The Northern Care Alliance working in partnership with the Salford Employment Hub took home the Employer Partnership Award for the successful Salford into Care programme, delivered in close collaboration with The Growth Company. This initiative is a transformative employment pathway designed to meet local workforce needs whilst giving meaningful career opportunities for Salford residents, particularly those from priority groups.
Through this partnership, Salford into Care offers structured routes into health and social care roles, including tailored information sessions, pre-employment training, and practical workshops. Participants benefit from guaranteed interviews, placements, and progression opportunities such as apprenticeships and permanent roles.
Since January 2024, 151 individuals have been supported into health and social care roles at NCA, demonstrating the measurable impact of this collaboration.
Flexibility and wraparound support are integrated into the programme, with opportunities across hospital, community, and domiciliary care settings. Candidates receive training in essential skills, healthcare fundamentals, and access to NCA’s e-learning packages, ensuring they are job-ready and set up for long-term success.
This award also recognises the wider sector impact of the partnership. Even when candidates do not secure roles directly with NCA, they gain transferable skills, confidence, and foundational knowledge to pursue careers across the care sector. By embedding social value into workforce planning, the collaboration is creating a sustainable talent pipeline that reflects and serves Salford’s diverse communities.
Rohema Khan, Head of People Development at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering meaningful opportunities for individuals within our local communities. We are proud to contribute to the development of an inclusive and diverse talent pool, ensuring that our workforce reflects the communities we serve.”
This achievement coincides with Greater Manchester Good Employment Week, which celebrates employers who champion fair pay, secure work, and inclusive practices. Salford is proud to be part of this movement, ensuring job opportunities created through services like Salford Employment Hub meet the highest standards of fairness and quality.