Core20PLUS ambassadors
The National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement programme are on track to complete cohort 2 of the Core20PLUS Ambassador programme 2023-24 in October 2024.
This will result in approx 250 Core20PLUS ambassadors completing the programme as part of cohort 2 to promote the importance of reducing inequalities across the healthcare system and to drive this important agenda forwards. This builds on the over 130 Core20PLUS ambassadors that were recruited in 2022-23 as part of cohort 1. During 23/24 we also launched a successful cohort of Healthcare Inequalities Finance Fellows (HIFFs) in partnership with the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and in 24/25 we are planning to build on this approach with new collaborations with partners including NHS Charities Together.
Ambassadors are people working within the NHS and wider systems who are committed to narrowing healthcare inequalities and ensuring equitable access, excellent experience, and optimal outcomes for all – particularly Core20PLUS populations who are more likely to experience healthcare inequalities. These include people living in areas of high deprivation, ethnic minority communities and inclusion health groups.
The ambassadors will be supported to enhance their knowledge, skills and insights to tackle healthcare inequalities and form local, regional and national networks with others who seek to improve healthcare inequalities.
Ambassadors will be offered platforms to actively develop their influencing skills and network to champion healthcare inequality improvement and will form an expert reference group for regional and national bodies seeking to narrow healthcare inequalities.
A range of development opportunities will be available to support ambassadors in their role.
Recruitment for cohort 3 of the Core20PLUS Ambassador programme is now open. Applications can be made via this Expression of Interest form. The deadline for submissions is 20 September 2024. Supporting documents to help with applications can be found on Health Inequalities Improvement FutureNHS page.
Enquiries about the Core20PLUS Ambassadors Scheme can be directed to england.Core20PLUSAmbassadors@nhs.net
Download a PDF of the above Core20PLUS5 infographic
Download Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme Contact Information
Core20PLUS Ambassadors - Q&As
Core20PLUS Ambassadors are people working within the NHS who are committed to narrowing healthcare inequalities and ensuring equitable access, excellent experience, and optimal outcomes for all, with a focus on ‘Core20PLUS’ populations who are more likely to experience healthcare inequalities.
The Ambassador role is open to those working in the NHS and across Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), who have a record of improving healthcare inequalities or want to learn how to. Impact and innovative approaches are more important than seniority. Applicants will need their employer’s consent and line manager’s support to join the Core20PLUS Ambassadors programme.
Ambassadors will be encouraged to proactively form a community of practice with others making progress in the healthcare inequality improvement space. Ambassadors will support the spread of best practice and innovation to help make measurable improvements in healthcare access, experience, and outcomes for Core20PLUS. Ambassadors are also expected to:
* Enhance knowledge and skills about healthcare inequality improvement through access and engagement with the national events, world cafes and online resources which form part of the Core20PLUS Ambassadors Development Offer.
* Form networks and share expertise with other Core20PLUS Ambassadors and attend a minimum of 3 networking and education events per year (including one face-to-face event).
* Connect, access and share expertise at a local, ICS, regional and national level where appropriate. This will also include regional networking with various elements of the Core20PLUS5 delivery eco-system.
* Undertake self-directed learning and develop knowledge about healthcare inequality improvement through access to online resources and events.
* Develop and maintain the connection between frontline staff, system/regional leads, and the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Team, responding to invitations to provide input and expertise at national, regional, ICS and/or local levels.
* Act as an ambassador for tackling healthcare inequalities by championing the agenda and influencing improvement/change to support our Core20PLUS5 approach and wider national strategic healthcare inequalities improvement priorities.
* Support Healthcare inequalities improvement through influencing/shaping local policies, strategies and/or service delivery including the project.
* Access and engage with the FutureNHS platform for your health inequality improvement work and ideas.
This is a 12-month programme with no time allowance or payment associated with the role. Travel expenses will be refunded for required travel to national Core20PLUS Ambassador events. We hope that the role will increase the impact of the work you are already delivering, for a minimum time commitment.
There are three national Healthcare Inequalities learning and networking events that Core20PLUS Ambassadors are required to commit to. The provisional dares are:
* Cohort 3 Launch Event (virtual MS Teams) – 19 November 2024, 9-1pm
* Mid-programme Event – 17 April 2025, 9-1pm
* Graduation Event – 15 October 2025, full day event.
The recruitment opens on 15 July 2024 and will close on 20 September 2024. We will let you know the outcome of your application by early October 2024.
Application is via an EOI form. The form asks about the individual applying, their skills and experience and interests in health inequalities. Submissions will be reviewed by the NHS England Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme team
This is a voluntary role and there is no contract issued. Travel expenses will be reimbursed for required travel to Core20PLUS Ambassador workshops. This is expected to be one event per year.
Yes, you have access to a private shared space with other Cohort 3 Core20PLUS Ambassadors and this includes a discussion forum.
No, we are unable to fund projects, you may wish to explore funding ideas with your local ICS health inequalities leads or work on a project related to your work area.
We will be uploading these onto the FutureNHS Ambassadors area.
Yes, this information will be available via the Community of Practice on the dedicated space for Core20PLUS Ambassadors on FutureNHS and your regional/ICS Healthcare Inequalities leads will also be able to help.
Biographies of previous cohorts are available to view on the FutureNHS Ambassadors area, where they have given us consent to share
Yes, you will have access to e-learning but also events and workshops which all aim to develop your capability in working on healthcare inequalities.
Find out more information on the Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme. Contact the Healthcare Inequalities Improvement team on
england.core20plusambassador@nhs.net