The King’s Fund announces two-day conference exploring the future of health and care

Health and care leaders will come together in London this November for The King’s Fund Annual Conference 2026, with discussions focusing on what needs to change to achieve better health for everyone over the coming decades.

Taking place on 17 and 18 November 2026 at The King’s Fund in London, the conference, titled “Good health for all”, will examine what the health and care system could look like by 2040 and the decisions that need to be made now to get there.

The event comes at a time of significant change for health and care, with technology and artificial intelligence developing rapidly alongside changing workforce demands, financial pressures and evolving public expectations. The programme will also consider health inequalities, social care reform and the future relationship between individuals, communities and the state.

The first day, “The future is now,” will look at changes already beginning to reshape health and care. Sessions will explore AI and technology, new models of care, workforce transformation and international approaches that could offer lessons for the UK. Delegates will also consider funding and reform, neighbourhood health and what the welfare state may need to look like over the next 50 years.

Day two will turn attention to how that vision could be delivered. Topics will include social care reform, improving health for children and young people, the future of patient voice and experience, improving performance at scale and giving neighbourhoods and communities a greater role in improving health.

Speakers announced for the conference include Samantha Jones OBE, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care; Professor Frankie Swords, National Medical Director at NHS England; Joseph R. Betancourt, President of The Commonwealth Fund; Basirat Sadiq, Chief Executive of Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; and Phil Holmes, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.

The programme will combine panel discussions and case studies with interactive workshops, giving delegates opportunities to debate ideas and explore how long-term ambitions can translate into practical changes across health and social care.

Tickets start from £100 plus VAT, with different rates available for community organisations, charities, students, public-sector attendees and businesses. A limited number of free places are also available for people with lived experience.

View the full programme and ticket information at The King’s Fund