Salford shortlisted in three categories at Nursing Times Workforce Awards

The University has been recognised twice in the category of ‘Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year’, with Lecturer in Adult Nursing, Joshi Prabhu, shortlisted for the ‘Nurses Beyond Borders’ podcast series (available now on YouTube and Spotify) – a first-of-its-kind UK-based platform dedicated exclusively to internationally educated nurse academics. Through powerful storytelling, the podcast addresses issues of race, identity, systemic inequality, and cultural transition in nursing and higher education.

In the same category, Chidinma Victory Oforji (Lecturer in Adult Nursing) and Dr Suryia Nayak (Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Integrated Practice, and Equality and Diversity Lead for the School of Health and Society) have been shortlisted for their leadership of the Global Majority Coaching and Mentoring Programme.

The Global Majority Coaching and Mentoring Programme and the Global Majority Leadership Certification Programme (with Jo Sullivan, Associate Professor/Reader) also saw the University shortlisted in the ‘Best Employer for Inclusion and Diversity’ category.

The School of Health and Society’s EDI team (Chidinma Victory Oforji, Dr Suryia Nayak, and Jo Sullivan) developed these two free, inclusive programs to tackle the persistent underrepresentation and career stagnation of Black and Global Majority nurses in NHS leadership roles.

Despite making up a significant part of the workforce, these nurses are often overlooked for progression due to systemic barriers, racism, lack of mentorship, underrepresentation, and economic inequality. In partnership with NHS trusts, the team developed practical leadership training and mentorship. Outcomes include increased access, career growth, and a growing pipeline of diverse future leaders across NHS trusts.

The Nursing Times Workforce Awards unites nursing professionals to tackle workforce challenges and honour those making a real difference in recruitment, retention, wellbeing, inclusion, and patient care. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday 26 November.