UEA’s Exit from NHS Mental Health Education Raises Workforce Concerns

Mental Health Training Undermined: UEA Cuts Spark Union Alarm

The University and College Union (UCU) has expressed grave concern over the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) recent decision to withdraw from essential regional mental health training provision. This follows the university’s confirmation that it will discontinue three specialised programmes which have historically played a pivotal role in equipping NHS professionals to deliver mental health services across the region. Specifically, UEA announced the closure of the High Intensity Therapy programme, the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner programme, and the Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAPs) Master's Apprenticeship programme. In conjunction with these course closures, the university also proposed a reduction equivalent to 10.9 full-time roles.

According to a university spokesperson, the continued delivery of these programmes was deemed no longer viable. It was clarified that the affected courses were exclusively available to NHS employees and not to self-funded students. The decision was attributed to a combination of factors, including the restructuring of NHS England, a decline in NHS commissions for talking therapy programmes, and a reduction in apprenticeship opportunities. Furthermore, it was noted that the CAPs course, which qualifies for level-seven apprenticeship funding, is scheduled to be discontinued across all sectors from January 2026.

While UEA assured that current students would be supported to complete their studies, it acknowledged that the nearest alternative provider is located in Essex. Staff members have been informed, and formal consultations with trade unions are currently underway. The university emphasised that compulsory redundancies would be considered only as a last resort. It is pertinent to recall that in the previous year, UEA had announced plans to eliminate 170 full-time equivalent posts to reduce expenditure by £11 million, aiming for a 3% budget cut, without ruling out the possibility of enforced redundancies.UCU’s concerns reflect broader anxieties about the erosion of regional mental health training capacity at a time of increasing demand for qualified professionals.

Editor's Note:

The University of East Anglia’s (UEA) decision to stop three important mental health training courses is a significant moment for both education and healthcare in the region. It highlights a growing concern: universities are playing a smaller role in helping train NHS staff through specialised courses. UEA said the closures were due to changes in NHS England and fewer course commissions. However, stopping programmes like High Intensity Therapy, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, and the Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAPs) Master's Apprenticeship raises serious questions about the future of mental health training in the East of England. The University and College Union (UCU) has voiced concern, warning that the closures will affect not only students and staff but also local communities that depend on trained mental health professionals. The fact that the nearest university offering similar courses is in Essex adds to worries about access and fairness.

Skoobuzz believes that this situation highlights the need for universities to think carefully about their role during changes in public services. It also calls for new ways to work together and protect vital training programmes, even as funding and priorities shift.