Professor Dame Carol Black visits Bradford to see pioneering support helping people stay in work

The NHS in West Yorkshire welcomed Professor Dame Carol Black to Bradford District and Craven today to learn more about the area’s pioneering Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway, part of the Healthy Working Life programme.

Currently in West Yorkshire, it is estimated that there are over 100,000 people who are unable to work because of one or more health conditions.

Dame Carol is a leading expert on the link between health and work. Her influential independent reviews for the Government helped shape national occupational health policy and informed the introduction of the fit note, reflecting her long-standing commitment to helping people with health conditions stay in or return to work.

The Bradford District and Craven Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway brings health, employment and neighbourhood support together in one coordinated, digitally optimised service. Through early identification, assessments by a multidisciplinary team and personalised support, including occupational therapy, psychological support, careers guidance and close working with employers, the pathway helps people overcome barriers to work before they become entrenched. Its focus on prevention, strong partnerships and clear outcomes offers a model for how the NHS and its partners can help people remain in or return to good work while improving health and reducing inequalities.

During her visit to New Mill in Saltaire, Dame Carol met clinicians, partner organisations and people with lived experience to hear firsthand how the service is helping individuals stay in work, return to work and thrive in their jobs. The visit highlighted the value of early support, joined up working across different professions and tailored care in improving health, wellbeing and employment outcomes.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the pathway’s achievements, the evidence behind its approach and the potential for similar models to be adopted more widely in support of national priorities for health, prevention and economic growth.

Professor Dame Carol Black said:

“Today I have seen a compelling example of how early, coordinated support can help people with health conditions remain connected to the workplace. The Bradford District and Craven pathway demonstrates the value of bringing clinical expertise together with practical employment support, enabling individuals to build confidence, maintain independence and achieve better health and work outcomes. It is encouraging to see such innovation being developed and shared in West Yorkshire and I hope the lessons learned here will inspire similar partnerships across the country.”

Jeremy Gee, West Yorkshire Integrated Care System Rehabilitation Lead, Bradford District Care Trust, said:

"Welcoming Professor Dame Carol Black is a proud moment for everyone involved in this work. Over the last six years, we have shown what is possible when rehabilitation, health, employment and community partners work as one team around the individual. This innovative pathway has been shaped by the expertise of our staff and the experiences of the people we support, helping more people with what matters to them; to stay in, return to and thrive in work. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this journey and delighted to share our learning with one of the UK's foremost experts on health and work."

Ian Holmes, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, NHS West Yorkshire ICB, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Dame Carol Black to West Yorkshire and to showcase the outstanding work of our vocational rehabilitation teams and the wider Healthy Working Life programme. By bringing together health, employment and community partners, we are showing how joined up, person centred support can help people stay in or return to work, improving health and creating opportunities for individuals and communities across West Yorkshire.”

Adam Memon, Director of Strategy, NHS England said:

“I am delighted that Dame Carol Black visited the Bradford District and Craven Vocational Rehabilitation Pathway and saw first‑hand the wider ambitions of the Health and Growth Accelerator. The service is demonstrating how innovative, person‑centred support and strong local partnerships can help people with health conditions access, remain in and return to good work.