Trust joins national effort to inspire young people into health and social care careers

Date: 24/06/2025 | Category: News 2025

On Thursday 19 June Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust proudly joined forces with 12 other NHS trusts and integrated care boards, in collaboration with The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) and Buckinghamshire Skills Hub to launch a pivotal new report: ‘Examining the skills gap: Inspiring young people to take up careers in health and social care.’

The launch event, hosted by Baroness Nicky Morgan at the House of Lords, highlighted the importance of early engagement and career inspiration. One of the most powerful moments came from Trust physiotherapy assistant, Rebecca Tye, who spoke movingly about her journey from work experience and careers outreach to her current role at the National Spinal Injuries Centre. Her story is a shining example of the impact of the Trust’s Bright Futures At BHT programme.

Briget O’Kelly, Chief People Officer at the Trust said: “As an active member of the CEC’s Health Sector Advisory Group, the Trust is committed to promoting the diverse range of career opportunities available to young people in the local community. This initiative is a vital step in building the next generation of our health and social care workforce.”

Pictured above from left to right:
  • Elaine Pope, Assistant Director for Organisational Development, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Bridget O’Kelly, Chief People Officer, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Shajeda Ahmed, Chief People Officer at Black Country Integrated Care Board
  • John Yarham, Interim CEO, The Careers & Enterprise Company
  • Marina Jackson, Under 19 Skills Manager, Buckinghamshire Skills Hub
  • Heather Dean, Head of Skills and Business Support, Buckinghamshire Business First
  • Luisa Clarke, Schools Engagement Lead, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
  • Rebecca Tye, Physiotherapy Assistant, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust