Below we provide the answers to a number of the more regularly asked questions we receive.

Getting onto the Scheme


What do I need to be eligible for the Scheme?

To join the scheme, you need a minimum of a 2.2 degree in any subject. Some degree equivalents are also accepted for the scheme. We need candidates who have achieved academically but we also want a diverse range of people and for that reason we believe that our rigorous recruitment process selects the leadership capability for the NHS, not your degree classification. If you choose the finance specialism, please note that if you have passed CIMA or CIPFA past Intermediate/management level, then you will not be eligible. If you choose the HR specialism, please note we cannot accept candidates who have fully completed their graduate CIPD qualifications and hold graduate Membership of the CIPD.

Work Permits


A work permit will be required for applicants from outside the EEA. An employer will not be able to get a work permit for an applicant if the post can be filled by a UK or EEA resident. Currently the NHS is able to source all candidates for this scheme from within the EEA, and therefore the NHS is unable to consider applicants to the scheme who are resident outside the EEA area.

If you are eligible to work in the UK under your current visa status but are subject to limited leave to remain in the UK, you must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient time left on your visa to complete the Scheme at the point of application.


If you require a work permit to with in the UK, you will be required to already hold a valid work permit. The permit will need to cover the entire duration of the scheme - HR, informatics and general management two years; finance two and a half years. The NHS will be unable to process permit applications for candidates. If you do not hold a valid permit for the duration of the programme you will not be able to join this scheme.

What kinds of people get a place on the Scheme?
We are looking for rounded individuals capable of demonstrating the key competencies listed below, which have been identified as essential for NHS managers. These are:

• Leading & taking responsibility

• Communicating and influencing

• Working with others

• Driving for and achieving results

• Managing, planning & organizing

• Innovation & continuous improvement

• Focusing on patients & customers

• Analytical thinking

• Numerical ability

• Broad-based problem solving & decision making.


Do I need management experience?
No, previous management experience is not required, as the Scheme is designed to develop your leadership skills. You will however need to demonstrate that you have the ability to organise and manage people. If you have substantial management experience you may find that Gateway to Leadership is a more suitable entry point. Please go to the Gateway to Leadership website: www.nhsgatewaytoleadership.co.uk for further details.

Will it help my application if I have some work experience in the NHS?
Experience within the health service is not an essential requirement, although there is no doubt that holiday or placement work experience provides a valuable insight into life at the NHS. We don't currently operate a formal placement scheme but, as an alternative, many NHS organisations will be happy to arrange informal visits for interested potential trainees. Please visit www.nhs.uk for further details.


Is there an age limit?
Subject to eligibility, there is no age limit to join the scheme.

How much will I be paid during the Scheme?
The starting salary for 2009 intake will be around £21,500, and may rise in the second year of Training. If you already work for the NHS you may be able to protect your current salary up to a maximum of £27,000.

Is the Scheme very competitive?
In short –yes! We expect to receive many more applications than there are places. That’s why the recruitment process is rigorous – be prepared, it’s not easy. You’ll need to show the leadership qualities we’re looking for as well as the qualifications.

Training/Qualifications FAQs

Do I get to choose my Training location?
The Scheme is delivered across England, with local offices in the North, Midlands, South and London areas supporting the SHAs. If successful, you will be asked to select your preferred Training locality. Although we try to take all trainees' preferences into account, we cannot guarantee you will be placed in your first choice locality. You will also be expected to be fairly mobile within each Training locality.

What about Training outside of England?
There are separate Training Schemes for the NHS in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. To find out more, please go to the relevant websites.

What support will I get during Training?
You will be able to draw on the experiences of your Placement Manager during placements, your education tutors for the study programme, and your fellow trainees during action learning sets and the core modules. Your Leadership Development Manager can provide additional support, and a sponsor will be made available for more personal support.

Will I obtain any formal qualifications?
During the first two years (2.5yrs for finance), you will be supported in attaining professional and post-graduate qualifications. Graduates studying the finance specialism are fully supported to achieve a CIMA or CIPFA qualification. Graduates studying the general management specialism are fully supported to achieve PgDip in Health and Public Leadership. Graduates studying the human resources specialism are fully supported to achieve PgDip in Human Resource Management and graduate CIPD status. Graduates studying the informatics management specialism are fully supported to achieve a PG Dip in Health Informatics.

What support and development will I get in Years 3 and 4?
Each trainee is eligible for a learning account through which you can choose to top-up qualifications or apply to other development opportunities.

I already have a postgraduate management qualification/part of the CIMA/CIPFA/CIPD - will this exempt me from any aspect of the study programme?
As the educational component of the general management specialism has been designed specifically to meet the needs of NHS management trainees, you will still need to sit the full educational programme. Trainees taking the finance specialism who have already sat some of the professional exams may be exempt from sitting these during the scheme, but should not think that this will reduce the time they spend on the scheme. Applicants to the HR specialism will need to re-cover elements of the CIPD that they already hold, as the curriculum that has been developed for the Postgraduate Diploma covered during the scheme has been contextualised to the NHS specifically. If you are a Graduate CIPD you are not eligible to join the scheme.

After the Scheme FAQs

Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the Scheme?
Trainees are employed on fixed term contracts for the two years of the scheme. At the end of the scheme you will receive support in obtaining your first substantive management post in one of the many organisations that make up the NHS. We have a long history of securing opportunities and wish to secure the investment in your development by ensuring you gain a post in the NHS.

What kind of post might I expect to have at the end of the Scheme?
The NHS now provides a more diverse working environment than ever before. You can choose from jobs in primary care, community services, hospital trusts, mental health, and many more. Your first post may be operational or you may choose to work in a policy setting, planning or strategic development role. The website provides a few examples of career paths ex-trainees have taken – click here.


What kind of salary can I expect?
The average salary for first posts on leaving the Scheme is currently around £27,000 - £37,000. Beyond that you are looking at possible future earnings of around £90,000 as a Director of Finance or HR Director of a large health Trust, or £100,000+ as a Chief Executive.

Further information FAQs

Where's the nearest presentation to me?
These are listed on the website, alternatively, ask at your careers office or email graduates@lead.institute.nhs.uk

I already work for the NHS - can I speak to someone who won't tell my manager?
You can talk confidentially to your local Leadership Development Manager. Please either email (graduates@lead.institute.nhs.uk) or call [0845 300 1426) for contact details of your nearest local office.

Application and Selection FAQs

How do I apply?
Applications will be accepted from 18th August 2008 to start the scheme in September 2009. You will be able to apply on-line through this site. The closing date will be 28th November 2008. On-line tests must all be completed within one week of the application closing date, so we would encourage you to apply early to give yourself more time to complete the test.

Is the Personal Profile questionnaire part of the application procedure?
Yes, this is part of the first stage of on-line assessment. All questions must be completed. We would advise that you are very honest with your answers to this, and don't try to second-guess the process - be yourself, not the person you think we want to see.

2008-9 Programme

Click here to see the timetable for 2008-9 Key Dates.

Assessment

How can I find out about the progress of my application?
If you are invited to the next stage of the process, invitations will be sent out by email. We would therefore advise that you use an email address you can access regularly, from when you apply to February. Be aware of the dates of our assessment events. There is also a facility on this website to login to your application and receive information about what has happened to your application.

All the information you require should be on our website. In addition, we are attending a number of events where you can meet someone involved with the scheme. If you would like further information, please email graduates@lead.institute.nhs.uk.

Do you pay expenses?
Candidates will be entitled to claim expenses incurred as a result of their attendance at an assessment event up to a maximum of £35.00 subject to providing receipts. Candidates who need to drive to the event will be entitled to claim up to a maximum of 150 miles. Any travel undertaken must utilize the most cost effective means. If you require overnight accommodation to attend an event, this must be authorised in advance. Overnight accommodation can be claimed up to a maximum of £35.00. For any clarification and authorization on expenses, please email graduates@lead.institute.nhs.uk

I've tried to complete my application on-line, but:

there's no space for my unusual qualifications...
Please just put them, and an explanation, in the next free-text field, which is the 'professional qualifications' box.

it logs me out of the system...
The form is set up to time out after an hour for security purposes. The form will save each time you move from one page to the next, so you should not lose any work.

I am worried about the on-line tests...
The email you receive once you have submitted your application will give you instructions on how long the tests will take and the best place to take them (somewhere without interruptions etc). Before you start the tests there will be example questions that you can try as often as you like. Should you experience any problems when completing the practice questions, you can call or email at that stage for further help before attempting the real tests.

I've been invited to sit the on-line tests but I don't have internet access...
Have you explored all the options? University, work, home, friends, local library, hotel, internet café? If there is no possibility of using any of these, please email graduates@lead.institute.nhs.uk

I have a disability. Can this be taken into consideration during the selection process?
Please ensure that you complete details of your requirements on your application form. We will endeavour to contact everyone we know of who requires any reasonable adjustments made prior to the assessment events to ensure we provide the best opportunities for you. If you haven't completed your details on your application form please email graduates@lead.institute.nhs.uk

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