In February and March 2026, 385 Social Prescribing Link Workers across England responded to NASP’s annual link worker survey. The results give an important snapshot of the priorities and pressures facing the social prescribing workforce.
Making a difference: job satisfaction, impact and short waiting times
The survey showed that link workers find their roles rewarding and can see the difference that they make. 90% of link workers stated that they enjoyed their role and 96% felt that their work was having a positive impact.
Link workers said the best things about their role were making a difference in people’s lives, building meaningful relationships and the autonomy, variety and flexibility of the role.
“I find it very rewarding seeing patients' journeys and really believe in social prescribing as a model in primary care. Most issues we see cannot be treated by medication alone. I like the health coaching element, helping people to feel in control of their situation.”
“Being able to help people by enabling them, giving them the courage or confidence to make a change or try something new to better their lives.”
Impact is perceived to be driven primarily by the relationships that link workers are able to establish with patients.
“Giving people the time to truly talk about what matters to them. Showing people that they are valued. Working with people effectively and not just 'tick boxing'.”
“The diversity of the role and the amount of time I can spend with patients – no time restrictions.”
Timely support and continuous care
Link workers also reported that the service was operating in a timely way, with generally short waiting times and multiple appointments, in line with NHS guidance.
Almost three-quarters of link workers said that, on average, patients who were referred were seen within four weeks. Most link workers said that they had multiple, ongoing contacts with patients, usually between 4-12 interactions.
High caseloads, complex cases and service gaps
However, key challenges remain around referral and service gaps, systemic and organisational challenges, and funding insecurity and lack of resources.Â
The survey found that 22% of link workers had an average caseload of over 300 people per year. Link workers stated that they most frequently referred people to services addressing mental health, financial and housing issues, reflecting the complex challenges faced by people they support. Lack of provision/waiting lists was the most cited barrier across almost all types of provision, but it was a particular barrier for mental health services, housing and social care.Â
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“Long waiting lists for services we're expected to refer into, left holding patients and sometimes offering support that is beyond your role.”Â
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“Trying to support patients and families in overcrowded accommodation, who have often been waiting to be rehoused for 10+ years. Feeling helpless to do anything apart from writing supporting letters to Housing and offering emotional support while patients are waiting.”Â
Understanding of the role
Some link workers reported that they didn't feel recognised because of systemic and organisational challenges, with one in five link workers stating that the primary care team didn’t understand their role.
“Not being fully understood or valued by some senior staff despite excellent patient feedback.”
“Not valuable to GP staff. Seen instead as 'dumping ground' for complex/difficult patients which in itself should be seen outside of social prescriber role.”
Funding and resources
Funding and resources could also be key issues leading to insecurity and low staff morale.
 “I’ve been informed if ARRS funding doesn't continue, I will lose my job – no job security. This happens on a yearly basis.”
“It’s exceptionally demoralising and I feel as non-clinical members of PCNs we are bottom of the pile when it comes to resourcing and funding staffing.”
Training, career progression and support
The most commonly cited elements that link workers wanted to change about their role were training, development and career progression, support and supervision, and access to tools and resources.
Link workers stated that access to training/CPD was constrained primarily by funding (69%), and to some extent by workload (41%). Almost a third of link workers reported that being unsure about what training was available acted as a barrier.
"[I would like to have] more structured development opportunities and access to recognised qualifications.”
In terms of what training would improve their practice, the majority cited cohort/condition-specific training, followed by core social prescribing skills and mental health training. When asked about specific cohorts, 44% of link workers wanted to feel more confident supporting people with mental health issues. Other cohorts that link workers wanted additional training on included homeless people, refugee and asylum seekers and those facing financial hardship.Â
One in ten link workers said that they did not have workplace supervision and wanted additional support. Link workers also called for better tools and resources to allow them to capture the impact of their work, with one in five stating that they never recorded outcomes. These improvements would allow link workers to be more effective and help them to demonstrate their impact and value. Â
How we use the survey
We are very grateful to all link workers who took part in the survey, and we are using the results to develop new resources and training, and to advocate for link workers wherever we can.
In response to last year’s survey, we developed a training roadmap for link workers and we have started work on developing new training for link workers on supporting people facing financial hardship.
We are also now running monthly webinars focused on learning and development for link workers, based on priorities identified in the survey and by our Link Worker Advisory Group.
We developed new e-learning on heritage and social prescribing for link workers, as this was an area where link workers were making fewest referrals.
We included results from last year’s survey with link workers in submissions to the NHS workforce consultation and to the Health and Social Care Select Committee. The committee has since published a report recommending increased resources for social prescribing.
The results of the 2025 survey were also analysed by University College London, who focused on how link workers were measuring outcomes.
The link worker survey results have also informed the development of our Social Prescribing Champions scheme, through which healthcare professionals spread awareness of social prescribing.
