New Possible’s British HR Awards sets out to discover and celebrate the organisations that are truly passionate about delivering a world-class people experience.
In our new Sharing Success series, we interview British HR Awards Winners to shine a light on the inspiring initiatives that are improving workplaces across the UK and beyond. In this article we chat with Nicky Punter at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Winners of the 2024 ‘Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year’ category.
Introducing Nicky Punter
Nicky Punter is the People Resourcing Manager for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. With 33 years of service in the NHS, she began her career in the Finance Department at 18, later transitioning to Education and Training, and eventually joining the People and Culture Team. Throughout her tenure, she has enjoyed different roles and would “definitely recommend” the NHS as an employer. Nicky commented: “It offers numerous advantages as one of the UK's largest employers, such as diverse career paths, professional development, and the prospect of a lifelong career”.
About Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 14,000 staff and providing over 100 specialist services. Their mission is ‘Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together’ to improve lives so that people are healthier and to also reduce differences in health outcomes. They provide health and well-being services for around 500,000 living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Their services include health promotion and public health functions, local primary care services and the running of hospitals, community health teams and mental health services.
Project Search
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board undertook a collaborative initiative in 2021, partnering with external stakeholders to launch the Project Search programme. This programme offers school-age children the opportunity to enrol in a unique pre-employment programme designed to help young people with learning disabilities gain meaningful paid employment. Through an application process, assessment, and interview, participants are selected to join the programme, which provides a transition to work for individuals aged 16 to 24.
Operated in partnership with Cardiff County Council and Cardiff Commitment, the Project Search programme offers internships within the hospital setting, allowing participants to acquire competitive job skills while receiving individualised coaching and support. By actively promoting equality and inclusivity, the programme aims to empower individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential, free from prejudice and discrimination.
Nicky said: “Cardiff and Vale UHB is committed to working with individuals with learning disabilities and had never participated in a scheme such as Project Search before 2021, therefore the opportunities for young people with learning disabilities were ignored which did not align with our commitment to the Future Generations Act. Work experience and shadowing was offered to mainstream individuals but not to individuals with learning disabilities, so this programme is unique to Cardiff and Vale UHB.”
Meaningful impact
The initiative has brought significant benefits for both the students and the Health Board. Students participating in the programme gain increased independence, confidence, and self-esteem, along with access to marketable job skills. For the Health Board, Project Search provides access to a new talent stream with diverse skills, serving as a model for inclusivity and contributing to increased regional and national recognition, with 67%+ employment rates for programme graduates and a growing number of interns placed (16 in 2023). Judges praised the programme’s ‘meaningful impact’.
What advice would Nicky give to organisations that might want to implement similar schemes?
“My advice to other organisations would be not to hesitate and to definitely embrace it. Not only is it rewarding as an employer to see these young people grow in confidence from young teens to adults by the end of the programme, but the gratification that the parents show in allowing their young son/daughter the opportunity to have a start in their chosen career is so rewarding, and of course the joy that the young person shows by being employed is just so pleasing and rewarding!”
About New Possible
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