NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey 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 recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its core, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that all people merit a family that champions their success.