Employers FAQ

If you have questions about the graduate scheme please refer to the frequently asked questions below. If you would still like to speak to someone about the scheme, please contact one of the Pathways 2 Procurement Team at hdft.procurementgraduates@nhs.net.

FAQ

• When do you recruit participants for the scheme?
  We aim to advertise the scheme to graduates between November and February, ensuring they start in their role by the following September. 
  
  
• Is the Graduate employed by the trust or a central scheme?
  The graduate will be employed by the Trust/NHS organisation. Once the graduate has been selected, SDN will provide the organisations’ HR team with the necessary paperwork to employ and on board the graduate. The employing organisation will be required to provide the graduate with a contract and set them up on payroll, and complete all requirements which are needed when employing a new member of staff.
  
  
• What is the recruitment process which the graduates go through?
  Applicants will complete the following stages:
  Stage 1. Complete the online application form with the following:
  • Basic details
  • Eligibility to work in the UK
  • Monitoring & Safeguarding
  • Complete reasoning tests
  • Complete application questions
  • Upload CV & Degree certificate or proof of predicted grade
  • Upload Math and English GCSE certificates

  If successful invited to:
  Stage 2. Microsoft Teams Interview (Organised and conducted by members of SDN team)
  
  If successful invited to:
  Stage 3. Assessment Centre (Two managers from your organisation will be required to attend)
  
  If successful
  Stage 4. Details of successful candidate are passed onto NHS Organisations’ HR department for on boarding

• Will there be a minimum level of qualification to apply for the post, and does the qualification need to be applicable to the type of work?
  Graduates are required to have a second class degree as a minimum, however this can be in any area, we do not require them to have procurement knowledge. 
  
  
• How are graduates signposted to the opportunity?
  The roles will be advertised via Target Jobs, University websites, Careers Fairs, Pathways 2 NHS Procurement website and various social media platforms. 
  
  
• How long are they studying for, and what level of qualification will they achieve?
  The CIPS Apprenticeship programme will last for the duration of the 2-year scheme. Graduates will complete the Level 4 diploma. 
  
  
• Who organises the training? Is this via the Trust HR team?
  SDN are able to suggest some providers of CIPS apprenticeships, and training, for organisations to select and secure their own provider. SDN will liaise with the chosen providers and the organisations’ Apprenticeship Levy lead to ensure payment is secured through the levy. Managers will be required to attend a Teams meeting to understand the requirements of the programme and commitment from both the organisation and the graduate. 
  
  Stage 2.    Microsoft Teams Interview
  
  Stage 3.    Assessment Centre
  
  Stage 4.    Details of successful candidate are passed onto NHS Organisations HR department for on boarding
  
  
• Are the Graduates guaranteed / or would we need to guarantee a job at the end of their Training?
  We do not guarantee a position on completion of the 2-years. We hope that there will be a role available within your organisation or another NHS organisation, however we do inform graduates that a role is not guaranteed and that they would most likely need to apply for any role which may be available. SDN can assist with this process.