NHS: Belonging In White Corridors
In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."
James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.
What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.
"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.
The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the security of a traditional family setting.
Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.
The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.
The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.
Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.
The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.
For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.
"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."
The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.
As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.