NCRL 2025 preview: guiding radiography leaders through an uncertain future 

This year’s National Conference for Radiology Leaders takes place in London next month. Synergy picks out some of the highlights

By Alex Rapson-Ballinger

NCRL 2025 preview: guiding radiography leaders through an uncertain future 

This year’s National Conference for Radiology Leaders takes place in London next month. Synergy picks out some of the highlights

By Alex Rapson-Ballinger

Amid a backdrop of workforce shortages, nationwide reform and a renewed focus on efficiency in the health service, the need for strong radiography leadership is greater than ever. 

These pressures also mean leaders need support and guidance so they can ensure their teams are delivering the best possible care for patients. That’s where the National Conference for Radiology Leaders (NCRL) comes in. Taking place at the Pullman Hotel, St Pancras in London on Thursday 8 May, NCRL, previously the National Conference for Radiology Managers, is designed to explore how radiology leaders can harness collaboration to reach their goals. 

Featuring a broad range of keynote sessions, case studies, Q&As and networking opportunities, NCRL is a must-attend event for SoR members in management and leadership positions. This year the conference, a collaboration between Philips Healthcare UK and the SoR, is focused on the theme People-Centred Innovation: Transforming Care Through Collaboration. 

An air of enthusiasm 

Alexandra Lipton, SoR professional officer for senior service managers, says: “Now rebranded as the National Conference for Radiology Leaders this is a must-attend event for our service managers and professional leaders from across the UK.  

“The day offers significant networking opportunities alongside a varied programme covering areas such as technological advances, workforce transformation, quality and innovation, all delivered by inspiring keynote speakers, national leads and leaders from our profession.

“There is a noticeable buzz, energy and air of enthusiasm in the large exhibition and networking area. 

“We saw our highest delegate attendance last year and anticipate an even higher one this year, so please register now.” 

Programme for leaders 

The programme for NCRL 2025 includes sessions on developing the workforce, psychological safety and AI in radiology, alongside an exhibition space that offers an opportunity to meet industry partners and network with other managers and leaders. 

Since its launch in 2011, NCRL has continued to grow, and last year’s event saw the highest-ever attendance with more than 211 delegates. Delegate numbers for 2025 are expected to be even higher.

 Jeevan Gunaratnam, head of government affairs at Philips, says: “The current landscape for radiology is complex; managing competing pressures in productivity, workforce, funding and the adoption of disruptive new technologies, leaders often find themselves positioned at the vanguard of the adoption of innovation in healthcare.

“The NCRL is, therefore, such an important event in our calendar, more so given recent announcements regarding the future of the NHS, as it brings together our community of leaders to share expertise and experience, and ultimately support collaborative learning across the NHS, the independent sector and the industry. I’m really proud to have watched NCRL (formerly NCRM) go from strength to strength over its 14-year history and look forward to welcoming many SoR members to this unmissable gathering on 8 May.” 

NCRL 2025 full programme 

08:45 – 09:30

Registration, refreshments and exhibition

09:30 – 09:45

Chair’s welcome and introduction to the day

09:45 – 10:45

Morning keynote – Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The transformational power of radiology leadership

10:45 – 11:15

Refreshments and exhibition

11:15 – 12:15

Developing your workforce – adding value to people, patients and service

12:15 – 13:10

Technological advances and AI adding value in radiology

13:10 – 14:10

Lunch and exhibition

14:10 – 15:10

Afternoon keynote – Psychological Safety: A critical enabler to transformation

15:10 – 15:40

Refreshments and exhibition

15:40 – 16:20

Case studies – Quality and innovation adding value

16:20 – 16:50

Question Time

16.50 – 17.00

Chair’s close of conference

17.00 – 18.00

Networking drinks and exhibition

Revisit last year's event

More about NCRL 2025

Join us at the National Conference for Radiology Leaders (NCRL) 2025, where the theme is People-Centred Innovation: Transforming Care Through Collaboration. This event will explore how radiology leaders can harness the power of collaboration to drive innovation, improve patient care and shape the future of our services. 

Location: Pullman London St Pancras
100-110 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AJ

To find out more and to register, click here.

Image credit: Eva Slusarek

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