The BeWell Skills Strategy outlines a vision for upskilling and reskilling the European health and care workforce with essential digital and green competencies. Developed by a multi-stakeholder consortium, the Strategy emphasises the importance of life-long learning (LLL) and continuing professional development (CPD) to prepare health professionals for emerging challenges.
With over 15 million people employed in health roles across the EU, the health sector plays a crucial role in societal resilience. The Strategy argues that equipping this workforce with digital and green skills will not only improve efficiency and care quality but also support better health outcomes and workforce wellbeing. Digital tools can streamline administrative tasks and enhance evidence-based decision-making, while green practices promote sustainability and reduce the sector’s environmental impact.
Six strategic objectives guide the Strategy:
- Assess skill mismatches and improve knowledge sharing
- Promote digital literacy and align training with new digital roles
- Advance green skills and embed sustainability into healthcare training
- Strengthen soft skills such as communication and critical thinking
- Support workforce wellbeing through smart technologies and practices
- Expand inclusive, innovative opportunities for LLL and CPD
The Strategy also provides recommendations for action at local, national, and European levels. Local and regional authorities should integrate these priorities into their planning and invest in tailored initiatives. National governments are urged to align health, education, and employment policies while directing resources toward workforce development. At the EU level, continued support, funding, and coordination are essential for implementation and long-term impact.
Read the summary of the BeWell Skills Strategy
The Strategy calls for a unified effort to build a future-ready, resilient, and sustainable health and care workforce across Europe. To achieve this goal, we need your support. BeWell has developed a survey to ensure the next version of the Strategy reflects the real needs of the health and care workforce. Please take 10-12 minutes to let us know how we can all support the digital and green upskilling and reskilling of the health and care workforce.
Which survey should I complete?
Please choose the survey that best matches your role. Each version is tailored to reflect your perspective and experience in the health and care workforce.
You are involved in shaping policies or funding decisions that affect the health and care workforce. This includes roles in ministries (e.g., health, education, or labour ministries), regional or local authorities, or national bodies responsible for healthcare planning or training programmes.
You are currently working as a frontline health or care worker — for example, as a doctor, nurse, care assistant, allied health professional, or therapist. You may work in hospitals, community care, public health, long-term care, or primary care settings.
You are responsible for managing a healthcare organisation, department, or system at a regional, local, or organisational level. This includes hospital managers, service directors, and health administrators who oversee staffing, training, or organisational development.
You work in a vocational training institution (VET) or a higher education setting (such as a university), providing education or training for health and care professionals. This includes both clinical and non-clinical instructors or curriculum designers.
Patient Organisation Representative
You represent a patient, carers, or disability organisation at the local, regional, national, or European level. You advocate for better health and care, equity, and patient-centred services, and you may have insight into how workforce skills affect patient experience.
