From left to right: Mairead Doyle, Heather Downie, Cabinet Secretary Ms Sommerville, James Muir, non-executive director, Jacqui Jones, Director of HR and Deputy Chief Executive and Lorraine Scott, HR Business Partner – Employability
NHS Lanarkshire’s successful employability programme is set to help shape a new national initiative that will create more than 250 paid NHS placements for parents across Scotland.
The Scottish Government announcement, made during a visit by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville to Kirklands HQ at the start of Challenge Poverty Week, builds on successful models already developed by NHS boards, including NHS Lanarkshire.
Since launching its Demonstrator Programme, NHS Lanarkshire has supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment, helping more than 77% move into positive destinations, including NHS employment. The programme’s success has continued to grow, with the most recent cohort achieving almost 88% positive destinations.
During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary met Mairead Doyle, who joined NHS Lanarkshire through the Parental Employability Programme in 2024. Since then, Mairead has secured a permanent role and progressed twice, now working as a Band 4 Management Secretary.
The new national programme will offer parents the opportunity to gain paid work experience and skills across a range of NHS roles, including administration, healthcare support, catering and portering, creating more pathways into rewarding careers within the health service.
Jacqui Jones, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of HR, NHS Lanarkshire, said:
“We are proud that NHS Lanarkshire’s employability programme has helped demonstrate the difference that targeted support can make for local families and communities. Employment is one of the strongest drivers of good health, and by creating opportunities for parents and people facing barriers to work, we are helping individuals build confidence, develop new skills and access meaningful careers.
“The success of our programme shows what can be achieved when we invest in people. It is particularly encouraging to see this approach being expanded nationally so that more families across Scotland can benefit from the same opportunities that have already helped so many people in Lanarkshire.”
The programme aligns with NHS Lanarkshire’s commitment to supporting local communities, reducing inequalities and building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves.
