Supported Internships Programme wins Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award
9/10/2025
The Health Board’s Supported Internships Programme, part of the Workforce Modernisation Team in the People and Organisational Development Directorate, has been recognised for providing life-changing opportunities for young people by winning the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award at this year’s BCUHB Achievement Awards.
Since 2017, the programme has supported young adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other disabilities in securing meaningful employment. Impressively, 70% of interns have gone on to secure paid employment, either within the Health Board or externally, demonstrating the transformative impact of the initiative.
Originally launched at Ysbyty Gwynedd, the programme has expanded to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Flintshire Community, with plans to extend to Wrexham Maelor Hospital in 2026. Interns gain experience across a wide range of roles, including pathology, facilities, estates, radiology, pharmacy and wards for their professional growth.
One standout example is Nel, who began her journey on the Alaw Day Unit as a Ward Assistant, progressed through a Supported Shared Apprenticeship, and is now being recruited as a permanent Health Care Assistant. Her supervisors describe her as “exceptionally skilled” and “a lovely person to be around,” highlighting the programme’s success in fostering talent and independence.
The programme also makes a real difference to patient care, from providing compassionate support on wards to engaging with patients during their hospital journey. One former intern, now a hospital porter, even learned 17 languages to greet patients in their own language, demonstrating the programme’s wide-reaching impact.
Through collaboration, mentorship, and a focus on fairness, respect, equality, dignity, and autonomy, the Supported Internships Programme continues to provide life-changing opportunities for young adults as well as enriching the lives of patients and health board staff.
The principal sponsor of the Achievement Awards was Centerprise International. For more than 40 years, Centerprise International has been dedicated to providing innovative, tailored IT solutions customers across both the public and private sectors.
Geoff Ryall-Harvey, North Wales Regional Director for Llais, who sponsored this award, said: “Making sure we meet our responsibilities in regard to diversity, equality and inclusion is a crucial responsibility of healthcare providers.
“I was really pleased to hear about the efforts of the three finalists to improve access to services and support for people across North Wales. Congratulations from all at Llais.”
Jez Nash, Chief Executive Officer of the awards’ principal sponsor Centerprise International, said: “We were again delighted to support the awards and help recognise the outstanding efforts of NHS staff across North Wales.
“Centerprise International has a long and proud partnership with the NHS in Wales, and tonight’s examples of staff going above and beyond to support both patients and their colleagues was a fantastic reminder of the special work they do.
“Congratulations again to everyone shortlisted.”