We are inviting expressions of interest for a Creative Health Fellowship, open to any clinician working in Derbyshire who is passionate about the role of arts and creativity in improving health and wellbeing. This fellowship is aligned with the principles of the NHS Long Term Plan, neighbourhood working, and the national movement for Creative Health.
Creative Health Fellowship
Background
Creative Health is an evidence-based approach that recognises the powerful role of arts and culture in supporting physical and mental health. The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) and Arts Council England have highlighted the positive impact of creative engagement on health outcomes, social connection, and community resilience.
The NCCH’s 2023 report and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing found that creative activities can reduce anxiety, improve recovery, and support people living with long-term conditions and disabilities.
Arts Council England’s strategy ‘Let’s Create’ also emphasises the importance of inclusive cultural participation in building healthier communities. The Fellow will be working with the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA), a free-to-join national membership organisation for Creative Health with experience of developing national and regional strategy. The Fellow will work closely with CHWA's Derbyshire Creative Health and Equity Lead to develop this work.
Fellowship Overview
The Creative Health Fellow will work 2 sessions per week/ 1 day over approx. 12+ months to work with the CHWA Creative Health and Equity Lead to consider strategic and equitable approaches to embedding creative health in systems They will collaborate with local stakeholders, patients, artists, therapists and to identify areas of good practice as well as opportunities for creative engagement across neighbourhoods. The fellow will work alongside the Neighbourhood Executive, CHWA and Hub+ to embed creative approaches into local health and care systems.
The Expectations
The successful Fellow will:
- Engage with patients, communities, and creative practitioners to understand local needs and opportunities
- Work with the CHWA Creative Health and Equity Lead to consider strategic and equitable approaches to working with the ICB and neighbourhood priorities
- Engage with local creative health initiatives (with the support of the Creative Health and Equity Lead) and build case studies designed to engage health leaders
- Support practices and neighbourhoods to integrate creative approaches into care delivery
- Work with the Creative Health and Equity Lead to develop partnerships between culture, voluntary, and health and social care colleagues
- Share learning locally and nationally through reports, presentations, and peer networks
Role Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be able to commit to working 2 sessions per week across 12 months and potentially subject to a 6-month extension
- A current GP, Nurse, Allied Health Professional, or Enhanced/Advanced Practitioner working within Derbyshire
- A clinician in a permanent role, locum or bank but working in Derbyshire and actively registered with appropriate professional body
- Planning to stay in Derbyshire for at least the next 5 years
- Intending to complete the Fellowship in addition to existing clinical sessions (i.e. a net gain)
- Not be subject to interim suspension under section 41A of the Medical Act 1983
- Commit to allocated time and follow the Hub+ QI process including adhering to quarterly project reporting schedule
- Demonstrated interest in arts, creativity, and health improvement
- Committed to collaborative working and neighbourhood transformation
- Able to work independently and communicate effectively
- Committed to the principles of Inclusive Leadership
Our Offer
Hours: 8 hours weekly (2 sessions)
Duration: Fellowship contract up to 31st March 2027. Pending on budget, progress and re-procurement, fellows may be extended past 31st March 2027.
Location: Hybrid – Base site RTC, RTC Business Park, London Road, Derby, DE24 8UP
Contract type: Fellowship agreement as individual contractor paid directly or third-party contractor paid through GP Practice/PCN/Employing organisation.
Approx rates: Up to £10k per session, total funding £20,000 per fellowship dependent on current salary and experience.
Support and Development
The fellow will be supported by The Hub Plus, the Neighbourhood Executive and CHWA team. They will have access to mentorship, learning resources, and opportunities to contribute to implementation and practice development.
Applications
Interested? Please click here. Once you have completed the expression of interest form, please email your CV and a Cover Letter to ddlmc.thehubplus@nhs.net. The closing date 01st January 2026 outlining your interest in this fellowship. Interviews TBC in January 2026.