Last Updated: 2025-08-11 07:28:30
Core20PLUS5
What is Core20PLUS5?
Core20PLUS5 is a nationwide initiative by NHS England aimed at addressing healthcare inequalities at both the national and system levels. It outlines a specific target population, referred to as ‘Core20PLUS,’ and highlights five key clinical areas that require urgent improvement.
Originally designed to address healthcare inequalities among adults, the approach has now been modified to encompass children and young people as well.
Core20
The lowest 20% of the national population in terms of deprivation, as determined by the national Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).
PLUS
Locally chosen population groups identified as experiencing poorer-than-average health access, experience and/or outcomes that would benefit from a tailored healthcare approach.
5
The '5' in Core20PLUS5 represents five key clinical areas that have been identified for targeted improvement to help reduce healthcare inequalities. (see below image)
Core20PLUS5 - Children and Young People
The above approach has been adapted to apply to children and young people. The image below explains the approach including the five clinical areas of health inequalities; Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Oral Health and Mental Health.
For more information visit the NHS England website here.
Core20PLUS Ambassadors
The Core20PLUS Ambassadors Programme is a key initiative under the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme, dedicated to tackling health disparities across the NHS. It targets ‘Core20PLUS’ communities and since its launch, the programme has trained approximately 850 ambassadors through three successful cohorts. Recruitment for Cohort 4 has now begun. Visit NHS England's website for more details about the programme and how to apply.
Core20PLUS Connectors Programme
Connectors are trusted members of the community who help link local people to NHS services. With unique insight into the everyday challenges and barriers their communities' face, they guide healthcare teams in creating services that are more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to real needs.
The Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) were commissioned to lead the Core20PLUS5 initiative across Greater Manchester. In collaboration with Caribbean and African communities, CAHN is co-designing, co-producing, and evaluating health pathways that support more equitable and effective care. Visit the CAHN website to read more about this programme.
Resources Supporting Core20PLUS5
Below is a growing selection of resources supporting the Core20PLUS5 approach:
Health Equity Assessment Tool (HEAT)
Resources and e-learning to support systematic action on health inequalities and equalities. Click on the link above to visit the Gov.UK website to find out more and access the HEAT.
Inclusion Health Plan - Access to Primary Care - Manchester
The ‘Supporting you to access healthcare in Manchester’ booklet has been produced to support organisations who have conversations with ‘inclusion health’ groups who may struggle to access healthcare services.
A Primary Care Inclusion Health Toolkit has been designed to help commissioners and providers of primary care services in GM to ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that meets the needs of inclusion health groups, and ultimately improves their health outcomes