PRESS RELEASE – Real World Group and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Shortlisted for Staffing Solution of the Year at HSJ Partnership Awards 2026
Real World Group is proud to announce that, in collaboration with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, it has been shortlisted for the Staffing Solution of the Year category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026.
The HSJ Partnership Awards are recognised as the leading benchmark of excellence in NHS supplier relationships, celebrating organisations that demonstrate outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and building effective collaborations with the NHS. Out of more than 240 entries, Real World Group and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust are honoured to be among the 160+ projects and organisations selected for the final shortlist.
About the Shortlisted Project
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust partnered with Real World Group to embed evidence-based, inclusive leadership diagnostics into its executive recruitment process. Faced with growing recruitment challenges, the Trust sought to ensure appointments aligned with NHS values, culture, and long-term leadership capability.
By integrating the Real World Leader diagnostic, customised behavioural criteria, and structured feedback mechanisms, the Trust significantly enhanced decision-making, reduced attrition, supported internal talent development, and ensured ethical, fair, and data-driven recruitment practices. This innovative collaboration reflects best practice and offers a scalable model for NHS organisations nationwide.
Our Work Together and Outcomes
Through this partnership, Real World Group and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust have demonstrated how inclusive leadership diagnostics can transform recruitment into a strategic advantage. The outcomes include stronger alignment between executive appointments and NHS values, improved retention of senior leaders, and greater confidence among stakeholders in the fairness and transparency of the process. Importantly, the collaboration has created a replicable framework that other NHS organisations can adopt to strengthen leadership capability and build more resilient, inclusive teams.
Recognition from the Healthcare Community
The judging panel for the 2026 HSJ Partnership Awards included a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, such as David Davis (Chief Clinical Information Officer, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust), Maria Kane (Chief Executive, North Bristol NHS Trust), Louise Stead (Group CEO, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust), Nina Khazaezadeh (Regional Chief Midwife for London, NHSE London), and Peter Kelly (Regional Director and NHS Director of Public Health, Yorkshire and North East England, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities).
“We are honoured to be shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and our partners at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and highlights the impact of inclusive leadership diagnostics in shaping the future of NHS recruitment.” —
Juliette Alban-Metcalfe, Chief Executive, Real World Group.
Looking Ahead
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19th March 2026 at Evolution London, where the healthcare community will come together to celebrate excellence, share best practice, and recognise projects improving outcomes for patients nationwide.
Read the full case study: Case Study: Transforming Senior & Executive Recruitment with The Real World Leader – Real World Group
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Press Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
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Real World Group Press Office Email: Kirsty.Beasley@realworld-group.com Phone: +44 (0)113 234 6600
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HSJ Partnership Awards Media Team Email: partnerships@hsj.co.uk Phone: +44 (0)20 8955 7070
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