Widening participation in the NHS
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.
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.
Save the date
The conference will take place virtually on 21 January 2027. We are currently shaping an engaging conference programme and securing our speaker line-up. Bookings are due to open before the end of September 2026.
