Following complaints from NHS staff that parts of the recruitment process are hindering their ability to efficiently bolster the workforce, NHS Employers have highlighted some of their resources and guidance that could help circumvent bureaucracy and minimise delays.
Background checks on any future employees are essential, but these processes should not deter people from choosing to work for the NHS.
On this, NHS Employers said: “Our recently updated NHS Employment Check Standards FAQs will help you to determine whether your local processes are done through custom and practice, or if there are other ways you can achieve the assurances you require to meet the standards, but avoid unnecessary delays.
“Learn more about examples from colleagues on the use of automation to speed up their recruitment process, as well as different approaches to interview and selection processes and onboarding in our Inspire, Attract and Recruit Toolkit.”
Delaying hiring processes can harm the experience of potential employees, especially young people, ultimately leading to them seeking employment elsewhere – something the NHS cannot afford to happen as they battle a workforce shortage crisis.
NHS Employers offered further guidance on how to expedite hiring processes and more effectively retain young people saying: “We have resources available to support you to consider ways to reduce the time between job offer and start date and a wealth of examples in our Recruit and Retain Young People toolkit of streamlining processes and improving the candidate experience.”
NHS Employers will also be hosting a webinar on the 19th of October centred around all the aforementioned areas that will give attendees the opportunity to glean insight from leading experts in the sector.
More information on hiring processes and how to attend the webinar is available here.
