25 November 2025

One NHS Finance has been awarded the prestigious ‘Workforce Initiative of the Year’ award at the HSJ Awards, recognising the outstanding impact of the NHS Finance Insights Placement Scheme.

The national scheme was conceived and led by Tom Shearer, Chief Financial Officer at CNWL, who first developed the idea several years ago before formally pursuing it in 2021.

“Coming from a background that would qualify for the programme myself, as I progressed in my career in NHS Finance and could see and feel the under-representation of many backgrounds in the senior NHS Finance ranks,” Tom said. “A few years ago I decided it was time to try and make a change to that. We gained incredible support along the way from the whole NHS Finance, and One NHS Finance played a crucial role in helping us turn the idea into a fully functioning national programme.”

The placement scheme is designed for young people aged 18 and above who are in full-time education, not planning to go to university, and come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It provides a 12-month entry-level finance role, equipping students with the confidence, experience, and skills needed to apply for apprenticeships and other early-career opportunities within NHS finance.

Placement participants benefit from:

  • A full year of paid, on-the-job experience in an entry-level NHS finance role
  • Exposure to hybrid and flexible working
  • Rotations across multiple finance departments to build a broad skill set
  • Opportunities to work with diverse teams across the NHS
  • Insight into how finance supports patient care and NHS operations
  • A structured programme of training and development
  • Access to online and in-person events
  • National networking with peers on the scheme

 

What began as a small pilot with five students in 2023 has now grown significantly: 37 students completed placements in 2024, with 23 more beginning their programmes in 2025. In total, 60 young people have already benefited from the scheme, with many going on to further study, apprenticeships, or permanent roles within the NHS.

One standout success story is Ayesha Alam, who won the ‘Rising Star’ award at the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) London Awards 2025. After leaving school in 2023, Ayesha secured a place on the scheme and has since made exceptional progress. She is now studying towards her ACCA qualification, having already passed seven exams, and has taken on significant financial responsibilities previously held by more senior colleagues. She also chairs the Finance Department Connect Forum, supporting junior staff and helping to drive improvements across the department.

This national award recognises not only the innovation of the programme but also the dedication of everyone involved in developing, supporting, and championing the scheme.

Congratulations to Tom and all who have contributed to this transformative initiative.

For more information on the NHS Finance Insights Placement Scheme, read more here