Recommendation 20

NHSE&I emphasised that retaining staff is a “valid and important” supply route, which represents the “best investment” for increasing numbers. It told us the main factors affecting retention include staff feeling stressed by the work, lack of flexibility and a lack of continuous learning and development. It told us that its retention programme is focused on these factors, as well as creating an environment that is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. NHSE&I acknowledged that staff are under increased pressure as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which had also made the job of retaining staff more difficult.53 Nursing students