How one NHS Trust is working with students to develop a workforce fit for the future

The NHS is a feature of all our lives, from birth to death, and it’s rarely out of the news.  

But most people have little idea of the range of jobs it offers. Our Purpose Lab student ambassadors recently heard directly from the NHS Trust ranked the top Trust in England in 2024 and the top recommended place to work in the Midlands and the second best in the whole of England – South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) - about the opportunities it offers. Employing about 6000 people, it provides integrated acute and community NHS services to around half a million people in Warwickshire and delivers Children's, Young People’s and Family Services throughout Coventry and Solihull.  

Acting Chief Executive, Adam Carson, Elva Jordan-Boyd, Interim Chief People Officer, Rebecca O’Hare, Workforce Development Lead, and Jennie Bannon, Deputy Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the wide range of skills and experiences that can lead to a career, with more than 350 roles on offer. In addition to more familiar clinical roles such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and pharmacists, the session focused on the many non-clinical roles also available, including finance, catering, marketing, IT and administration.  

Adam recounted his own journey which began as an IT trainer 20 years ago. He emphasised that his story is not unique, with many NHS Trusts CEOs working their way up from junior roles. Rebecca pointed out that the survey used by the NHS to identify which roles she would suit did in fact suggest learning and development, a role she is now relishing, but also art therapy which is still untried! The team also shared case studies of SWFT colleagues working in non-clinical roles, including some with additional needs who have been successfully supported to perform their roles. 

Questioned about where the most in demand roles were likely to be over the next few years, Adam pointed to those in digital transformation, including in AI, which will play a crucial part in making the NHS fit for the future.  

Participants discussed work experience opportunities with the Trust which allow individuals of all ages to spend time in different departments to get a better understanding of suitable roles. They also asked about career progression, professional development and employee satisfaction. The Trust team described its career pathways and online training platform and how its annual staff survey plays an integral part in measuring workforce metrics as well as colleagues’ experiences at work. 

But this latest Purpose Lab session wasn't just showcasing potential career routes, it was also about SWFT’s determination to hear firsthand from students about how the NHS can actively develop its workforce to facilitate hybrid and remote working in a post-pandemic working environment. It’s an approach that is key to attracting and retaining the staff it needs. Many students envisaged roles that were either fully remote or hybrid, citing advantages such as a healthier work/life balance and better accessibility for those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or additional needs, although they acknowledged that some roles are necessarily in-person. They were concerned about the potential lack of integration and belonging that could result and suggested a range of strategies to help address that including regular online check-ins, clear communication and the opportunity to meet other members of staff in person. 

The benefits of a frank exchange of views were highlighted by a survey carried out after the session which showed that a significant proportion of participants would now consider a career in the NHS, having learned about the range of roles available and the willingness of SWFT to integrate remote and hybrid working across the organisation. It also gave the Trust the opportunity to hear directly from potential future employees about the best way to develop its workforce. It was a fantastic example of bridging the gap between education and industry, giving students the chance to shape responsible business strategies.