Nursing partnership leads to shortlisting for prestigious national award

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust recently announced that its Clinical Education team has been shortlisted for the Nursing Times Workforce Team of the Year 2025 award. This recognition celebrates its pioneering work in widening participation and developing a unique nursing education offer in partnership with The Open University.

The team’s innovative approach offering direct entry into The Open University’s nursing degree programme has created a more inclusive pathway into nursing, offering all placements within Torbay and South Devon services and offering accessible entry requirements tailored to the career needs of the local population. This model has opened doors for aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds, helping to address workforce challenges and build a future-ready nursing community.

Serving the local community

Formed in 2015, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust serves approximately 292,000 residents and an additional 100,000 visitors during the summer holiday period.

It employs approximately 6,700 members of staff including frontline health and social care staff such as nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, consultants, and physiotherapists who work in the community or at hospital sites.

I am incredibly proud that we are able to be national leaders in ensuring that nursing is a more accessible profession to all of those that have that vocation like I did (and still love!) over 20 years ago.

Laura Fuller
Acting Deputy Director of People

“With our unique offer in partnership with The Open University, we are now able to offer all placements within Torbay and South Devon services and offer accessible entry requirements, meaning there are more options for our population. I am proud that this work is being recognised with the shortlisting to Nursing Times Workforce Team of the Year 2025.”

“This shortlisting is a testament to the dedication and vision of our Clinical Education team,” added Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse.

Reflecting shared values

“The team’s commitment to widening participation and nurturing future nurses reflects the very best of our values. We take our position as the largest employer in Torbay and South Devon seriously. As an anchor institution in our communities, we are committed to helping local people to grow, learn and thrive. This initiative is one way we are making a real difference locally, by creating opportunities for people to enter a profession that services our communities every day. I am delighted to see its work recognised on a national stage.”

It is fantastic to see our partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust being recognised in a leading awards programme in the sector. The Open University has been delivering flexible nursing programmes since 2002 in partnership with employers.

Dr Rebecca Garcia
Associate Head of School for Nursing, and the Health Professions at The Open University

Dr Garcia continued: “Many NHS Trusts are looking for innovative solutions to attract and retain local people in their nursing workforce in addition to those studying via apprenticeship routes. This new programme is The Open University’s social mission in action – widening access to the profession and addressing workforce challenges in the process. We are excited to work with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to grow the partnership further and bring long-term healthcare benefits to the local community.”

Building on established teaching pedigree

More than 4,000 learners have qualified with the OU on nursing programmes from Trusts and private providers based across all four nations of the UK and across all four fields of nursing. The OU has adapted the nursing degree programme for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to meet its local needs. The OU delivers the nursing degree programme and the Trust leads on recruiting and provide practice placement experience. The academic side of the programme is delivered via Open University tutor-supported online learning and combined with the local placements, this programme allows the Trust to recruit people who are more likely to stay in the local community once they've graduated.

Furthermore, The Open University has an open access policy. People who have always wanted to become a nurse with the right personal qualities but don't necessarily have the A-levels or the UCAS points are able to access this programme.

The winners will be announced at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards ceremony later this year.