International acclaim for Collaborative Targeted Outreach Programme (CTOP) to build local health and care workforce

A pioneering joint research initiative by the University of Bedfordshire and the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board (ICB) has received international acclaim, winning the Patient and Caregivers Partners Award at the International Conference for Integrated Care 2025 in Lisbon.

The award was presented for their Community Targeted Outreach Programme (CTOP), a revolutionary project which is transforming the approach to health and social care workforce development.

Designed to attract, recruit and retain the best and brightest talent from across the region, the initiative focuses on connecting with disadvantaged communities to boost aspirations and open doors to careers in health and social care.

At the heart of the programme are a commitment to inclusive engagement, co-design, and a long-term vision to build a resilient, representative health and social care workforce for the future. The initiative supports individuals who may not have previously considered further education, by creating accessible and inspiring pathways into the sector.

Already, the impact of the initiative is visible: local school students have been welcomed into the University of Bedfordshire to explore cutting-edge simulation suites and experience first-hand the exciting career opportunities available in the NHS.  These visits not only demystify the world of healthcare but also spark ambition in young people, some of whom are now actively considering careers in the field.

Professor Nasreen Ali, the research lead from the University of Bedfordshire said:

“The award recognises the importance of inclusive co-designed engagement with underrepresented communities for workforce development on an international stage.”

Martha Roberts, chief people officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, who is the senior responsible officer for the programme and who co-presented with Professor Ali at the conference, added:

“We are pleased to be undertaking joint research with University of Bedfordshire and our diverse communities, understanding and supporting all our residents into roles in health and care in BLMK.”

With the accolade, the initiative is now set to expand its reach, embedding its methodology and findings into schools and further education colleges across the region. This next phase aims to empower students with informed career choices and inspire a new generation of professionals ready to serve in the NHS and care services.

The international recognition underscores the strength of partnership working in BLMK and the shared commitment to improving care outcomes, addressing health inequalities, and supporting people and communities to thrive.

As the health and care system evolves, the CTOP intervention stands as a beacon of innovation, inclusion, and the transformative power of collaboration.