Third Sector Workforce

An estimated 60,000 people are employed across Leeds in health and care services, collectively known as the health and care workforce.

This workforce spans the NHS, third sector, statutory and private sectors. In Leeds, it is given a shared identity known as #TeamLeeds. A proportion of this workforce is employed by charities, social enterprises, community interest companies, or are volunteers. This is collectively referred to as the Third Sector workforce.

Training and support are available to meet the needs of the Third Sector workforce. This page brings together and signposts to a range of resources and information.

Leeds Health and Care Academy

The Leeds Health and Care Academy brings together partners across the city to support the health and care workforce. It focuses on learning and development, supporting people into roles, and using data to plan for future workforce needs.

The Academy works collaboratively with organisations across Leeds, including the third sector, to develop workforce projects and strengthen the overall health and care system.

The Leeds Health and Care Academy website is the go-to place for learning opportunities for the third sector and wider health and care workforce, including jobs and careers.

Leeds One Workforce Strategic Board

The Leeds Health and Care Academy is overseen by the Leeds One Workforce Strategic Board.

There is third sector representation on the board and across multiple workstreams and projects.

Key members of the board and partners supporting the third sector in Leeds include:

  • Forum Central

  • Leeds Health and Care Academy

  • Leeds City Council

  • NHS Leeds Integrated Care Board

  • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

  • Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Resources

Logo for the HR Network.

To support all Leeds Third Sector organisations, especially small organisations and those without specialist in-house HR capacity – three pallet boards are being maintained with links and resources. These are free and open to all. Suggestions for inclusion are welcomed.

HR Workforce Information Padlet

Supporting employees well at all points of employment from recruitment right through to promotion/exit allows them in turn to focus on providing an effective service to their community. A growing set of links and resources is being curated to include everything from recruitment, policies and procedures, to being an inclusive employer.

Made with Padlet

Leadership Padlet

In response to third sector organisations who need to deal with organisational change a second set of resources have also been developed. These focus on support that health and care leaders need to start or transform their organisations from improving their digital strategy to
developing a consortium/doing a merger. Want to consider sustainability or look at a restructure and much more then this resource is what you may need.

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Training Opportunities Padlet

Third sector training sessions advertised on specific dates are available through the VAL training directory. This padlet shares the training offers for the third sector in Leeds from key partners, together with sources of e-learning and bookable training which are available ‘on-demand’. It supports everyone to help find the training they need when they need it.

Made with Padlet

Third Sector HR Network

The HR Network meets quarterly and sends a monthly e-bulletin with useful information about resources, training and other staff related information/activities for organisations to access. It exists to share information and collaborate. It is an important space to hear themes from and share good practice across the health and care workforce within the third sector. Health and care is the focus of the network however as much of the emphasis relates to responding to organisational needs its work may be of interest to those organisations delivering services relating to the wider determinants of health such as housing, food aid and more.

To find out more, see the HR Network Terms of Reference (Google doc published to the web)

Network meetings

If you would like to attend the quarterly Third Sector HR Workforce Network meeting please email [email protected].

The 2026 HR Network meeting dates are:
  • 29 April 2026
  • Further dates TBC

Join the network

To keep up to date and be part of the conversation, third sector organisations are encouraged to get in touch to join the network. Staff involved do not need to be HR professionals, they can for example lead management responsibilities with no internal HR support. Membership is available to members of Forum Central and/or Voluntary Action Leeds.

By joining the list you will get the monthly emails and be in the loop with what’s happening. Capacity to attend the network meetings is not essential to join the network but all new members are welcome to take part occasionally or regularly.

To join or ask any questions, please email Emma Holford or Tina Turnbull on [email protected]

Third Sector Leaders Book Exchange

Developing leadership in the third sector with a free pass-it-on book scheme.

Gain insight and learning from industry experts and leaders in their field through reading their books. Gain peer support through a network of like-minded individuals, established and aspiring sector leaders in Leeds, through the group.

To get involved, access and exchange books, please visit Voluntary Action Leeds, Stringer House, 34 Lupton street, Hunslet,  Leeds, LS10 2QW.