The Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme is part of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme, working to reduce healthcare inequalities across the NHS. The programme focuses on ‘Core20PLUS’ populations which are more likely to experience healthcare inequalities, including people living in areas of high deprivation, ethnic minority communities and inclusion health groups.

The programme has successfully trained approximately 250 Core20PLUS ambassadors across two completed cohorts, building on over 130 ambassadors recruited in 2022/23 (cohort 1). During 2023/24, we 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, and we are continuing to build new collaborations with partners including NHS Charities Together.

Recruitment for Cohort 4 – now open

We’re delighted to announce that recruitment is now open for the fourth cohort of NHS England’s Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme, and we’d like your help to raise awareness.

Who can apply: Anyone working in the NHS and across integrated care systems (ICSs) or wider in local authorities, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) or in industry who is committed to narrowing healthcare inequalities.

We particularly welcome applications from: Professionals with good links to Core20PLUS communities and from areas such as rural and coastal communities.

Key dates:

• recruitment opens: 14 July 2025
• recruitment closes: 12 September 2025
• notification of successful applicants: Early October 2025
• programme duration: November 2025 to October 2026

How to apply: Interested individuals can apply by completing our expressions of interest form

Please note: Due to ongoing changes, we will be onboarding a smaller cohort this year compared to cohort 3.

Support for ambassadors

We are committed to ensuring Ambassadors are strongly connected with healthcare inequalities work at local/ICS, regional and national levels. As a Core20PLUS Ambassador, you will:

• be supported to form local, regional, and national networks focused on reducing healthcare inequalities
• receive platforms and training to actively champion healthcare inequality improvement
• access face-to-face and online learning events
• participate in self-directed development that suits your needs and builds your individual strengths
• join the Core20PLUS Ambassadors Alumni Network after completing your year

Ambassadors will enhance their knowledge, skills and insights to tackle healthcare inequalities while forming valuable professional networks. They will also serve as an expert reference group for regional and national bodies seeking to narrow healthcare inequalities.

Further information

If you have any questions about the programme or application process, please email england.core20plusambassador@nhs.net.

Download a PDF of the above Core20PLUS5 infographic