Bank Staff Eligibility - FOI Response Register

By way of background to this freedom of information request, we were recently contacted by a nurse with a number of years’ experience, looking to return to nursing after taking a few years away.  She plans to undertake a funded return to practice course to get back on to the register.  She contacted another health board to apply to join their staff bank but was told that she would not be eligible to be taken back in an NHS bank health care support worker role because she wasn’t a final year student nurse.

1. Please confirm the policy of NHS Shetland regarding eligibility for NHS bank health care support worker roles?

They either apply if an advertised bank role through NHS Jobs Scotland or can submit an adhoc application.  Application is then forwarded to hiring manager for consideration.  If they want to arrange an interview, HR usually assist with arrangements.  If hired, then usual full pre-employment checks are completed prior to any refresher training and shifts being offered.

2. Are these roles reserved for final year student nurses?

No

3. In principle and subject to all applicable checks, would NHS Shetland accept a nurse with previous experience, undertaking a return to practice course, to join the staff bank at Band 3 or 4?

Band 3

4. What are the reasons behind NHS Shetland policies on eligibility for bank staff roles?

Treated the same as contracted roles, so same application stages, same short listing and interview stages, same on-boarding stages

5. Has there been any change to eligibility policy in recent years given workforce shortages and the pressing need to retain experienced staff?

No