City of Westminster College was delighted to welcome NHS Allied Health Professionals and support staff on their first day of the NHS Higher Development Award last week at our Paddington Campus.
This new course has been designed in partnership with the Allied Health Professional Faculty for North Central London Integrated Care System (ICS). Successful staff on the course will complete a Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading Principles, attain a mental health qualification and complete a service improvement project.
Staff attended the programme from North Central London ICS, including University College London Hospital, Whittington Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and the Royal Free London NHS Trust.
In total, they will spend six days in college covering topics such as team leading, self-managing and providing direction, as well as communicating information and knowledge at work.
A Level 3 programme is under development with an anticipated early 2025 start date. There will be further opportunities to join the Level 2 Higher Development Award in April 2025.
Dawn Grant, Health Care Support Worker Development Lead, NHS London Region, said: “The Higher Development Award (HDA) is a programme which provides development for support workers personally and professionally. It has helped hundreds to be the best and acknowledge potential across the country.
“I know how much planning and organisation takes place to bring employers and colleges to engage and support the development of the programme – meeting the needs of the ever-changing NHS and developing staff in a meaningful way.
“Support staff are the backbone of any organisation, a massive support network who, quite honestly, keep everything running. The HDA qualification provides an element of empowerment and helps them acknowledge the many skills they have. It also opens up a new world of leadership, team participation and understanding their true value in a team.”
Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal, United Colleges Group, said: “This is an important programme for developing skilled workers in an area that has significant recruitment challenges, and United Colleges Group is looking forward to expand this offering over the coming years to help support our NHS partners deliver the very best services to residents in London.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
