More than 250 paid NHS placements will be made available to
parents across Scotland as part of Scottish Government efforts to
eradicate child poverty.
The paid placements, covering roles such as porters, caterers,
healthcare support workers, administration assistants, and
assistant technical officers, will be available across 18 health
boards.
With paid placements typically lasting between 6-18 months, the
project is targeted at those facing the greatest risk of poverty
helping more parents to access employment in Scotland's NHS.
On a visit to Kirklands HQ, NHS Lanarkshire, to mark the start of
Challenge Poverty Week, Social Justice Secretary met Mairead Doyle,
who joined a similar employability programme with NHS Lanarkshire
in 2024.
Since then, Ms Doyle has been promoted twice and is now employed
in the Band 4 position of Management Secretary.
Ms Somerville said:
Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government's top
priority and we know that fair work in the NHS will offer a real
route out of poverty for families.
We are equipping parents with the skills and experience needed to
have a long and successful career, with the opportunity for real
progression, while strengthening the NHS workforce of the future.
This project scales existing successful models already delivered
by NHS boards and I'm pleased that we're able to extend this
opportunity to hundreds more families across the country.
Commenting on the employability programme, past participant Ms
Doyle said:
The Parental Employability Programme gave me the confidence and
support I needed to return to work after several years away from
employment. Through the programme I secured a role with NHS
Lanarkshire and have since progressed to a Band 4 position. It
has had a positive impact on both my career and my family, and
I'm grateful for the opportunity it provided.''
Since launching the NHS Lanarkshire Demonstrator Programme has
supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term
unemployment, with more than 77% progressing into positive
destinations, including directly into NHS employment. Outcomes
have improved year on year, with their most recent programme
achieving almost 88% positive destinations.
Jacqui , Deputy Chief Executive and Director
of HR at NHS Lanarkshire said:
The NHS is one of the largest employers in
Scotland and employment is one of the strongest drivers of good
health by creating opportunities for local parents and families
to gain skills, experience and jobs, we are helping people
thrive, building a workforce that reflects our communities, and
making a positive difference to the health of Lanarkshire."
Background
Placements will be available across 18 NHS
Boards: NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries and
Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Grampian, NHS Greater
Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Lothian,
NHS Shetland, NHS Tayside, NHS Western Isles, NHS Golden Jubilee,
The State Hospital, NHS 24, Public Health Scotland, Public
Services Delivery Scotland.
More information on families most at risk of poverty is
available here.
The placements are being supported by £4 million of Scottish
Government funding as part of Bringing Hope, Building Futures:
Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2026-2031 - gov.scot
More information on paid employment places for parents across the
NHS is available here.
More details on past NHS Lanarkshire parental employability
programmes are available here.
Further information on Challenge Poverty Week,
which is organised by the Poverty Alliance.
