Core20PLUS ambassadors
The Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme was part of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme, working to reduce healthcare inequalities across the NHS. The programme focused on ‘Core20PLUS’ populations which were more likely to experience healthcare inequalities, including people living in areas of high deprivation, ethnic minority communities, and inclusion health groups.
The programme successfully trained approximately 250 Core20PLUS ambassadors across 2 completed cohorts, building on over 130 ambassadors recruited in 2022/23 (cohort 1). During 2023/24, the programme also launched a successful cohort of healthcare inequalities finance fellows (HIFFs) in partnership with the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
In 2024/25, over 600 Core20PLUS ambassadors were recruited for cohort 3, building new collaborations with partners including NHS Charities Together – this cohort will be graduating in October 2025.
Support for ambassadors
We were committed to ensuring Ambassadors were strongly connected with healthcare inequalities work at local/ICS, regional, and national levels. As Core20PLUS Ambassadors, they:
- were supported to form local, regional, and national networks focused on reducing healthcare inequalities
- received platforms and training to actively champion healthcare inequality improvement
- accessed face-to-face and online learning events
- participated in self-directed development that suited their needs and built their individual strengths
- joined the Core20PLUS Ambassadors Alumni Network after completing their year
Ambassadors enhanced their knowledge, skills, and insights to tackle healthcare inequalities while forming valuable professional networks. They also served as an expert reference group for regional and national bodies seeking to narrow healthcare inequalities.
Closure of Ambassadors Programme
As part of our work towards implementing the 10 Year Health Plan, the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme is pivoting its work programme and resources to enable and support its delivery.
We have conducted a prioritisation exercise and agreed to continue with our focus on Core20PLUS5 as the approach for the healthcare service to focus on to drive down inequalities in access and outcomes for healthcare services.
We will, however, be pausing our activities on mobilising Networks for Change, such as the Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme.
This will mean the Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme will close following the Cohort 3 Graduation Event in October 2025.
To note: the generic Core20PLUS Ambassadors inbox will close after October. For all future enquiries please contact our generic inbox: england.HealthInequalities@nhs.net.
Further information
If you have any questions about the programme or application process, please email england.core20plusambassador@nhs.net.
