Possibilities Beyond Limits (PBL) is a transformational programme, hosted by Birmingham Community Healthcare, open to all staff across Birmingham and Solihull at middle management level aiming for senior roles.
In particular, PBL aims to increase representation of Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, disabled and neurodiverse individuals who continue to be underrepresented at senior levels by helping them to achieve a senior leadership role (band 8a and above).
This CPD-certified programme provides participants with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to advance their careers.
Following participation in the pilot at Birmingham Community Healthcare, over half of staff who completed Possibilities Beyond Limits have already progressed to a higher band.
Applications are open now for Cohort Four and Cohort Five
Applications are now open for Possibilities Beyond Limits until midnight on 28 September 2025.
We would encourage applications from all professionals at middle-level grades (for NHS this means AfC bands 6 and 7), who are eager to progress to senior roles. If you aspire to lead, and are part of an underrepresented group, this programme is definitely for you.
The programme is open to all eligible health and care workers within the Birmingham and Solihull ICS from Primary Care, NHS Trusts (UHB, BSMHFT, BWC, BCHC, ROH), Birmingham City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the VCFSE, to apply.
Please check your organisation for terms and conditions and with your line manager before applying.
Places in the PBL programme are limited and will be allocated based on the following criteria:
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- A demonstrated interest in leadership and advancing within your field
- Alignment with the programme’s goal to enhance diversity in leadership
To be considered for the PBL programme, you must:
- Complete Part 1 (Personal Statement) before moving on to Part 2. This can be written or recorded, with written approval from you and your manager.
- Complete Part 2 (ICS Staff Offer Stretch Assignment Proposal). This can be written or recorded.
- Be available to commit 85 to 105 hours over 12 months for programme activities, including workshops, mentoring sessions and a group stretch assignment.
Please note: PBL cannot be undertaken in conjunction with other programmes, courses and/or apprenticeships.
Find out more
Not sure if this is right for you? Have questions?
Why not join a drop-in session and speak to our course team to find out more and ank any questions about the course or the application process.
Date and links to the sessions are below.
|
Drop in session dates |
|
How to apply
Carefully read the supporting information and complete the application form. Please do let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments or support, and ensure you submit your application by midnight on 28 September 2025 to the PBL email:
We look forward to your application and to supporting you on your leadership journey!