ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the context and history to date for the initiative and discusses some of the key issues and challenges being faced by this new kind of educational organization. It provides background information on the UK's National Health Service University (NHSU) – its scale, its place in national life, the challenges it is facing – for those unfamiliar with this unique British institution. Consultation on NHSU's first development plan, Learning for everyone, published in November 2002, showed wide support for its eight guiding principles: access; relevance; choice; support; equity; multidisciplinary and multi-professional working; partnership; and quality. After the consultation, NHSU needed to prioritize its planned activity and manage expectations. With no systematic and robust evidence on learning needs and service priorities, NHSU was obliged to piece together early requirements through discussions with key national officials and by reference to Department of Health policy documents and initiatives.
