Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “how are you.”
James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.
What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.
“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James says, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.
The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.
A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.
The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.
The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.
The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that essential first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.
For James, whose professional path has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the workplace.
“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”
The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.
As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that all people merit a community that supports their growth.