Celebrating NHS demonstrator programme

In response to the no-one left behind agenda, the NHS demonstrator programme was developed, and the first cohort ran in September 2022 to March 2023.

The programme was aimed at attracting long-term unemployed individuals, aged 25+, back into the labour market. The programme provides wraparound support, access to vocational training and a paid work placement.

Twenty six individuals started on paid placements for six months across various sites in a variety of roles and the success was clear to see with 16 out of the 26 moving into positive destinations with many citing that their confidence, wellbeing and financial situations had improved. 

Following this success, the NHS demonstrator 2 programme was launched in October 2023, this time aimed at helping parents 18+ back into the workplace or encouraging parents that are already working to upskill by coming to the NHS, in line with the child poverty action plan aims and our commitment as an anchor organisation.

NHS Lanarkshire have 39 individuals participating in the programme this year with us this year across north and south Lanarkshire (four of which have placements in ISS at University Hosptial Hairmyres).

To support the individuals as much as possible, a flexible approach was taken with regards to their working hours to account for factors such as settling back into a routine and childcare responsibilities. They are in a variety of job roles, such as admin, domestic, catering, porter and health care support worker, and while on the placement they have been undergoing on-the-job training and being supported by their onsite supervisors/buddies, along with NHS Lanarkshire’s in-house employability team.  

The programme is a great example of the importance of partnership working as individuals were referred via the local employability partnerships. The employability staff from these partnerships provided the individuals with useful information sessions on the recruitment process and vocational training before their start dates.  

Supervisors, managers and buddies help the individuals that are placed in their department, along with the employability hub team. The employability hub team have run bi-monthly sessions for the individuals on topics such as goal setting and interviews to help them plan their next steps after the programme.

The job coaches from the team, Marie and Samina, have also met with the individuals regularly in their workplaces to provide support and offer guidance on aspects such as applications. In addition, they have been in contact with managers/supervisors to provide a point of contact and assist with any queries they may have had. Throughout the process, the local employability partners have provided ongoing services to the individuals via regular check ins too; this joined up approach has meant that the individuals have felt as encouraged as possible.  

Rachel, a current programme participant and healthcare support worker based in University Hospital Wishaw, said: “I don’t think I would have applied for the HCSW role if it wasn’t for the demonstrator programme as I have only had personal experience of being a carer.

“Having the opportunity to come in and earn a wage whilst gaining experience has been great. Being part of the programme, I have realised that I would like to work towards a career in nursing. I feel that being part of the group intake for the programme has allowed me to make connections with other people working in the hospital who are in the same situation as me.”

Rachel’s manager, senior charge nurse, Sharon Morrison said: “There are so many positives for our team from having Rachel as part of the Demonstrator Programme. We have been creative in finding new ways of working as we are predominately used to supporting students.

“The programme has allowed the individual to showcase her new skills and shine in her role which has a positive effect on the team and has promoted motivation and engagement within the team. There is an air of satisfaction and pride being part of someone’s development and watching/supporting them in their journey.

“Sometimes when we are asked to try something new it can almost be seen as a burden. This has not been the case with this programme. We have been well informed, supported throughout the process.”

Lastly, Nicole, senior employability advisor from NHS Lanarkshire’s employability hub team, said: “Seeing this programme run for the second-year running is amazing. We have watched it grow this year and it’s been great to see so many NHS managers on-board, offering their support to these individuals.

“The feedback has been positive with 100% of the individuals that completed our survey rating the support they have received from their department as good or very good (4 or 5 out of 5). The true success has been seeing the individuals progress from their first day until now, with the confidence and personal growth being clear to see.

“It’s a pleasure to work on this programme along with the local councils, Routes to work and ISS. It shows the power of partnership working as we all have the same goal which is to enhance the life chances of those in our local communities.”

For the individuals completing the programme on 31 March 2023, the world is their oyster. They can apply for vacancies in NHS Lanarkshire or they can take their new experience and seek a new opportunity. The programme has provided them with valuable skills and knowledge to help them succeed within their careers and improve their quality of life.