Blogs
on September 11, 2025
<br>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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/themes/nhsengland/static/img/nhs-uk-logo.svg"; style="max-width:420px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/universal-family-programme-peer-support-2048x2006.png"; style="max-width:400px;float:right;padding:10px 0px 10px 10px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.<br>
<br>"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.<br>
<br>The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.<br>
<br>The <a href="https://hnycareershub.co.uk/employer-resources/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a>, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.<br>
<br>Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.<br>
<br>The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating governance structures, and obtaining leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.<br>
<br>In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.<br>
<br>The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.<br>
<br>Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.<br>
<br>The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.<br>
<br>For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.<br>
<br>"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."<br>
<br>The <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-universal-family-programme-quick-guide/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a> represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that organizations can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.<br>
<br>As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.<br>