by Millie Douglas

The NHS is one of the largest employers in the country yet recruiting into some professions can be problematic, leading to staff shortages. As part of the NHS plan the Government has promised to inject millions of pounds and increase the staffing levels, especially in medicine, nursing and other allied professions.

The Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is striving to secure its future workforce by promoting NHS careers in schools and to our local communities. Consultation highlighted the need for more information and role models to encourage people from black and ethnic minority background to consider a career in the health service. As well as literature like the Positive Images Campaign we are holding careers events targeting schools with a high multicultural student population. To find out more about upcoming events contact Millie Douglas on 2266882

The Positive Images Campaign was commissioned by Shahnaz Ali, Director of Workforce Diversity and Equality at The South Yorkshire Workforce Confedoration. The NHS wants to develop a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Gaps, including under-representation of Black and Ethnic minority staff have been identified. The campaign aims to provide role models by showing employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds and different careers as well as information. To find out more contact Chris Witt at Sheffield Hallam University on 2255659 or Joe Saverimoutou at University of Sheffield on 222973 or visit www.nhs.uk/careers.

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