Understanding how widening access opened routes into health and social care

Wavehill evaluated the Widening Access Demonstrator programme for NHS England. The programme funded 10 Integrated Care Boards to test local approaches that supported people affected by unemployment and economic inactivity into health and social care pathways. The evaluation explored how the programme had been designed and delivered, what it had achieved, and what its experience had contributed to future policy and delivery.

The mixed-methods evaluation combined 90 interviews with national stakeholders, local delivery teams, partners and employers, alongside interviews and focus groups with 43 participants across nine areas. It also reviewed monitoring returns, programme documents and relevant research, and drew together learning across contrasting local models.

The evaluation showed that whilst ICB delivery has included elements of standard pre-employment provision, they also incorporated broader support including providing functional skills, mental health support, support for managing comorbidities, confidence building and social welfare legal advice. This indicated the value of a wider range of organisations who are not traditional providers of pre-employment support being part of the local system to address these needs.

The programme exceeded each of its national participation and progression targets:

2,185 people completed pre-employment support, against a target of 1,000.
1,689 moved into a positive destination, against a target of 600.
227 entered substantive health or social care roles, against a target of 120.

Participants most consistently reported greater confidence and self-belief. They also described stronger employability skills, improved wellbeing, clearer knowledge of health and social care careers, and a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Employers valued supported work experience, which gave candidates realistic insight into roles and created direct recruitment routes.

The work also captured a wider legacy. It strengthened collaboration between work, health and skills partners, reinforced the value of locally rooted voluntary and community organisations, and showed how Integrated Care Boards had acted as convenors across complex local systems. The learning informed practical recommendations for future delivery, leaving a clearer foundation for widening participation and developing local health and care workforces.