Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that believes in them.