Supporting people from all walks of life to have meaningful careers in the NHS is something that’s really important to us.
And that’s why we’re especially proud to announce that two members of our teams have received awards for doing just that for our Project Seach interns.
DPoW Deputy Facilities Manager, Tom Roberts, and Librarian Rachel Rushmer, have been named Manager of the Year and Mentor of the Year by this year’s Project Search interns.
Project Search is a fantastic initiative designed to help young people with learning disabilities, Autism or other neurodivergent conditions to gain real experience of working in the NHS at our hospitals in Grimsby and, for the first time this year, Scunthorpe too.
Working in partnership with Linkage Community Trust, Grimsby, and Trent View College, Scunthorpe, each of the 10 interns is spending a year working with us, rotating between placements with a number of different teams and functions including catering, facilities, maintenance, library services, administration, portering, and security.
Tom was voted Manager of the Year by the team, who said he had “gone above and beyond throughout the year, consistently giving his time, energy, and support” to the programme.
The Linkage team added: “Tom has always stepped forward – often before being asked. His passion for Project Search and his commitment to helping young people achieve their potential have shone through everything he has done.
“He has been one of the programme’s biggest advocates, championing opportunities for our interns and helping to create positive futures for so many young people.”
Tom said he was proud to accept the award on behalf of the whole Facilities team. He said: “It’s not a reflection on me – it’s a reflection on the Facilities team, who have really got behind Project Search and the benefits it brings not just to the Interns, but our organisation too.
Project Search has helped us to understand more, as a wider team, about how we can help people with additional needs to come into work.
“From a management point of view, we can actually tailor our skills to help that individual get into roles that are right for them and gives us first-hand experience of how to talk to all different kinds of people.”
Rachel was voted Mentor of the Year after showing “unconditional support, kindness and guidance” to the Interns, helping them to grow in confidence, develop new skills and believe in their own potential.
The Linkage team said: “Rach has always been there to offer encouragement, share her knowledge and provide a listening ear whenever it was needed. Her positive impact has been felt by everyone she has worked with, and she has played a significant role in helping our interns achieve so much this year.”
Rachel said: “Like Tom, I was very honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of the whole Library team, who do so much to welcome, support, and mentor our Project Search interns.
“Project Search provides such valuable opportunities for young adults, and it is an initiative that means a great deal to all of. Seeing interns grow in confidence, develop new skills and progress towards employment is incredibly rewarding.”
