A successful programme supporting local people into health and care roles has been extended following strong outcomes and additional funding.
The NEL Health and Care Partnership People and Skills Pledge, led by Care Plus Group’s Employability Services, supports people facing barriers to employment into sustainable health and social care roles. It also helps employers develop a skilled and inclusive workforce by enabling individuals already working in health and care to access structured, work-based training and progression opportunities.
Since 2023, more than 200 people have engaged with the programme, with over 100 progressing into employment in health and social care roles. To date, 49 local employers have signed up to the pledge, strengthening collaboration between employers, DWP, and training and education providers. In addition, the programme has supported over £544,000 in employer apprenticeship levy transfers to help upskill current staff and support the recruitment of new apprenticeships.
The programme has also recruited 48 Health and Care Ambassadors, supporting engagement and inspiring local people to consider careers in the sector.
The initiative has delivered an estimated £1.7 million+ in social and economic return on investment, demonstrating significant wider value.
The People and Skills Pledge forms part of the broader Widening Access Programme. Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNY ICB) has been selected to deliver Year 2 of the NHS England Widening Access Demonstrator programme, following strong outcomes in Year 1.
Sharon Stead, Operational Manager – People’s Development at Care Plus Group, said:
“The People and Skills Pledge is helping to connect local people with meaningful opportunities in health and care, while strengthening how we grow and develop our workforce across the system. Its success has not only supported strong local outcomes but has also informed national learning, including the development of a DHSC-funded Skills for Care toolkit to help other employers replicate this approach.”
Local people interested in employment or work-based training, and employers seeking workforce support, are encouraged to contact the Employability Services team on 01472 256730
https://nelincspeopleskillspledgehcp.co.uk/
https://careplusgroup.org/services/employability-services/
