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Back to work scheme given national recognition

A career-boosting academy at an NHS trust has scooped Best Social Responsibility Programme at a leading awards ceremony.

By contributor Anuji Evans
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The Birmingham Women’s and Children’s (BWC) NHS Foundation Trust Aspire Academy has been recognised for its collaboration with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) offering advice and support to job seekers in the Nursing Times Workforce Awards.

Called the Mentoring Circle scheme, it’s a unique programme delivered into the very heart of local communities.

Lawrence Kelly, People Partnerships and Programmes Manager, added: “It offers DWP service users support through mentoring, access to vacancies, advice on conducting an effective job search and tips on interview techniques and filling in applications.

“We have seen how those attending the initiative are left inspired to take their next steps into the world of work.”

Speaking of the award win, Lawrence said: “It’s an amazing honour for the team to be recognised in this category alongside our partners within the DWP.

Fatima Whitbread (centre) with (l-r) Lawrence Kelly, Chief People Officer Raffaela Goodby, Gina Gardiner, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of Fatima’s UK Campaign and Director of Communications and Partnerships Ruth Wilkin.
Fatima Whitbread (centre) with (l-r) Lawrence Kelly, Chief People Officer Raffaela Goodby, Gina Gardiner, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of Fatima’s UK Campaign and Director of Communications and Partnerships Ruth Wilkin.

“Schemes like this are so important as present real opportunities to people who may otherwise have not been able to advance within the world of work. The teams from our Trust and the DWP are on hand to offer tailored support and advice which helps them to progress further.”

In the same awards ceremony, the BWC Aspire Academy was also shortlisted for the Universal Family Programme – a successful care leavers scheme. And although it didn’t win, it was commended by judges.

The scheme is supported by Fatima Whitbread, former Olympian and reality TV star, who spent her early years in the care system and has since set up Fatima’s UK Campaign to aid those in a similar situation to her.

Lawrence said: “We’re honoured to have the support of Fatima. Our programme has become one of the campaign’s Action Hubs which is committed to creating working partnerships and networks to support young people leaving the care system within our communities.

“Through sharing best practice and learning the Action Hub is bringing local partners together with shared values of nurturing future health professionals through access to learning and employment opportunities at BWC and across the wider system.”