Publish date: 14 January 2026
Northumbria Healthcare Achieves Gold Standard for Work Experience
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the Gold Standard for Work Experience by NHS England, marking a significant milestone for the trust and a major achievement for the workforce and people team.
The Gold Standard recognises organisations that deliver high-quality, meaningful work experience opportunities aligned to NHS England’s national framework. Achieving this status reflects the strength, consistency and impact of the trust’s work experience programme, which has been carefully developed to reflect the needs of the communities we serve.
This achievement highlights the dedication, collaboration and innovation shown across the trust.
The trust’s work experience programme provides opportunities across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical roles, supporting young people and career-changers to gain insight into NHS careers while ensuring placements are inclusive, safe and impactful.
The Gold Standard award reinforces Northumbria Healthcare’s commitment to workforce development, early career engagement and social value, ensuring that work experience plays a meaningful role in attracting and developing the NHS workforce of the future.
Ruth Auton, head of education, learning and organisational development, said:
“Achieving the NHS England Gold Standard is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a real testament to the hard work and commitment of the team, and to the quality of the programme we’ve built. Our focus has always been on offering meaningful, well-supported placements that genuinely inspire people and help them understand the breadth of careers available within the NHS.”
Wayne Daley, head of corporate and social responsibility, added:
“This recognition shows that we’re not just meeting national requirements but going beyond them to create experiences that add real value for participants and services alike. This is a key focus of our community promise. It’s about opening doors, developing future talent and making sure our workforce reflects the communities we care for.”
Media contanct
Christopher Magee, marketing and communications officer
christopher.magee@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk