NHS career progression

eliza25

Hi I work as a Band 3 medical secretary in the NHS and I am really keen to progress further.
I recently applied for the NHS graduate scheme- but sadly got rejected after the interview stage. So gutted would love to be on the scheme!

Does anyone have any experience of career development/ progression in the NHS? Got any helpful advice or tips? Any courses that would be beneficial? I really want to be a manager.
Thanks!

nimbo

When working for the NHS I was always advised to look at the job I wanted - or was the next step I should look at the qualifications And experience required for that and aim towards getting them.

I managed to go from band 2 to 4 then 5 before leaving through a voluntary redundancy scheme. Look in local nhs organisations for the job descriptions and person specs. Then get applying like crazy.

Good luck.

Guest101

The grad scheme is equivalent of band 6 I think? So you were aiming high ( great ) but maybe too high?

I agree with nimbo, I started 2 years ago as band 3, 12 months later I became band 4, now looking for band 5 roles.

Looking at the needed qualifications and networking.

tomtontom

The graduate scheme is a Grade 6 Annex U(?), it is a trainee role so certainly not too high for the OP. Have you asked for feedback OP? They should give it after interviews. Some regions have their own graduate schemes, keep an eye on NHS Jobs for these.

eliza25

Yes the graduate scheme is a management trainee scheme- there is no pre requisite work experience required just as long as u have a degree & share the NHS values etc. Devastated I didn't get thru as it sounds like a great opportunity. But it's so competitive. Maybe I'll apply next yr.
Yes I'm going to ask for feedback, that'll be helpful.
I didn't know some regions do their own graduate scheme I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

Guest101

It's definitely incredibly competitive.

I know age 'shouldn't' be a barrier, but it could be in practice?

I've thought about applying, but decided against it as competing with 21-23 year olds when I have a child.... Instead I'll progress via change if role every few years

tomtontom

Guest101 wrote: »

It's definitely incredibly competitive.

I know age 'shouldn't' be a barrier, but it could be in practice?

I've thought about applying, but decided against it as competing with 21-23 year olds when I have a child.... Instead I'll progress via change if role every few years

If anything age should go for the OP, more opportunity to build up experience in the competencies they are looking for. It's ten years since I started the scheme but little has changed in terms of recruitment. I would say that the scheme is not what it was though. It used to be a massive development opportunity with lots of mentoring and support, placements tailored to your skills and interests. Now it is more a case of filling gaps where needed, more sink or swim than gradual development. But it certainly still opens doors that otherwise might remain closed.

In terms of progressing beyond Grade 5 I would strongly recommend getting experience outside the NHS, both in other public sector environments and in the private sector. The NHS need people that can instigate and implement change, and to do that you need to have experienced the different (and more profit orientated) environments.

Sncjw

Could you progress to band 4 or not

clairecymru

Are there any supervisor courses you can go on? To become a band 4 medical secretary team leader / supervisor?