National awards double for nursing student partnership
A project which sees University of Bradford Nursing students develop their career skills in community healthcare settings has won its second national award this year.
The Student Supported Services Model, a collaboration with the University, the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, developing student supported services that expand placements, support staff, and enhance patient care, won the Nursing in the Community category at the Nursing Times Awards 2026.
The same model won the Partnership of the Year category at the Student Nursing Times Awards in April.
Vikki Carter, the University’s Director of Practice Education and Engagement, posted on social media: “What an incredible achievement and a real testament to the vision, commitment and collaboration of everyone involved.
“To win both the Student Nursing Times Awards and the Nursing Times Awards in the same year is something really special and demonstrates the impact this innovative model can have.
“A huge thank you and congratulations to all our partners, colleagues, students and everyone who has helped make this happen.
“A fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together to create new opportunities for students, support our health and care partners and make a difference in the communities we serve.”
Vikki Carter, the University of Bradford’s Director of Practice Education and Engagement, at the Nursing Times Awards 2026 ceremony. Image credit: Vikki Carter
What the judges said
The Nursing Times Awards judges said: “This brilliant programme from Airedale FT, University of Bradford and West Yorkshire ICB has brought nursing students into the community workforce through a supported service.
“It is expanding placement capacity, supporting services and promoting career opportunities in the community. Our judges said this is a model that could – and should – be scaled across the UK. Well done to all involved.”
More on the winning project
As part of the model, a Student Supported Services placement was introduced between January and July 2025 through a partnership with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, offering the University’s Nursing students experience in community nursing settings.
The pilot project saw four students working alongside one community nurse, completing the placement as part of their nursing qualification.
The project was designed to expand placement capacity in community services in an ethical, safe and supportive way, while encouraging greater interest among future health professionals in working outside traditional hospital environments.
It also aimed to strengthen health prevention activity by supporting students to work directly with residents in social care settings whose healthcare needs were provided by the community nursing team at Airedale.
Through practical experience, students gained a better understanding of the importance of health prevention and healthcare delivered in social care settings and learned how to provide care that is respectful, compassionate and fair to everyone.