aim of building an accurate picture of the current domestic workforce, ensuring the College’s advocacy work is founded on those directly affected by UK policy.
The College values all members, including those outside the UK and those now retired. In the future, the College hopes to explore these areas in greater detail.
How long might the online Census take?
The Census has been constructed in a way that means you will only see the questions that are relevant to you. Depending on this, we estimate that the time it will take you to complete the census will range between 10-25 minutes.
Do I have to complete the census in one go?
Each Census session contains a device-specific cookie which remembers your choices should you leave and return to the Census – even if you have not submitted your response. Each time you move to a new page of the Census, your responses are saved.
Once you have submitted the Census, amendments are not possible; if you wish to make revisions after you have pressed ‘submit’, please contact Chloe Bethell ([email protected]) at Research by Design to discuss the options available.
How do I return my Census to Research by Design?
Once you have reached the final page of the Census you will be provided with a submit button at the bottom of the page. Your responses will be sent automatically to Research by Design. If you do not complete the Census, then your saved answers may still be used in the analysis as a partial response.
What about data protection?
Research by Design is registered as a Data Controller to undertake research in any field, including market, health, lifestyle, scientific or technical research, under the UK GDPR, the EU GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018 as applicable; registration number Z5405593.
Research by Design is committed to meeting the requirements of the following laws and codes:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
You can review Research by Design’s privacy policy here: Privacy Policy.
You can review The Royal College of Pathologist’s privacy policy here: Privacy policy
Is the online Census secure?
Respondent data is encrypted in transit (via HTTPS) and is stored encrypted in EU data centres.
How will my responses be used?
All Census responses will be passed back to the College who will complete the analysis and reporting in-house, enabling the College to continue contributing to workforce planning efforts. The College will report on the Census in aggregate form, and no members will be identifiable through this reporting. Responses to the Census are not anonymous or confidential, however no information will be shared with your trust or employer.
For those that wish to speak to the Royal College of Pathologists about the research, please contact [email protected].
To speak to Research by Design about the research, please contact Chloe Bethell ([email protected]) or call 0121 643 9090.
