Recommendation 14

In addition, it is paramount that a plan is implemented to increase the size and wellbeing of the children and young people’s mental health workforce based on independently verified estimates of the number of people needed in different disciplines and the training places required to deliver them. The strategy should include an assessment of how the skill mix of the workforce can be developed to include other expert professionals such as speech and language therapists, social workers, youth workers and the importance of a diverse workforce in improving outcomes for minority ethnic groups. The Department of Health and Social Care should work with Health Education England to develop this plan to build on the steps already taken to expand the workforce and enhance the skills of the wider workforce. (Paragraph 68) Mental health support in schools