A postgraduate course from the University of Chester has earned national recognition.

Aiming to enhance health and social care for neurodivergent people, the course delivered in partnership with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, recently reached the finals of the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards 2025.

The master's level training was shortlisted in the category of Best Educational Programme for the NHS.

Neurodevelopmental conditions influence how the brain functions and alter neurological development.

The most common conditions are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

The programme was developed in response to the UK government's national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults.

It follows a wider demand for innovative solutions through research, education and training to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes for neurodivergent people. 

Many neurodevelopmental conditions are not well known or widely studied.

It is hoped this will change in practice settings with this course.

Professor Angela Simpson said: "Congratulations to everyone involved at our Medical School and CWP NHS Foundation Trust on this recognition and all they are achieving with this programme.

 "The PG Cert in Neurodevelopmental Conditions is the only course of its kind in the country.

"It is taught by health and social care staff for health and social care staff - through a collaboration enabling improvements in education, care, research and the transfer of knowledge in this area."

Professor Sujeet Jaydeokar, Strategic Clinical Director at CWP NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We're delighted that our collaborative programme with the University of Chester has been shortlisted. 

"The Postgraduate Certificate is unique in that it is taught by clinicians currently practising in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. 

 "As more people recognise neurodiversity and the skills needed to support neurodivergent people, this course gives health and care staff the tools and confidence to provide the best possible care to the communities they serve."  

Heather Burns, a GP who has completed the programme, added: "The PG Cert has made a huge difference to me as a GP in my everyday practice.

"I feel more confident in recognising neurodiversity in complex situations, and in supporting my patients with neurodiversity, as they navigate their journeys through the healthcare system.

"The course was well organised, well delivered and well supported, and the transition to become a student again was really rewarding, more than 20 years after my graduation."

Each year since the programme launched in 2020, an average of 37 students have completed a quality improvement project within their service, working to improve the experiences and health of neurodivergent individuals.

More than 20 course students from CWP NHS Trust have also joined its Autism Ambassadors' Network, furthering strategies and enhancing support.