Applications are now closed for 2024 entry.
Applications for 2025 scheme entry will open on 30th September 2024
Click HERE to register your interest in applying
Our recruitment process is designed to assess your strengths. It’s not about what you’ve studied, the university you went to or the work experience you might have done. We’re interested in finding out your passion and potential to become a future NHS leader.
Recruitment process
Registration and application form
Stage 1 Future Potential Assessment (online)
This online assessment will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete – although it’s not time limited. This will help you learn more about the work you’d be doing on the Scheme. You will have an opportunity to practice each question type before you start the assessment.
Stage 1 must be completed by 10 November 23:59, so the earlier you apply, the more time you’ll have to complete the rest of your assessments. If you are successful, you’ll be invited to the next stage. All candidates will receive a feedback report upon completion of this stage.
Stage 2 NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment
You can take this assessment as soon as you’ve been notified of success at stage 1. This stage will include video responses, giving you a great opportunity to show us more about you as an individual. Stage 2 will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. Only the video-based questions will be timed, but don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of time to prepare before recording your answers. You will have an opportunity to practice each question type before you start the assessment.
Stage 2 must be completed by 20 November 23:59. All candidates will receive a feedback report upon completion of this stage. Successful candidates will be invited to the Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC). VACs will start in January 2025 and run until the end of February 2025.
Stage 3 Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC)
During this half-day VAC, we’ll ask you to complete several engaging exercises. You’ll meet the NHS team and other candidates. As with the earlier online assessments, you’ll be encouraged to just be yourself and enjoy the experience. We’ll provide a feedback report after this stage, regardless of the outcome.
VAC outcome
Following your VAC, we’ll contact you with one of three possible outcomes:
1. Successful at VAC – an immediate offer will be made
2. On the reserve list – we’ll get in touch again if a place on the Scheme becomes available
3. Unsuccessful at VAC
Allocation
This is our process of matching candidates who have been offered a place on the Scheme to available placements. This is not part of the assessment, the VAC is the final assessment stage for candidates. During allocation, we consider the assessment scores and preferences of hundreds of successful candidates – and compare these with the placement roles offered by NHS organisations.
Offer and onboarding
Candidates who have passed their VAC and been successfully matched with a placement are offered a place on the Scheme. We’ll contact you to begin pre-employment checks and onboarding – so you’re ready to join the Scheme at our Welcome Event at the start of September 2025.
Preparation materials
Once you apply for the Scheme relevant preparation materials will appear in your account at each stage of the assessment process. For stage 1 and 2 of the online assessments we provide hints and tips videos as well practice tests similar to the actual assessments. In the run up to the VACs we offer coaching calls, hints and tips and platform familiarisation videos.
There is no requirement to work through the preparation materials. However, these can be useful tools as you prepare for the assessments, and therefore we encourage you to make use of them.
Stage 1 and 2 online practice tests also give you an opportunity to test your equipment and internet connection ahead of your actual assessments. The VAC platform then has its own technical check feature to ensure your mic and camera are all ready for your VAC.
Reasonable adjustment and assessor training
Reasonable adjustments
Disclosure is a very personal decision, but we think it’s really important to let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments during the selection process. We respect your privacy and won’t ask you to share details that you prefer to keep private. We only need enough information to confirm the adjustments required to support you effectively.
Additionally, we will inquire if there are any medical conditions our VAC team needs to be aware of to provide the appropriate support. Your comfort and success in the selection process are our top priorities.
Fair Assessment
All assessors are fully trained, which includes recognising and avoiding unconscious bias, to ensure a fair and inclusive experience for all candidates. We are committed to providing an equitable assessment process.
Entry requirements
Check you meet our entry requirements before starting your application.
NHS employees
The Scheme is open to current NHS employees, known as ‘in-service’ trainees.
Specialism selector
Wondering which of our Scheme specialisms is right for you?
Try our Specialism Selector tool. It’ll ask you questions about your interests, work preferences – and the aspects of a career in NHS leadership you are attracted to.
We’ll suggest two specialisms that might be a good fit for you. The tool is for guidance only – you can apply to any specialism you’re eligible for.
FAQs
I have just started the final year of my degree. Can I apply now?
Yes, you can apply now providing you meet all the entry requirements listed on our website. You must be in possession of your final confirmed degree classification (minimum 2:2) by mid-August 2024. Successful candidates will join the Scheme in early-September 2024.
I have application queries – who can I contact?
Any queries or concerns relating to your application can be sent to our assessment team [email protected]. The team aim to respond to emails within 3 working days.
I can’t find the answer to my question here. Can I contact you?
Yes. Please email our assessment team [email protected]. The team aim to respond to emails within 2 working days.