The biggest and most successful health recruitment event ever seen in north Cumbria has taken place.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) and Cumbria County Council (CCC) held their first joint recruitment day of the year.
More than 100 of the 120 candidates who attended have been successful in their applications to become health care assistants for NCIC and appointments were also made by CCC.
Elaine Crooks, Clinical Nurse Improvement Lead – End of Life Care, said:
“I have been really impressed by the calibre of candidates. The openness and insight individuals have to caring for patients and families is really brilliant. This is the first time I have been involved in recruitment on this scale.
“It is great to be part of joint recruitment with our CCC colleagues and makes sense to recruit together to make sure we can match people to their strengths and area of care where they feel best placed.
“The future of care in north Cumbria looks very hopeful if we can continue to attract the level of skills and motivation seen today.”
Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director, Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley said:
“The amazing response to the recruitment day highlights how people are looking for a rewarding career that will make a real difference to people in your community.
“Adult Social Care can provide flexible working as well as full time careers.
“Providing health and social care is something we are proud to do with our partners in the NHS and this recruitment day highlights how people want to work in the adult care sectors.”
Those successful will now go through the induction process and you will soon see some new faces across our services.
Amanda Dunkley, Associate Director for People Services, said:
“The structure of the day was really well received by those who attended and most said they felt welcomed, at ease and enjoyed the format.
“The day involved group team building exercises, interviews and learning about opportunities across the county in the NHS and social care. This has been the biggest of its kind so far.
“If you missed it this time, then don’t worry you can keep an eye out for the next one or check our current healthcare assistant vacancies.”
So, how did it work?
Each session began with all candidates in one room where they begin by openly discussing topics such as the importance of values and uniforms. After then splitting into groups, the small teams were given a scenario (with evolving updates) and asked what they would do.
A range of colleagues from across NCIC and CCC were in the room to observe and listen into discussions, giving candidates a chance to show off their knowledge, skills and passion.
Candidates were then collected from the group session for their interview. This was followed by ID checks and then support to fill out their new starter documents, which all helps speed the recruitment process up.
Feedback included:
“Very fulfilling day. Enjoyable team activities and calming environment.”
“Interview was nice and not put under pressure. Made me feel relaxed. The team building was also nice. Meeting new people and people from different areas of caring was good.”
”Loved this session. Group discussions and different scenarios were great. Overall, great session and superb hosts.”
“I thought the interactive group sessions were a really nice way of ice breaking. It gave a better opportunity to think about answers and bring out the best in yourself, for example showcasing your values and thought processes.”
“Fantastic event. Group activities before interviews were good to settle nerves and set mindset. Lovely interviewers.”
