An independent ADHD Taskforce published its final report on 6 November 2025, assessing services across health, education, employment and the criminal justice system and setting out recommendations aimed at transforming care. The review found services under substantial pressure from rising demand, with more people seeking assessment and support and resulting long waits for diagnosis and treatment. Many recommendations require cross-government action and better coordination between sectors.
NHS England response and next steps
Since the Taskforce’s interim report, NHS England has been working with local systems to begin implementing key recommendations and to improve care. The Medium-term Planning Framework sets expectations for integrated care boards (ICBs) and trusts to improve access, experience and outcomes for ADHD services over the next three years, with a focus on quality and productivity. NHS England will now review the Taskforce’s final recommendations with government colleagues while continuing wider work to support local teams and people with lived experience.
Key recommendations from the Taskforce
– Recognise ADHD as a common condition and adopt new diagnostic models to reduce waiting lists and streamline access to assessment and treatment.
– Increase training for professionals across healthcare, including GPs, so they can recognise symptoms earlier and take an appropriate role in assessment and treatment pathways.
– Strengthen cross-government collaboration across health, education, employment and criminal justice to deliver joined-up support.
– Make greater use of digital tools and data to help services work more efficiently with patients and to monitor performance.
Leadership responses
Dr Adrian James, NHS England’s medical director for mental health and neurodiversity, thanked contributors to the Taskforce and reiterated NHS England’s commitment to keeping the voices of people with ADHD and their families central as local teams improve services. Professor Anita Thapar, Chair of the Taskforce, acknowledged the contributions of people with ADHD, families, clinicians and researchers and described the report as an important step that will need action across government and wider society. Health Minister Zubir Ahmed thanked the Taskforce and said its recommendations will be reviewed as part of work to prioritise early intervention under the 10 Year Health Plan.
Taskforce and supporting groups
The cross-sector ADHD Taskforce was launched the previous year by NHS England with government partners and was chaired by Professor Thapar. It was supported by three expert groups:
– Experts by Experience: people with ADHD and those who support them
– Experts in Evidence: leading ADHD researchers
– Clinical Reference Group: senior clinicians with NHS ADHD care experience
Existing NHS England activity
NHS England is already progressing work that aligns with the Taskforce’s priorities. The Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS), delivered with the Department for Education, helps teachers identify and support neurodivergent pupils and their families. By March 2026, six in ten pupils are expected to have access to a Mental Health Support Team in school. NHS England has also published the first publicly available reporting on ADHD referrals and waiting times to help local teams track performance and improve care, and local areas are being supported to trial new and innovative delivery models for ADHD services.
Next steps
NHS England will continue to work with government departments, local systems and people with lived experience to review and act on the Taskforce’s recommendations, building on progress already made to improve ADHD care nationally.
