Team teaching Bay's nurses-of-tomorrow lined up for top award

The team team helping to provide Torbay's nurses of tomorrow has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust says it is proud to announce 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 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 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.

Since February 2025, 19 people have begun studying for a BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Degree with the Open University and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, with another 26 people waiting to be interviewed for a placement to begin their studies in February 2026.

“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!) more than 20 years ago,” said 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.”

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

"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.”

Dr Rebecca Garcia, Associate Head of School for Nursing, and the Health Professions at The Open University said: “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. 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.”

The Devon International Recruitment Hub, a Devon-wide service hosted by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is also a finalist in the Nursing Times Workforce Awards in two categories: Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff and Workforce Team of the Year.

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