University of Bradford Wins Nursing Partnership Award Again

Local university recognised for community healthcare student placements

The University of Bradford has been awarded the Partnership of the Year at the Student Nursing Times Awards for the second consecutive year. The accolade highlights the university’s ongoing collaboration with local health organisations to enhance nursing education and patient care in the region.

Student Supported Services Model recognised

This year’s award acknowledges the university’s Student Supported Services Model, developed in partnership with the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. The model focuses on expanding placement opportunities for nursing students, supporting healthcare staff, and improving patient care through community-based learning experiences.

Details of the placement pilot

Between April and June 2025, a pilot placement was introduced in collaboration with Bevan Community Health. Four nursing students undertook placements with two health inclusion teams located in Bradford and Wakefield. This initiative formed part of their nursing qualification and aimed to increase placement capacity within community services.

• Placements were designed to be ethical, safe, and supportive.
• Students gained experience working outside traditional clinical environments.
• The project encouraged understanding of inclusion health by engaging with underserved and diverse community groups.
• Students developed skills to provide respectful and compassionate care to people facing health inequalities.

Previous award and other recognitions

Last year, the university received the same Partnership of the Year award for an innovative drug overdose training programme. This initiative, in collaboration with New Vision Bradford/Waythrough, made the university the first in the UK to train all its nursing students in the administration of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opiate overdoses.

Additionally, the university was shortlisted for Student Placement of the Year: Community at the 2026 awards. This followed a pilot where 12 Adult Nursing students completed placements at Townend Close care home in Cross Hills, although the top prize was awarded to another nominee.

Strategic focus on student experience and innovation

The Student Supported Services Model aligns with the University of Bradford’s strategic priorities to prioritise student experience, widen access to healthcare education, and embrace innovative teaching methods. The model aims to prepare students for modern healthcare roles through immersive and technology-enabled learning.