Step into Health is open to all Service Leavers and Veterans and their spouse/partner. It is an incredible opportunity in which employers are working with the Armed Forces Community to provide career and development opportunities within the NHS.
Over the next few pages, we bring you three case studies from ex-Forces personnel.
Tiffany joined the Territorial Army in 1997, moving to the Regular Army in 2000 until leaving the Armed Forces in October 2017. Her last role was overseeing procurement of medical equipment and information systems and all chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment for Defence. She took part in deployments to Afghanistan in 2009 as Officer Commanding Close Support Medical Squadron, and also to Bosnia and Kosovo. Tiffany discovered Step into Health through the Officers’ Association and attended an insight day at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Taking part in a part-time placement in the A&E department of a London hospital, Tiffany quickly learnt that the NHS is very similar in many respects to the forces, so she felt very comfortable in that environment. She said ‘I would definitely recommend Step into Health to anyone leaving the Armed Forces. It allows you to get a taste of what the NHS might be able to offer you and how you might fit in. It also shows you and your placement that you have valuable skills that you can offer to the NHS.’
She is now part of the executive team at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust working directly for the chief executive, attending monthly board meetings and weekly executive meetings, working as part of a team to ensure the effective running of the trust. Tiffany says, ‘My military skills have been invaluable in terms of being able to approach a new task, break it down into its constituent parts and get on with making sure it gets done. My experiences of stakeholder management within NATO have been used in my dealings with the clinical commissioning groups, local councils and other external agencies, as well as within the trust. I am used to extreme multi-tasking within the Army and relying on a team to ensure we get things done. I am able to do the same in my new job, I love having a finger in so many pies that I have run out of fingers and it is exhilarating that I can get involved in all areas where the trust has interests. This is a great trust and is really an amazing place to work. I come in every morning with a huge smile on my face ready to face whatever the day has to throw at me.’
Essa Badjie
Essa was a corporal in the Army for ten years being a part of different units/regiments and also had a previous role as an HR administrator. He was based in various locations including Germany for six years before coming back to the UK. After attending a Step into Health insight day, Essa made the decision to leave the Army and pursue HR opportunities within the NHS. Following a period of applying for vacancies, he was directed to Poole Hospital where there was an opportunity to become part of the bank staff, which gave him the relevant NHS experience to increase his chances in securing a vacancy when they did become available. Essa worked as full time HR Business Advisor at Poole Hospital before securing a full time role at Salisbury District Hospital as People Advisor.
Reflecting on the support received from Step into Health, he said, ‘The Step into Health programme is one of the avenues that is vital if you are considering a pathway into the NHS or a similar profession when leaving the Armed Forces. It does not only give you the information that you require to succeed, but also provide the opportunities to make it happen. I would personally recommend this programme to anyone leaving the forces and who wants to make a difference.’
Gavin served for 24 years in the Royal Logistics Corps taking part in deployments to the former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. His last role was as a Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer. At a Career Transition Partnership in June 2016 he met staff from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who shared the opportunities available for supply chain experts in the NHS. After attending a dedicated Step into Health insight day a few weeks later, Gavin secured a three-week work placement at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. During the placement, Gavin realised there was a lot he could offer the NHS, if they recognised his potential input and transferrable skills. Following the placement, Gavin joined the staff bank on the last day of his Army service.
Gavin now works as a Project Manager (band 8) at King’s Interventional Facilities Management LLP (company owned by King’s College Hospital). He says ‘People who have served within the Forces are can-do people and are driven by results – we chat, plan and do (in that order), with defined deadlines. I would like to think that, in five years’ time, I will have further cemented my position in the NHS and have successfully moved into a more senior position. I now understand the value I have to offer is recognised by the outside world and I feel much more relaxed about looking for new opportunities.’
Whether you are interested in catering, maintenance, administration, finance, communications, management, or a role in one of the clinical services, to name but a few, this programme will benefit you. The NHS is keen to invite you to explore your transferable skills and the potential training and career opportunities available.