Celebrating nursing excellence through long-term partnership

South West Yorkshire NHS case study

Summary:

  • Partner: South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT)
  • Sector: Public sector, NHS (Mental health, learning disability, and community services)
  • Challenges: Developing a skilled workforce across a broad geographical area including Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield.
  • Solution: Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) delivered via the OU’s open-access and flexible learning model.
  • Outcome: Over two decades of collaborative talent development, with 28 newly registered nurses and a further 28 currently in training.
South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust



South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust recently held a landmark event at Fieldhead Hospital to celebrate the achievements of its nursing apprentices. The event marked a major milestone: the successful completion of the programme by the Trust’s first-ever full four-year apprenticeship cohort.

By partnering with The Open University (OU), the Trust has created a sustainable pipeline for Nursing and Midwifery Council-registered nurses, specifically across specialist fields such as mental health and learning disabilities.

Background: Empowering a specialist workforce

As a specialist Trust providing community and forensic services across Yorkshire and the Humber, SWYPFT requires a highly motivated and dedicated workforce. The RNDA programme allows the Trust to identify talented individuals already working within the organization—such as healthcare assistants and support staff—and provide them with a clear, supported pathway to professional registration.

A legacy of partnership: Two decades of "Open Access"

The collaboration between the Trust and the OU dates back to 2002. At a time when traditional university entry often felt out of reach for healthcare workers without A-Levels, the OU’s open-access policy changed the landscape.

In 2002, no one could believe you could do a diploma without A-Levels, but it was about having the right people on the programme. This is what the OU believed, and the partnership continues to this day.

Jill Rounce,
Staff Tutor in Nursing, The Open University

Leadership: Investing in the future of care

Trust leadership emphasised that the dedication shown by apprentices directly translates to higher-quality patient care. Chief Executive Mark Brooks and Chief Operating Officer Adele Fox praised the apprentices for their motivation, noting that many leaders within the Trust—including Deputy Chief Nurse Amy Hartley—began their own careers in similar support roles.

In order to offer the best care we can, we need to be the best colleagues and professionals. To do this, we need to keep learning. I am so proud to see everyone achieving their goals.

Margaret Bedford,
Lead for Non-Medical Education and Training

Real apprentice stories: Overcoming adversity to achieve

Miriam: From Nursing Associate to Registered Nurse

  • Balanced training with supporting two children and welcoming a new baby during the course.
  • Progression: Started in a district nursing team, completed a Nursing Associate apprenticeship, and is now 'topping up' to become a Registered Nurse.
  • Focus: Overcoming financial and personal 'juggling' to act as a role model for her children.

Karen: A 12-year journey of growth

  • Started as a garden volunteer at Fieldhead Hospital before moving into admin and eventually nursing support.
  • Achieved her Nursing Associate qualification and has now progressed to her Registered Nurse degree.
  • Supported learning: Encouraged and supported by her manager and the Trust to progress through different roles.

Claire, Chris, Anne-Marie, and Amy

  • These apprentices also shared moving stories of overcoming personal challenges and professional hurdles, acting as ambassadors for the strong learning culture now embedded within the Trust.

Back to top

Conclusion: Lifelong learning for community benefit

The partnership between SWYPFT and The Open University continues to blossom, proving that flexible, work-based learning is the key to solving modern healthcare recruitment challenges. By 'opening doors' to those who never thought a degree was possible, the Trust ensures its staff can grow alongside the communities they serve.

It is fantastic to see the partnership continuing to blossom and benefitting communities in South West Yorkshire.

Dr. Rebecca Garcia,
Associate Head of School Nursing and Health Professions, The Open University

Let's solve your skills challenge together

The Open University has a dedicated team of employer and partnership managers who can work with you to upskill and reskill your teams via a range of courses and programmes.

Whether you are a new business or an established employer, our team has a wealth of sector expertise and experience and can link you with our wider academic community to help to solve your organisation's challenges.

Get in touch

Back to top

Back to top