Our recruitment process
Appointment to the HSST is through a national recruitment and selection process. The final selection will be made through an online interview to assess:
- suitability, meeting the entry requirements and person specification
- values, behaviours, leadership and management skills to reflect the needs of the programme and the NHS Constitution
- research, innovation and any scientific experience
As in previous years, we will ask for panel member support with the interview process and would appreciate employer’s commitment to supporting consistent panel membership, to ensure a fair and transparent interview process.
Types of posts
In-service
You may only apply for an in-service post if you are already employed by the NHS in the scientific specialty you are applying for. You will remain employed by your current employer throughout the programme. You should be employed at a minimum, as an Agenda for Change Band 7 for the duration of the programme. You will be eligible for this route only if you are nominated by your employer and your employer has an allocated training post in place.
Direct entry
Direct entry posts are open to anyone who matches the entry criteria and person specification. However, direct entry posts are not always available each year. Confirmation of whether any posts will be available for the next round of recruitment will be published here when known.
Employer roles and responsibilities
We initially convey all recruitment information to employers via the NHS England local commissioners.
Employers must ensure that:
- any internal recruitment processes for posts are instigated as soon as the post(s) has been confirmed by the NHS England Local Team
- one or more members of the department are nominated to participate where required in the shortlisting and interview processes
- their HR department are aware of the posts, the national process and are engaged from the beginning of recruitment
- they fulfil the requirements of the HSST accreditation process
- they can support HSST trainees through the programme including ensuring protected time whilst on programme
Any queries regarding the national recruitment process should be sent to england.hcsapplicants@nhs.net