Partnership Lead
Laura Smith and Jenny Allen, Workforce Directors, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Purpose
- Fill priority roles in the health and care workforce.
- Improve outcomes for young people by raising aspiration and sector knowledge.
- Increase recruitment of diverse young people from Leeds.
- Contribute to a healthier population across the city.
Strategic Drivers
- Address workforce gaps in health and care.
- Support diversity and inclusion in recruitment.
- Promote early engagement with careers to influence lifelong health and employment outcomes.
Approach
- Provide targeted opportunities for young people from priority wards (e.g., work experience, bespoke sessions).
- Highlight ‘hidden roles’ in health and care to broaden understanding of sector careers.
- Collaborate with Local Care Partnerships to align school sessions with local health priorities and professional insight.
- Expand the pool of diverse Integrated Care Apprentices (ICAs) reflective of Leeds communities.
- Offer T Level placements, expanding into IT and Business pathways connected to health and care.
Focus
- Empower young people with knowledge, experience, and aspiration for health and care careers.
- Build a representative, skilled workforce ready to meet Leeds’ future needs.
Academy Role
- Coordinate opportunities, placements, and bespoke learning sessions.
- Facilitate partnerships with schools, local care organisations, and healthcare professionals.
- Support diversity and inclusion in workforce development initiatives.
Expected Impact (Healthy Leeds Plan Alignment)
- Strengthened workforce pipelines for priority health and care roles.
- Increased diversity and representation in the health and care workforce.
- Improved career aspirations and knowledge for young people, contributing to better health and life outcomes in Leeds.
For further information, case studies and impact aligned to this workforce innovation project see below:
