The hugely successful NHS Demonstrator Programme has helped long-term unemployed people back into work while providing NHS Lanarkshire departments with valuable staff members that have made vast contributions to their teams during a time of extreme pressure across the healthcare system. The programme was developed as part of No-One Left Behind to support people aged 25+ back into work, providing wraparound support, access to vocational training and a paid work placement.
26 people started paid placements in September 2022 across multiple sites in a variety of roles such as housekeeper, domestic assistant, porter, administration assistant and healthcare support worker.
The programme is an excellent example of partnership working across Lanarkshire as Local Employability Partnerships made referrals for participants and provided recruitment information and training sessions, while Routes to Work Limited stated:
“We are delighted to work in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire in securing a range of high quality 6-month jobs for our clients. We are passionately committed to our clients and we collaborate with others to do the very best for the people we work with. By working closely with each other, we are able to collectively & positively change the lives of our clients and provide a springboard for a much better future.”
Lorraine Allan, NHS Lanarkshire Domestic Services Manager, who supports one of the individuals on the programme said, “It is a very positive programme as it allows people to take up a post within the organisation; it enables the individuals to feel part of a team and feel worthy within themselves and also to feel that that they belong. This programme also allows the individuals to build up their confidence within the working environment as they are able to contribute to decision making within the team.”
Afshee Javed, who joined the programme as a Domestic Assistant in University Hospital Monklands, said, “The programme is aimed to help us manage our financial, physical and mental wellbeing by getting back into work. The Employability Hub team have also run workshops on improving interview confidence, how to write a CV and what opportunities are available within the NHS. This has personally been very beneficial to me.”
Nicole Grant, Senior Employability Advisor at NHS Lanarkshire’s Employability Hub team, said, “Getting our Employability Hub team up and running has been a pleasure; a big part of my role has been to support the NHS Demonstrator Programme individuals and it has been inspiring to see them flourish within their roles. I am a huge believer in the power of strong partnership working and this project highlights the benefits of working together in our local communities to tackle the shared goal of decreasing unemployment rates and improving the wellbeing of our citizens.”
The programme continues until 31 March 2023, then participants are encouraged to apply for vacancies in NHS Lanarkshire or utilise their new experience and skills in a new opportunity. The programme empowers people to succeed within their careers and improve their quality of life.
