Recruitment bus helps sign up new NHS staff

An HEE funded programme in the east of England is helping to recruit health care support workers (HCSWs), AHP support workers and supporting admin staff for similar entry level roles. Nearly 200 people were offered roles and over 60 have registered their interest for further information after visiting the recruitment bus for Cambridge and Peterborough.

The bus was set up in three public spaces around in the area, at Parkers Piece in Cambridge, Huntingdon Market Square and Serpentine Green Tesco in Peterborough.

The process takes recruitment out to the local community, promotes the opportunities to work in health and social care across the area and the difference staff make for patients and the community.

Most candidates respond to an online advert and go through initial screening in advance before choosing a slot at one of the bus sites, but others learn about opportunities on the day and are interviewed.

People can talk with staff to better understand roles and opportunities before being interviewed, and if successful will be given a conditional offer letter. After the completion of checks they will then be able to start at their chosen organisation.

Candidates who are unsuccessful at interview are given guidance about other opportunities and resources such as the Prince’s Trust and health and care academies.

Funding was awarded specifically to implement recruitment initiatives working in collaboration across the integrated care systems (ICS). The programme aims to fill HCSW vacancies, share ideas and align to overarching policy ambitions to recruit locally, ensuring the workforce is reflective of local communities.

Lessons learnt have been shared across the integrated care systems in our region as they look to run similar initiatives with their funding. The aim is to repeat the bus in Cambridge and Peterborough in the spring, and plans are underway to run similar busses in Norfolk and Waveney, Suffolk and North East Essex and Hertfordshire and West Essex in the new year.

We look forward to reporting back on future bus trips.