Placement Review at NHS

The Role

Role Description

Assist the HR Managers, HR Manager (Primary Care) and Workforce Planning & Recruitment Lead in the provision of a comprehensive Human Resource Management service to staff at Westminster Primary Care Trust.

Support the recruitment function at Westminster Primary Care Trust to ensure the recruitment and selection of a workforce that has the capacity, skills, diversity and flexibility to meet the demands on the service.

Take responsibility for the day-to-day administration of user access to NPfIT systems within the guidelines laid down by the National Programme.

To develop excellent working relationships with key users, the Human Resources Directorate, the NPfIT Implementation Programme Team and other ICT departments such as: Helpdesk, IT Support, and IT Training.

Act as first point of contact for CRB queries making appointments and be able to give basic advice relating to the CRB application process and related issues to Trust managers, staff and applicants.

Make appointments for new employees to visit the department to provide documentary evidence for CRB Disclosure applications as required.

Check employee (and volunteer) completion of and process CRB application forms and forward to Counter-signatories for approval and sign-off. Send approved forms to the CRB for processing.

Keep an up-to-date hard copy filing system of CRB application forms sent to CRB and approved disclosure certificates received by the Trust.

To manage and update the CRB disclosure application database.

Notify line managers and relevant HR Staff when CRB Disclosure certificates are received.

At all times assist the Head of Human Resources (Lead CRB Counter-signatory) and other HR Staff to ensure that the Trust abides by the CRB Code of Practice and maintains standards as set out in the Trusts “Recruitment of Ex-offenders, Use of Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Process and Secure Storage, Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information” policy.

Take responsibility for recording requests for application packs in a timely and effective manner.

Ensure that any job packs requested are made up and dispatched in a timely and professional manner, within agreed standards / timescales.

Liaise with Human Resources Officers / Advisors and/or Managers regarding recruitment information as a when necessary.

Forward messages in an accurate and timely fashion.

Liaise with the Human Resources Advisor / Manager /other HR staff on issues of a more complex nature ensuring that information/queries are directed to the appropriate person.

Use initiative to deal with enquiries within the office as appropriate in the absence of the Human Resources Advisor / Manager.

Undertake all aspects of the recruitment process as required and under the supervision of the Human Resources Officer / Advisor including issuing letters, setting up interviews, chasing references and placing adverts.

Supporting the HR Officers with inducting and collecting required documentation from new starters and issuing ID badges.

Support the maintenance of an up-to-date file of adverts, for invoicing purposes, processing invoices when they come through.

To keep an up to date record of all staff vacancies.

Ensure equal opportunities information is collated.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

You get to experience a real life working where no one treats you like a student, everyone is nice, and the work is not boring and very interesting.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I didn't know anyone, but after 2-3 weeks, I got to know more then 100 people in the organisation. Now I know 80% of the staff working for NHS Westminster

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

For the first 2-3 weeks, someone will always be with you. However everyone in HR department is helpful. At times I approached the head of HR to check my work to see if it’s correct. So no matter who the person is, everyone is willing to help you.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

At times it can be busy as you will be dealing with 6-7 jobs a day at other times 1-2, you do more then one thing, CRB checks, I.D. attending chief executive briefing.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was in charge of all CRB checks, all I.D.s for Westminster PCT, as I only know the user name and password as we had a new system in place and also I first point of contact for recruitment. All queries with managers come through me and then passed on to others.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Westminster PCT helped me improve my skills by letting me go on training courses, I completed full ECDL course, which is accepted in whole of Europe and New Zealand. Different types of training to help improve personal development. If I was not placement I would of done NVQ's and masters degree. I learnt how recruitment process works in Westminster Primary Care Trust and experience working life 9am to 5pm

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Its fun being in the office, as the HR has the whole office to its self. We all put in money to buy food for the department, so we can crab a snack while working. We talk while as no one else is around expect for your colleagues.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I thought it would be boring, but its not, its very interesting and would recommend everyone to take placement year while you’re at university. You get full responsibility like everyone else.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Full advanced ECDL course, minutes taking course, full induction week with lunch, presentation skills. I got discount on gifts, 20% Nandos in UK, NHS discounts, 3g mobile 25% discount, Microsoft package for £5 and 33 days annual leave including 8 Bank holidays.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

They will offer me a job after graduation however it depends on work circumstances. It should be easy to get a job with other PCT sites as you gained knowledge of how the PCT runs as organisation. I know got a job with Hounslow PCT.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone is perfect in the PCT, everyone is helpful and treats you like an employee not as a student. I enjoyed working with everyone. Most of my colleagues I do not work direct, they are employed buy work in different departments. You gain contacts with different managers in different departments. For example, when I first started I had my induction with Chief executive for Westminster PCT.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There are so many resturants near by, nandos, KFC, small resutrants and high street. Not far from Bond Street.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

You got Boys/ girls football team, health promotions team offering competition and prizes, complimentary massage occupational health.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Its hard to get a job if you don’t do a placement year, as now days most companies are looking for experiences. Placements you will get 1 year experience in your chosen field and likely the company to employ you back as you only go back to uni for 5-6 months.

Review 76/76 for NHS

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