Taskforce calls on NHS organisations to adopt successful trainee scheme

Health leaders are being urged to take practical action to diversify the NHS communications workforce by adopting a trainee scheme that helps open up careers to talented people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications, comprising senior leaders from across the public, private and third sectors, is calling on NHS organisations to adopt a proven model developed by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), which has created new pathways into the profession while helping to build a more representative workforce.

Over the past five years, SLaM's communications trainee scheme has supported 12 trainees, all of whom have gone on to secure employment. The scheme demonstrates how NHS organisations can create sustainable routes into communications careers while widening participation and developing future talent.

To help other organisations replicate this success, SLaM has developed and published a practical toolkit containing guidance, templates and resources to support the creation of local communications trainee schemes.

The call to action follows the publication of the Taskforce's Breaking Barriers report in 2025, which highlighted barriers to entering NHS communications and engagement careers and recommended the creation of trainee, internship and apprenticeship opportunities to improve access for people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Originally developed at SLaM in 2019, the communications trainee scheme provides 12-month paid placements within the trust's communications team, alongside dedicated training, mentoring and development opportunities. The programme has since expanded, with four trainees joining the scheme each year.

At a time when NHS organisations face increasing challenges in attracting, developing and retaining communications talent, the scheme provides a practical way to strengthen future workforce capacity while creating opportunities for people who may not otherwise have access to the profession.

Tina Caruana, communications trainee at SLaM, said: 

"Breaking into the job market after university was much harder than I expected. My biggest barrier was simply getting the opportunity to start my career. This traineeship has given me the chance to build my skills, confidence and experience in communications, with the support and opportunities to learn and grow.

"It's helped me see that I have a place in both communications and the NHS, and I'd encourage anyone considering a career in communications to apply."

Ranjeet Kaile, executive director of communications and engagement at SLaM and member of the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications, said:

"Talent exists in every community, but opportunities to enter NHS communications have not always been equally accessible. If we want a profession that truly understands and reflects the people we serve, we need to create more routes into it.

"Our trainee scheme has shown that widening access and maintaining high standards go hand in hand. Over the past five years, trainees have brought fresh perspectives, new ideas and invaluable lived experience to our teams, while building rewarding careers of their own.

"As communications continues to evolve, including through advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology, investment in people remains more important than ever. The NHS will always need communicators with creativity, empathy, judgement and lived experience who can connect meaningfully with the communities they serve.

"We developed this toolkit so NHS organisations do not need to start from scratch. By creating more trainee opportunities, communications leaders from across the country can help build a stronger, more representative profession while developing the talent and skills the NHS will need in the years ahead."

Edna Boampong, director of communications and engagement at Liverpool City Council and chair of the Taskforce for Diversity in NHS Communications, said: 

"When we published Breaking Barriers in July 2025, we called for practical action to create more inclusive routes into NHS communications. A year on, this toolkit is an excellent example of that recommendation becoming reality. It gives organisations the confidence and resources to open up opportunities for talented people from a wider range of backgrounds while strengthening the profession for the future."