Background: Neurodisability is a diverse sub-specialty, and consultant posts vary in setting and scope. There are concerns about consultant vacancies and "job freezes", and about whether sub-specialty training prepares PGDiTs for the consultant posts available. The RCPCH Workforce CCT Survey 2025 did not report on neurodisability separately.
Methods: Two surveys, one for consultants in neurodisability posts and one for sub-specialty ND PGDiTs, were open from 16 April to 16 May 2026. The PGDiT survey went to all 23 sub-specialty ND PGDiTs; the consultant survey was circulated through BACD and BACCH. Results are reported descriptively and free text was coded into themes.
Results: 111 consultants and 16 of 23 PGDiTs (70%) responded. 42 consultants (38%) reported an ND consultant vacancy in their service, totalling about 350 unfilled PAs (roughly 35 full-time posts), against about 4 CCTs a year, most planning to work less than full time. 88% of vacant posts are in secondary or community care, but only 31% of PGDiTs prefer that setting. PGDiTs most want specialist skills such as botulinum toxin, neurosurgical tone, rehabilitation and tertiary epilepsy, which sit mainly in tertiary posts. About half of sub-specialty (GRID) ND consultants in secondary or community posts run child protection clinics; 10 of 16 PGDiTs would rather not. PGDiTs most often name gaps in tone and botulinum toxin experience and access to CAMHS placements. 56% of consultants are aged 50 or over and 77% would not consider moving region within the UK for another consultant post.
Conclusions: There is a mismatch in setting and scope between the consultant posts available and the roles PGDiTs want. Mapping of programmes and services by region, guidance for applicants, review of safeguarding training and a regular ND workforce census, working with the RCPCH, BPNA and BACCH, are recommended.
The full report can be downloaded below.
Neurodisability Workforce Survey 2026 Final Report
