NHS: Belonging In White Corridors
Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."
James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.
What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.
"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark captures the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.
The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.
Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, developing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.
The Programme is thorough in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.
Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.
The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.
For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their particular journey enriches the organization.
"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."
The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.
As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.