Bristol PCT ... Former Bristol North PCT Mentoring Programme

A mentoring programme was set up for BME people considering jobs and improved careers in the NHS. Thirty volunteer mentors at all levels and from a range of backgrounds were trained and assigned mentees, who had either approached the trust at careers fairs or who had been nominated by outreach recruitment workers.

Potential applicants attended a pre-employment course, “Get That Job!”, with the aim of demystifying the recruitment process and equipping people with the skills to present well at interview.

Bristol North PCT was an early supporter of the Pathways to Work scheme, which aims to help people from under-represented communities into work by offering work placements.

Although not all roles are available as work experience placements, and not all mentees end up working in the NHS, it has proved a useful exercise in raising people’s awareness about the career opportunities available in the NHS.