Councillors at Executive today (2 September 2026) approved new proposals for a health and care training and innovation facility in Somerset.
Somerset Council’s Executive Committee was asked to approve the Full Business Case for the Somerset Health and Care Academy, which would bring together Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) in a formal partnership focused on workforce development, skills, innovation and career pathways. Because of the joint nature of this agreement, the Full Business Case will now be taken to board at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (8 September) and the NHS ICB (16 September) for subsequent rounds of approval.
The Somerset Health and Care Academy is planned as a Somerset-wide resource to support recruitment, retention, training and workforce development across health and social care. It will coordinate and commission shared learning opportunities, support innovation and help create clearer routes into careers within the sector.
Once completed the aim is to train 2,500 or more people a year.
Based at the former Bridgwater Hospital site, but also comprising of a digital training offer, the Academy forms a key part of the Levelling Up Fund programme secured by Somerset Council in 2022 and will help transform a historic building into a modern training and innovation hub serving communities across Somerset.
Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness, said:
We know there are workforce challenges facing health and social care both locally and nationally. The purpose of the Academy is about working with our health partners to foster the development of the skilled, confident and adaptable workforce that our communities need now and in future.
It will help to create clearer career pathways, support ongoing professional development and strengthen collaboration across organisations, all of which will ultimately benefit the people in Somerset who rely on health and care services.
The proposal comes as health and care organisations continue to respond to growing demand for services, an ageing population and workforce recruitment challenges. The Academy has been developed to help partners work together more effectively to build the workforce Somerset will need in the years ahead.
The plans include training and simulation facilities, careers support, innovation space and an Independent Living Centre, creating opportunities for professionals, providers, learners and communities to learn, collaborate and develop new approaches to care.
Initial training activity has already begun, with partners developing a training prospectus, learning management systems, innovation partnerships and workforce programmes ahead of the permanent facility being completed.
When proposals are fully approved, the Academy will start formally operating through a contractual joint venture between the 3 partner organisations. This model was identified as offering the strongest combination of shared ownership, flexibility, financial sustainability and long-term benefits for Somerset’s health and care system.
Following Executive approval, work will begin for the next phase of implementation and mobilisation activity for the Academy.
