In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.