Anchor development

Benefiting the community

Anchor institutions are large organisations that are ‘anchored’ in place, having a significant impact in that place. Assets and resources can be used to maximise social, economic and environmental benefits, improve health outcomes and tackle health inequalities.

Due to the unique role that integrated care systems have in building collaboration and partnerships on a system-wide level, they are able to bring NHS and other statutory anchor institutions to facilitate strategic change at scale that might not be possible for organisations working in isolation.

Anchor charter

Our integrated care system (ICS) Anchor Charter sets out the ways in which partners in the ICS, particularly local NHS Trusts aim to have a positive impact on their local communities through their role as local employers, purchasers, land and asset owners and in the way that they impact the environment and work with their local community.

Anchor Charter aims

Mission statement

To commit to long-term collaboration between Derby/Derbyshire anchor institutions, supporting shared community wealth building goals to improve collective wellbeing and create a strong, resilient and inclusive Derby/Derbyshire economy.

We recognise as anchor institutions in Derby/Derbyshire we can have an impact in five key areas: workforce/access to work, procurement, partnering in place, buildings and the environment.

As partners, we recognise significant work is already underway in these areas – our role is not to replicate but to add value and level up.
Keeping it Local pledges
As Derby/Derbyshire’s Anchor Organisations we agree:

We will recognise our role in being a local anchor and commit to working with partners in the Anchor Partnership to maximise the collective influence we have in addressing socio-economic and environmental determinants

We will embed this anchor Charter into our ethos through our organisational vision, values, culture, communications, behaviours, leadership, corporate planning and budgeting, we will seek to support inclusive, sustainable growth and the people and communities we are anchored within.

We will use the Charter as an enabling/permission giving tool within our organisations and sectors that will act as a catalyst for change and a shared learning opportunity.

Through the Charter, Partners will develop mutual mechanisms for accountability built on trust, shared aims and a joint understanding of our core aim

We will listen to our diverse communities to ensure that our mission addresses what matters most to them and work with them through our partnerships to make sure our influence supports positive change

We will work together through the Derby and Derbyshire Health and Wellbeing Boards and the Joined-Up Care Derbyshire ICS Board to seek and agree best practice, to measure impact and hold each other to account. We will share best practice and learning as an active Anchor Partnership within the system and with wider partners, focussing on our commonality and difference working from our points of strength as a partnership

Anchor impact area – workforce and access to work

The Derby and Derbyshire Anchor Network has united major local employers to tackle poverty and reduce health inequalities. By focusing on employment, procurement, and sustainability, the network is prioritising increasing local spend and widening access to quality jobs. Explore our journey to becoming an anchor employer and learn about new initiatives and activities to involve even more people in our community.

Workforce charter

A health and social care workforce charter has been developed to reinforce the key role that local NHS organisations have to optimally impact on the health and wellbeing of our local communities.

Health and Social Care Workforce Charter

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Case studies

Set out below are a series of case studies which provide insights into our role as an anchor institution for workforce and employment.

New to Care programme

The New to Care Programme aims to attract people who are either unemployed or working in other sectors to consider working in health and social care, in roles including non-patient facing roles. Our dedicated advisors assist in highlighting the career pathways available and helping to identify existing transferable skills, signposting to local vacancies, and assisting with the application and interview process. We really want to encourage anyone who is thinking of working in the sector by promoting how accessible and rewarding the work is and the multitude of roles available. In our role as anchor development team, we are exploring innovative opportunities to support local people aimed at contributing to building a healthier community. We engage in a range of initiatives, including apprenticeships, pre-employment programmes, virtual work experience offers and multi-media campaigns. Included in our aims is to support all providers across Joined Up Care Derbyshire to meet the requirements and priorities of the NHS Workforce Plan, leading on a range of workforce transformation initiatives.

Since the launch of the programme in December 2023 we have been working with the DWP, DCC Youth Employment Service and voluntary sector organisations to deliver one-to-one or group sessions, advice and support in understanding the different roles in Health and Social Care, and the application process when applying for the vacancies.

So far, we have delivered one-to-one support, information, and signposting to sector vacancies to eighty people and have a current caseload supporting on a one-to-one basis of sixteen of which we have three outcomes of successfully gaining employment or apprenticeships.

New to Care Case Study – Success Story

The ‘New to Care’ programme aims to attract people who are either unemployed or working in other sectors to consider working in Health & Social Care, in a breadth of different roles including non-patient-facing roles. 1:1 advice and support to apply for health and social care roles is provided by the Careers team.

Below, a customer describes her positive experience with the New to Care programme:

“Following redundancy after 28 years continuous service, I found myself being in the position of needing support to return to work. Unsure of where to begin, lack of confidence feeling a sense of uncertainty about the future I was guided to reach out to Hazel Jones and Sarah via Tim and Jackie staff at my local Job Centre branch Heanor. Whilst I found this daunting Jackie my key careers support worker has been reassuring through the process of signing on. The same day I reached out to Hazel, Hazel got back to me with a teams meeting, we had 3 meetings together over the course of a few weeks – we had email contact and a few phone calls. Hazel supported me on where to look for posts, the type of posts to apply for even when I felt unsure, she gave me great advice and guidance on application form, coaching on what to expect at interviews and how to cope with nerves and anxiety. I feel that the support was invaluable regardless of my previous employment I needed that support my confidence took such a knock Hazel knew that and not once made me feel that I should just get on with she was so supportive and kind. Having Hazels support and attending Sarah’s group sessions on creating a CV it was really informative and most helpful.”
Future Talent, Future Heroes

Joined Up Care Derbyshire Careers Team held our annual system-wide career events in March 2024, in collaboration with Chesterfield and Derby Colleges.

A total of 21 employers/providers attended across both events showcasing their organisations’ roles and opportunities to around 240 students, with some also providing focussed talks to separate student groups about their career, job opportunities and different professions.

A group of 36 students from Burton and South Derbyshire College were also included in the Derby College event.

Some of the positive feedback from students received included:

“Enjoyed the trip, it was good to speak to employers to learn about professions.”

“Good trip, loved the freebies! I liked that there were apprenticeships there and I felt positive after.”

Suzy Thurlby, Curriculum Manager (Care Industries) at Chesterfield College said:

“It was great to hold an event like this at Chesterfield College engaging local employers with our students. The Health and Social Care students were able to speak to people directly from the sector and allowed them to consider all the many career options available within Health and Social Care.”

We look forward to continuing to offer this type of event on an annual basis. We work closely with our local education providers in reviewing and planning future events to ensure they continue to benefit both the future workforce and local employers in the health and social care sector.
Pre-employment into health and social care careers

Our pre-employment programmes support those not in education or training with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to work in health and social care in Derbyshire.

We recently teamed up with the GP task force to support their vacancies across Derby City in GP receptionist posts.

Candidates attended theory days that included employability workshops, CV and interview skills, essential to role skills such as conflict resolution and safeguarding.

They also undertook placements in GP surgeries across Derby where they learned the day-to-day role, tasks, and requirements in this fast-paced, demanding role.

Whilst on the programme, candidates completed a level 2 accredited customer service qualification, which is an essential part of the day-to-day role.

Don’t forget to visit our career pages for upcoming events and programmes.
Derbyshire BME Sitting Service

Step Into Work has recently worked again with the Learning and Development team within Derbyshire County Council to arrange a training programme for the BME Respite Sitting Service managed by Links CVS in Chesterfield. This is the second cohort following a successful pilot of the Service in 2021. The training will prepare individuals to take up their role as Sitters to commence in November 2024.

The Service provides respite in a culturally specific and appropriate manner for individuals who act as informal carers within their own family or wider BME community and has been awarded continuation funding from the National Lottery Community Fund until March 2026. The training features a suite of online courses covering the key principles and responsibilities of care but also including units to provide sitters with knowledge of subjects such as moving and handling, nutrition, infection prevention and record keeping. Also included in this programme are units on mental health and understanding autism in response to the experience of individuals placed as Sitters during the pilot. Candidates have also been offered the opportunity to complete an online Level 1 qualification in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care that will be supported by Step Into Work in partnership with Chesterfield College who will deliver the course.

An induction session was delivered by Step Into Work and Links CVS on 16th October to introduce the new cohort to the training programme and to explain the role of the Service in more detail. A total of 12 have joined the programme so far representing the Pakistani, African-Caribbean, Syrian and Ukrainian communities. Further recruitment will be conducted to expand the cohort. A high proportion of the 21 Sitters from the pilot Service have secured permanent employment in healthcare roles across the NHS, Local Authority and social care.
Unlocking new possibilities

Step Into Work and Careers at Joined Up Care Derbyshire have been working closely in partnership with Derbyshire BME Forum since 2020 and the successful launch of the BME Respite Sitting Service. This partnership has continued through efforts to develop support that more closely addresses the needs of individuals within black and minority ethnic (BME) communities and with the aim of improving engagement from these communities in employment opportunities within health and social care. The partnership now includes Links CVS, Derbyshire County Council, DWP and East Midlands Chamber.
Community partnerships

The Careers Team are teaming up with Revive Church in New Mills in the High Peak and Christians Against Poverty (CAP). CAP offers a national support service including Debt Help, Job Club and Money Coaching. Their purpose is to support their local community out of poverty and although they are a Christianity based organisation, their support systems are available to the whole community regardless of an individual’s faith.

CAP is delivering a new step into employment programme which will run for 8 weeks, delivered quarterly throughout the year. Its aim is to support job seekers to improve their CV and interview skills. Careers team members will attend sessions and offer support to the candidates by exploring roles in health and social care services and guiding them through the application process. There will also be an option for each person to receive one-to-one support via MS teams as part of the New to Care Programme to apply for jobs in the Health and Social Care Sector.
Newly Qualified Nurse rotational programme

An innovative 18-month newly qualified nurse (NQN) rotational programme has been launched by Joined Up Careers Derbyshire, in association with the University of Derby.

The programme, hosted by Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS), aims to support nursing recruitment and retention and develop future clinical/system leaders within Derby and Derbyshire.

It has been designed by a dedicated project team (funded by Health Education England) and informed through feedback from current student nurses. The first cohort of eight NQNs began their programme in mid-September 2022. The rotations last six months, with three rotational workplaces hosting the nurses during this period.

Participating organisations include DCHS, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Derbyshire Healthcare and Ashgate Hospice. The scheme sees rotations taking place in acute hospitals, community hospitals, community nursing, practice nursing and in hospice care, among other venues.

There is support available for the entirety of the rotations from a dedicated Clinical Practice Facilitator. Upon completion of the programme, participants are offered a permanent job within the Joined Up Care Derbyshire system at band 5 Agenda for Change level.

Contact the programme: email dchst.nqnrotationalpathway@nhs.net and phone 01246 253044.
Hybrid worker apprenticeship

In collaboration with Derbyshire Community Health Services, the first ‘hybrid’ health and social care support worker apprenticeship has been successfully appointed. This is a completely new apprenticeship role which aims to support the long-term plan for integration of services. As a Health and Social Care Assistant, the role holders will assist registered practitioners to deliver health and social care services to residents of Derbyshire. They will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare or therapeutic tasks under the direct or indirect supervision of a registered healthcare practitioner.
ESF Pathways to Health and Social Care
The ESF Pathways to Health and Social Care project supported jobseekers across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire on their pathways into training or employment within the Health and Social Care sector through one-to-one information, advice and guidance and by providing access to training and employment opportunities.

Applicants for the Pathways project had to be:

Unemployed and aged 19+

Live in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire (including the City areas)

16+ and not in Full Time Education

Be ‘economically inactive’

Provide document evidence of benefit receipt, address and right to work in the UK

Have an interest in training and working within the Health and Social Care sector

No upper age limit

Case Studies:

CR’s story: “When I left school, I worked for the post office, spent some time in a beauty salon then later I achieved my licence to run a pub. Due to circumstances both personally and because of the pandemic, I became a single parent and was unemployed. I signed up to the Pathways to Health and Social Care as I wanted to learn more about the care sector and was told I could enrol on a level one preparing to work in Health and Social Care. Unfortunately, the course was cancelled. Hazel, my pathways advisor, contacted me and asked if I wanted her to support me with my CV and job applications whilst I was waiting to enrol on the next Academy. We met through MS teams, Hazel helped me to identify the skills that I already had, through my previous work experience and how they could be used as examples, that would support me in my application for jobs and interviews. Within two weeks I was offered a job at Liberty house care home, in the work career I wanted. Thank you Hazel, you’re an amazing lady.”

Pathways project summary

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Recruiting and retaining care experienced young people

Joined Up Care Derbyshire has become one of the first in the country to get local employers signed up to a scheme to support young people leaving care to access a career path in the sector. Partner organisations across Joined Up Care Derbyshire have signed up to the programme, known as the Care Leaver Covenant, which will help care leavers aged 16-25 to access employment, education and training opportunities and support their independence. The offer to people leaving care in the city and county is now set out on the Care Leaver Covenant website.

https://mycovenant.org.uk/opportunities/derby-and-derbyshire-integrated-care-board/

The Care Leaver Covenant programme sees participants involved in discussions about their hopes and aims, attend employability skills workshops, gain work experience and mentoring opportunities, and be provided with guaranteed interviews with employers where applicants meet the minimum essential criteria. Successful participants can land jobs in a wide variety of vital health and care roles such as care workers, healthcare assistants and in administration. With the support of the Corporate Parenting Board in both local authorities, we are now receiving a flow of referrals to access this offer. To date, we are now providing employability support to 25+ young people interested in working in the sector and would like to encourage pro-active approach to filling entry level vacancies across the system.

In addition to carrying out vacancy searches for the individuals according to their aspirations, we are encouraging providers to adopt a progressive recruitment approach. We are looking to develop a bespoke solution to each individual when considering matching them to opportunities for employment. In order to reinforce the message of inclusion in all areas of employment and to help us promote the value of employing individuals with care experience, we are looking to develop a network with operational managers, particularly those that have areas of high recruitment or new service areas.

How employers can help:

Offer a placement: Could your department provide a placement opportunity for a care leaver?

Share your experience: Do you have experience in care? Would you be willing to speak to our next cohort about what it’s like to work in health and social care or would you be willing to mentor an individual starting out on their career journey?

Let’s make a difference together and help the next generation step confidently into their future!

To register your interest, please email susan.spray@nhs.net