Conference

Widening participation in the NHS

Register for our workforce supply conference exploring this year’s theme, widening participation in the NHS: from social good to strategic necessity.
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General information

Time
21 January 2027 09:30 - 16:00 GMT
Audience
Open to all

Speakers

  • Round headshot of Ben Morrin in a blue suit jacket and white shirt on a plain grey background.
    Ben Morrin
    Chief Executive, NHS Employers
  • Tabetha is smiling and has dark braided hair that is tied back
    Tabetha Darmon
    Executive Chief Nurse, Health and Care Jersey
  • Cheryl Samuels headshot
    Cheryl Samuels
    People and Culture Director, Evelina London
  • Danny is wearing a suit and tie, has a grey beard and hair and is wearing glasses
    Danny Mortimer
    Director General, People, Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England
  • Sheila has long shoulder length fair hair and is smiling
    Sheila Pearce
    Director of Nursing, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Headshot of Maureen who is of ethnic minority, with dark hair tied in a bun
    Maureen Sango-Jackson FCIPD
    Leadership and People Development Programme Lead, Central London Community Healthcare Trust
  • Merci has short dark hair, is wearing glasses and is smiling
    Mercy Nhari
    Integrated Neighbourhood Manager, Central London Community Healthcare Trust
  • Hannah has dark shoulder length hair and dark eyes
    Hannah Chandisingh
    Senior Implementation Programme Manager, NHS Race and Health Observatory
  • Caroline Waterfield
    Caroline Waterfield
    Director of Workforce Supply and Employment Practice NHS Employers

Too often widening participation is treated as standalone inclusion initiative, but it’s a core part of good and fair employment practice and mission critical for building a stronger, fairer and more sustainable NHS workforce. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. 

This virtual conference will support employers to tackle barriers, understand what truly makes a difference and learn how NHS organisations can create fairer pathways for people to access, thrive and progress in NHS careers by making widening participation a strategic priority.  

Why attend 

Throughout the day, learn from those NHS organisations leading the way to make a positive impact for their workforce. Hear directly from colleagues whose journeys into and through the NHS have been shaped by lived experience, resilience and determination. Understand how widening participation connects with key NHS priorities and can help organisations solve current and future workforce challenges. 

Conference programme

Please take a look at the programme outline, including sessions and topics. Further details and speakers will be added soon.

    • Ben Morrin - Chief Executive, NHS Employers
    • Danny Mortimer - Director General for People, Department of Health and Social Care 
  • Hear directly from colleagues whose journeys into and through the NHS have been shaped by lived experience, resilience and determination. Through honest and powerful conversations, this panel will explore the barriers people face, what truly makes a difference, and how NHS organisations can create fairer pathways for people to access, thrive and progress in NHS careers. 

    • Candace Bedu-Mensah - Assistant Director, NHS Employers
    • Tabetha Darmon - Executive Chief Nurse, Health & Care Jersey
    • Hannah Chandisingh - Senior Implementation Programme Manager, NHS Race and Health Observatory
    • Lawrence Kelly - People Partnerships Programme Manager, Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust
  • Breakout sessions will be run twice so attendees have the opportunity to attend two sessions on the day. All sessions will be made available as recordings after the event.

    Session 1:  Supporting refugee recruitment into the workforce

    Session 2:  Pathways into healthcare careers

    • Emma Davies - North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust 
    • Alison Parker - North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

    Session 3:  Turning the tables: reverse mentoring for a more inclusive NHS

    • Maureen Sango-Jackson - Leadership and People Development Programme Lead, Central London Community Healthcare Trust
    • Mercy Nhari - Integrated Neighbourhood Manager, Central London Community Healthcare Trust
    • Sheila Pearce - Director of Nursing, Central London Community Healthcare Trust

    Session 4: Widening participation in medical careers

    • Clare Owen - Director, Medical Schools Council
    • Dr Courtney Kristic - Senior Policy Officer, Medical Schools Council
  • Good intentions alone will not deliver the workforce the NHS needs. Widening participation must be part of a deliberate workforce strategy, helping to build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable NHS. In this session, senior leaders will share how they are overcoming barriers, driving action and embedding widening participation into workforce planning, leadership and organisational priorities.

    • Caroline Waterfield - Director of Workforce Supply, Employment Practice and Regulation, NHS Employers
    • Cheryl Samuels - People & Culture Director, Evelina London Women's & Children's Clinical Group
What to expect 
  • Practical examples of approaches that are working across the NHS. 
  • Personal experiences from people whose journeys into the NHS highlight the impact of widening participation. 
  • Space to explore challenging and often avoided conversations around privilege, class, race, disability and opportunity. 
  • Ideas to help you turn learning into meaningful action in your organisation. 

Who it's for

This event is open to anyone working in or alongside the NHS who has an interest in, influence over, or responsibility for widening participation and workforce supply. It will be particularly relevant to colleagues working in workforce, recruitment, retention, education, organisational development, and equality, diversity and inclusion, but also those interested in creating more inclusive routes into NHS careers are welcome. 

Please note that this event is intended for NHS staff and partners supporting NHS workforce priorities, rather than individuals seeking information about applying for NHS roles. 

Register now 
  • Please note this event will take place virtually on the Airmeet events platform.

    We are committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event that enables everyone to attend and engage fully. Please get in touch if you have any additional requirements before attending.

2025 Workforce Supply Conference testimonials

"This was a fantastic conference - I really valued the focus on inclusion and the fresh ideas around workforce sustainability. Lots to take back and reflect on..."

"Shows what is possible in this area despite the challenges. It's the most positive event I've been to for a while."