COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE EMPLOYABILITY ACADEMY SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
30 July 2025
A pioneering programme helping people from underrepresented backgrounds into NHS and social care careers has been shortlisted for a national award celebrating excellence in people development.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Social Care Employability Academy has been recognised in the ‘Health Education and Improvement Wales Award for Developing the Profession and People Professionals’ category at the HPMA Excellence in People Awards 2025.
The Academy supports care leavers, people with disabilities, refugees, and those facing disadvantage to access meaningful employment and training opportunities across the local health and care system. Since its launch, over 1,200 people have engaged with the programme, with hundreds securing jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering roles or further training.
Delivered in partnership by all four NHS trusts in Coventry and Warwickshire, alongside social care, primary care, and the voluntary sector, the Academy offers tailored support - from confidence-building and interview prep, to work experience and line manager training. Outreach takes place in communities, including food banks, Job Centres, and faith venues, helping break down traditional barriers to recruitment.
Donna Griffiths, Chief People Officer at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and Executive Sponsor, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that the Employability Academy has been shortlisted for this award. The programme is making a real difference – not just to individuals but to the way we think about inclusion, recruitment, and workforce development across our system. It shows what’s possible when we put people first, work in partnership, and remove the barriers that have kept too many excluded for too long.”
The winners of the HPMA Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 20 November in Birmingham.