News

Agored Cymru and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) are delighted to have won the Awarding Organisation/Employer Partnership of the Year Award at the prestigious Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) 2024 Awards. This recognition celebrates a partnership that has been at the forefront of transforming workforce training and development across NHS Wales.

A Relationship Built on Excellence

Since 2017, Agored Cymru and HEIW have worked in close collaboration to deliver high-quality, bespoke qualifications for NHS staff. This partnership took a significant step forward in 2020 when Agored Cymru was awarded the contract to develop vocational qualifications for the NHS in Wales through 2030. Together, we have created over 40 qualifications spanning clinical and non-clinical roles, including innovative programmes addressing workforce gaps in areas like endoscopy and clinical photography.

Driving Success and Innovation

The Award recognises how our collaboration has delivered impactful solutions, such as:

• Tailored qualifications - Bespoke programmes that address immediate skills shortages and emerging healthcare needs.
• Workforce empowerment - Training initiatives to upskill NHS staff in assessment and quality assurance, ensuring a robust learning environment across Wales.
• Pandemic response - The swift development of essential qualifications, such as immunisation packages for Healthcare Support Workers during COVID-19.

Recognising the Impact

Our partnership has made a measurable difference:

• 1,500 induction units awarded to new clinical staff, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
• 300+ registrations for Clinical Healthcare Support and 100+ for Facilities Services qualifications in the last 12 months.
• Enhanced career progression opportunities and improved workforce sustainability through apprenticeship funding and innovative qualification pathways.

A Winning Formula

This award underscores the strength of our partnership, which has become a blueprint for effective collaboration in education and training. By combining HEIW’s healthcare expertise with Agored Cymru’s innovative qualification development, we continue to deliver meaningful, future-focused training solutions that meet the needs of NHS Wales.

We are proud to share this recognition with HEIW and remain committed to supporting the NHS and its workforce with excellence, innovation, and a shared vision for a skilled and resilient healthcare system.