Barts Health has been named among the UK’s top 50 organisations for taking action to improve social mobility in the workplace – three years after being placed in special measures.

The NHS trust, which was rated ‘inadequate’ in 2015 in a damning report by healthcare watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) was given a rating of “requires improvement” last year and taken out of special measures.

The trust manages five hospitals in east London, including Whipps Cross in Leytonstone and is one of only two NHS trusts to make the list.

It was hailed in particular for its success in hiring young people through community outreach programmes, reaching out to schools with above average levels of free school meals and low levels of attainment.

All young people who applied for permanent roles through outreach have been hired, as well as almost 8 in 10 who applied through a recruitment scheme such as apprenticeships.

Andrew Attfield, Associate Director of Public Health at Barts Health NHS Trust said: "At Barts Health we absolutely believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed and realise their potential, which we know provides the best opportunity for positive life choices.

“I am delighted that so many people are benefitting from this ambition, and that our continued commitment to equal opportunities has once again been recognised by the Social Mobility Foundation."