23/07/2025
We’re excited to announce that Birmingham and Solihull ICS’ flagship initiative, Possibilities Beyond Limits (PBL), has been named a finalist in the Progression Programme of the Year category at the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs).
PBL, which was first developed at Birmingham Community Healthcare Foundation Trust, is a transformational development programme designed to support aspiring leaders from underrepresented backgrounds across Birmingham and Solihull’s health and care system. The programme particularly supports Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, disabled, and neurodiverse colleagues – groups historically underrepresented in NHS leadership – an equips participants with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to progress. Since its pilot, over half of the participants have successfully moved into more senior roles, demonstrating the programme’s tangible impact on career progression and representation.
The SOMOs, now in their ninth year, celebrate forward-thinking organisations that are making meaningful strides to improve social mobility across the UK, therefore reaching the finals of this national award in itself is important recognition of our commitment to improving access to career opportunities across Birmingham and Solihull.
Ramal Royal, System Talent Manager, who developed the programme said: "I’m proud to have created and led the BCHC NHS CPD programme – from a small in-house idea to a system-wide initiative across health, entrepreneurship, and the voluntary sector in just 14 months. Amid growing healthcare challenges, we've doubled representation of racially diverse, disabled, and neurodivergent leaders. Being named a UK Social Mobility Awards finalist shows the power of equity-driven change."
Rabia Begum, Programme Manager for People and Workforce, at NHS Birmingham and Solihull, added: “Being shortlisted for a UK Social Mobility Award is a proud moment for our system. Possibilities Beyond Limits is more than a programme – it’s a commitment to equity, leadership, and unlocking potential.”
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on 2 October.