Widening participation in the medical workforce

Widening participation is a government initiative aiming to increase access to medical careers for people who are underrepresented, such as those from lower income families, so that the workforce better reflects the communities it serves. 

Whilst progress has been made in increasing diversity in medicine in terms of gender and ethnicity, there is little evidence to suggest that there has been greater inclusion of those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

Medicine is typically regarded as an elite profession, with only 13 per cent of doctors coming from working-class backgrounds despite people from working-class backgrounds accounting for 43 per cent of the general working population. 

The children of doctors have a particular advantage as they are more likely to gain experience through exposure; their chances can be 100 times greater than applicants from backgrounds where entry into medical careers has traditionally been least likely. 

This gap can continue beyond graduation into employment. Qualified doctors from lower socio-economic backgrounds might experience an average class pay gap of £3,640 in comparison to colleagues from more privileged backgrounds. 

Why it's important

When doctors come from a narrow social background, the medical workforce can struggle to understand or best meet the needs of the communities they serve. Widening participation can lead to a more diverse medical workforce which can better understand local communities, bring lived experience to their practice and improve communication and trust with patients. 

What medical schools can do 

Medical schools have a vital role to play in widening participation. Medical schools such as Lancaster University have developed a range of initiatives to support students at each stage of their journey into medicine: 

• Open days, school talks and summer schools for school students interested in studying medicine.
• Provide clear information about applying for medicine and helpful guides to support potential applicants. 
• Provide students access to a range of resources and supports to help with the challenges of studying medicine. 

The role of employers

NHS trusts are often seen as anchor institutions within their local communities, able to respond to local priorities, reduce health inequalities and act as a key local employer. 

NHS organisations with connections to local schools and career advisors are able to engage with students before they leave school, helping them to make informed decisions about their future. Some schools, universities and education teams within NHS organisations have found that engaging with students before they choose their GCSE subjects can help them select subjects that supports progression to medical schools. 

For older students who have already achieved their GCSE grades, work experience opportunities can provide valuable insights into what it is like to work in medicine. This can help students make informed decisions about their future career path. 

NHS organisations who are looking to widen their pipeline of future medical students can connect and work with with local schools and universities to create more opportunities, exposing students to the medical profession and environment.  

What employers have done

Below are examples of how organisations are implementing and continuing to develop widening participation initiatives.