College leaders were so excited to be part of a leading health employment and training programme that was crowned winners of the Equity Champion Award at the Integrated Care System (ICS) ‘Can Do’ Health and Care Awards ceremony held on 13 September 2024.
A project developed in partnership between Colchester Institute and East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) to respond to the need for a new workforce to support the establishment of a new Community Diagnostic Centre at Clacton Hospital, saw 97 local residents achieve employment as a result of the project intervention. The project has gone on to receive national acclaim and interest from other providers across the Country.
The local area has pockets of high level of deprivation, and a lack of well-paid jobs, and this project, supported by the Community Renewal Fund, was a real opportunity to help people from the local community into roles they might have never considered before. The Community Diagnostic Training Academy provided participants with a range of all-round support and exposure to the new roles and future career paths the CDC would provide. 222 enrolled onto the programme, 60% of whom were unemployed when they started. 175 completed the programme with 96 securing job roles (more than half within ESNEFT) with a further 47 participants referred on to other forms of education and training in order to improve their career prospects (eg functional skills, Access to Science).
Alongside the training academy was work to explore the potential for a new Apprenticeship Standard for diagnostic services. This led to the project’s placement manager, Pride Mukungurutse, being involved in national work, which in 2023 established the Diagnostic Imaging Support pathway as an occupational option for the SHCSW Apprenticeship Standard.
The impactful programme has brought stable employment opportunities and career development to local people living in one of the most deprived areas of the country, helping to reduce inequalities in health and promote employment opportunities. The project has since been replicated across Colchester, Ipswich and Newmarket with other project partners in support.
Gary Horne, Deputy Chief Executive said “We were delighted to be a part of this ground-breaking project that benefitted hugely from the collaboration across the partnership and fits squarely with our mission as a college to directly support our local communities”
Peter Cook, Associate Director of Innovation and Education, ESNEFT said “The project provided a super opportunity to reduce health inequalities in one of the districts we serve. Testament to the success of the programme was that the Integrated Care Board commissioned a number of follow-on projects in other areas of their footprint, and our work will continue into the future as more project partners are identified to help bring about positive change in our communities”
Representing the judging panel, Susannah Howard, ICP Director said “‘The judges recognised that this programme focuses on and tackles some of the root causes of deprivation in the community in Clacton. It is a great example of a sustainable programme that is both innovative and promotes equity. The programme helps people to lift themselves out of poverty and has the potential to deliver long term and wider benefits for the whole population”
