"I Can" programme shortlisted for the HSJ Awards 2022
Published on 15/08/2022
A programme that aims to provide unemployed people in Birmingham and Solihull with an opportunity to get into health and social care careers, with training and support throughout the process, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
The "I Can" programme has been shortlisted for Workforce Initiative of the Year at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards, recognising outstanding contribution to healthcare and earning the opportunity to showcase their achievements on a national platform.
The pressures faced across the healthcare sector haven’t been far from the headlines over the past 12 months – yet the quality and overriding positivity of the award entries this year highlight the enduring devotion of workers within the health and social care industry, dedicated to improving patient outcome.
A staggering 1067 entries have been received for the HSJ Awards 2022, with 219 projects and individuals making it to the final shortlist (from across 162 organisations). The high volume - and exceptional quality – of applications is once again reflecting the breadth of innovation and care within the UK’s healthcare networks.
Now in its 42nd year, the HSJ Awards continue to provide an opportunity to shine a light on the outstanding efforts and achievements that individuals and teams across the sector deliver on a daily basis.
The judging panel was once again made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; Sarah-Jane Marsh (Chief Executive, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s FT); David Probert (Chief Executive, University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust); Dr Bola Owolabi (Director Health Inequalities, NHS England and NHS Improvement); Eugine Yafele (Chief Executive, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust); Tracy Allen (Chief Executive Officer, Derbyshire Community Health Services Foundation Trust)
Following the thorough judging process, "I Can" was shortlisted, ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held on 17 November 2022. Despite the tough competition, "I Can" stood out as a success story worthy of a prized place on the panel’s shortlist. At this first stage of judging, the shortlist was based on ambition; outcome; value; involvement & working together and crucially, how the project might be "picked up" and replicated elsewhere for the benefit of both patients and professional colleagues.
As well as providing applicants with employment, the main aims of "I Can" are to:
- Challenge established systems of recruitment
- Target disadvantaged communities
- Create a movement across public sector and Anchor Network partners that works for all five NHS Trusts within the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System.
"I Can" quickly surpassed its initial target of placing 100 people into jobs and to date has made a difference to over 200 unemployed people and their families.
HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, said: "On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate 'I Can' and the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System (ICS) on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Workforce Initiative of the Year. All of the applications represent the very best of the NHS and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice!
"Year on year the number of entrants continue to rise which I find so encouraging and is testament to the effect that HSJ Awards can have on improved staff culture and morale.
"We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming our finalists to the awards ceremony in November, celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and continuously driving for better service. But we never forget that the award ceremony is not just a celebration within a night, but a platform to recognise the hard work of all our NHS staff, all year round."
