In this episode, Rachel Pearce, Workforce Development Business Partner at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, discusses her role and the innovative projects she leads to strengthen local NHS career pathways. Having transitioned from a traditional HR background, Rachel’s position—introduced in December 2023—focuses on developing talent pipelines, building partnerships with schools and colleges, and making NHS careers more visible and accessible. Her remit includes workforce planning, apprenticeship growth, work experience programs, and overseeing recruitment as part of a more strategic, transformational approach.
A central focus of Rachel’s work is “ICAN Dudley,” a collaborative initiative between The Dudley Group NHS and Dudley Council. Inspired by a successful Birmingham model but adapted for local needs, ICAN Dudley addresses unemployment while filling health and social care vacancies. Launched in 2023 with time-limited funding from surplus Commonwealth Games resources, the program is unique in its partnership between the two largest employers in the borough.
Unlike Birmingham’s scheme, Dudley’s version operates with fewer vacancies and a smaller team, using the funding as a pilot to test concepts. A key component is the “Into Employment” program—a four-week voluntary course for unemployed residents interested in health and social care careers. Participants, often referred by Jobcentre Plus, receive employability training, confidence-building sessions, interview preparation, and digital skills support. The program is jointly delivered by NHS staff, council teams, and community learning providers.
Rachel highlights that beyond skills, many jobseekers face confidence barriers that make the recruitment process daunting. ICAN Dudley’s holistic approach aims to remove these obstacles, encouraging individuals to see themselves in NHS and council roles. By aligning recruitment, training, and career development under one umbrella, The Dudley Group is creating sustainable pathways into meaningful work while strengthening the local workforce.
Contact information related to this episode:
The ICan Dudley team is open to receiving referrals from young people aged 18-29 facing barriers to work. You can contact them here: connect2work@dudley.gov.uk
If you are a Dudley-based business and would like to know how ICan Dudley can support you to meet your Corporate Social Responsiblity goals, please contact connect2work@dudley.gov.uk
#EqualOpportunities #WorkChangesLives #PathwayToWork #DudleyCommunity #BlackCountryVoices #MentalHealthAndWork #SupportAndOpportunity
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Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media-links/
Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septahelix/59527 Ft: starfrosch