This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, focused on helping people stay healthy, well and in work.
What's this project all about?
In Wakefield, a new digital learning platform is changing how health and care staff build skills, support each other and stay well at work.
Backed by funding from the Healthy Working Life programme, the free e-Learning portal offers flexible, on-demand training for staff and volunteers across the district. It was developed by Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership and Conexus Healthcare to create a single, accessible resource for organisations of all sizes.
John Lemm, Programme Manager - System Workforce Office, says:
"We wanted to remove gaps in knowledge and make learning accessible to everyone, whether you work in a large NHS service or a small community organisation. It had to be flexible, practical and easy to use."
Closing the training gap
Before the platform launched, access to training varied widely. Some organisations had well-established development offers. Others struggled to release staff for face-to-face sessions.
The new portal brings learning together in one place. It hosts more than 40 online courses covering:
- leadership and coaching
- workforce culture
- managing culture
- inclusive workplaces
- wellbeing and personal development
Healthy Working Life funding enabled the development of targeted modules covering working carers, new and expectant parents, neurodiversity and menopause, equipping line managers to lead with empathy and confidence.
Terri Hazelgrave, System Lead for Workforce Supply, explains.
"We’ve built learning pathways that help leaders communicate more effectively, build trust and create stronger teams."
An eLearning steering group now oversees the platform. The group reviews content, monitors quality and ensures courses meet the needs of the local workforce.
Strong early results
The platform is already gaining traction across the district. As at the end of January 2026, it has:
- 58 registered portal managers
- more than 60 organisations signed up
- over 580 active learners
- 271 completed modules
Managers can track progress within their organisations, helping them spot learning gaps and support continuous development.
Building compassionate leadership
The platform has expanded its reach by importing content from established systems such as the NHS e-Learning for Health platform. A newly developed ‘New to Leadership’ pathway guides first-time leaders through essential modules, cultural competence training and a compassionate leadership programme.
"Good leadership shapes culture," says Terri. "If we can support new leaders early, we can create teams where people feel safe, valued and heard."
What people are saying?
Ben Pilmer, Training and Consultancy Operational Manager from Conexus Healthcare Wakefield, says:
"Healthy Working Life funding has been a catalyst for significant improvements to our learning offer. It has enabled us to enhance, expand and curate our content library, ensuring it is better aligned with the needs of learners managing their own wellbeing and managers supporting their teams.
"This approach helps create the right culture. One where individuals feel empowered to take ownership of their development and wellbeing and managers are equipped to address issues in a compassionate and constructive way".
Looking ahead
By strengthening core skills and promoting a culture of empathy and collaboration, the platform aims to improve both staff experience and patient outcomes.
"When staff feel supported, patients benefit," John adds. "This is about creating an environment where both providers and patients can thrive."
In Wakefield, digital learning is no longer an optional extra. It is becoming a key tool in building a healthier, more resilient health and care workforce.
How to get involved
To register your interest, speak to your line manager to find out who your registered portal manager is. Organisations interested in joining can contact the System Workforce PMO team at: wyicb-wak.
You can also view the 'building skills and wellbeing through digital learning' case study as a PDF.