Published on: 17 September 2025
A workforce training team at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted for a national award, in recognition of its innovative approach to supporting the development of Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs).
The iCARE Programme team at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT) has been selected as a finalist at the Nursing Times’ Workforce Awards for its initiatives to support HCSW of all disciplines who work with individuals accessing mental health services in DHCFT. The team were shortlisted for the ‘Workforce Team of the Year’ category.
The Nursing Times’ Workforce Awards recognise outstanding achievements in nurse recruitment, retention, wellbeing, inclusion, and addressing workforce challenges in health and social care.
The programme – which stands for Increase Confidence, Attract, Retain, Educate – was launched in February 2023 to meet the emotional, educational and wellbeing needs of newly employed HCSWs across the Trust’s mental health services.
Combining pastoral support with targeted training, the ICARE programme equips HCSWs with the knowledge and confidence to deliver safe and effective care, while also helping them explore career development opportunities within the Trust.
The initiative has received strong positive feedback and national interest, with the team invited to present at NHS conferences. Their work has helped raise the profile and value of HCSWs, contributing to improved retention and engagement.
Rebecca Oakley, Director of People, Organisational Development and Inclusion at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: "This shortlisting is a testament to the team’s commitment to supporting our Healthcare Support Workers and ensuring they feel valued and empowered in their roles. This is the second year the team have been shortlisted for an award. Congratulations to everyone involved."
Nick Holburn, Healthcare Support Worker Development Lead at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “It’s fantastic to be shortlisted for another award. The ICARE Framework has come far since its launch, and the feedback we receive from staff who have undertaken the programme is always positive with most expressing that they feel fully supported and valued by the Trust. The team is committed to the learning and development of our healthcare support workers, and this shortlisting is a clear recognition of that dedication."
Winners will be announced during a ceremony at the Hilton London Metropole on Sunday 26 November 2025.
