Theory of Change

Our Theory of Change defines what we aim to achieve as an organisation and the activities and partnerships that will enable us to reach those goals.

We believe that a continued, cohesive approach is the best way to help capable young people from underrepresented backgrounds to develop the knowledge, skills and self-belief that they need to study medicine.

By giving students from all backgrounds access to relevant advice, guidance, support and experiences at every critical touchpoint of their academic career, this early, sustained approach can also help to drive social mobility and create equity in the field of medicine. By supporting young people from all backgrounds to study medicine today, we can help to transform the NHS workforce of doctors of tomorrow.

Our programmes are designed to help young people from low socioeconomic and minority ethnicity backgrounds to make informed decisions from pre-GCSE through to the university application process by developing:

Understanding of the industry – what it means to be a doctor and the pathways and requirements needed to study medicine

Growth mindset – Supporting the knowledge that background shouldn’t be a limitation to aspirations, alongside an improved belief in abilities and understanding that all opportunities can be improved with hard work

Aspirations – Supporting participants’ aspirations by setting specific goals and applying flexibility and motivation to achieve them

Skills and experience – Helping to build soft skills such as communication skills, and providing access to cultural experience and other opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to participants

Social capital – Building a network of role models and helping participants to identify who to ask for support and advice when needed

Self-belief – The confidence to growth strengths and, accompanied by insights provided during the programmes, the ability to overcome challenges when they arise

“The sessions were really fun and engaging, and they also taught me things that would be important if I
choose a career in medicine.”
Khaira, Chestnut Grove Academy