Careers / Growing future talent

The National Finance Academy has rolled out the NHS Finance Insights placement scheme to all seven NHS regions in England, with a total of 45 NHS organisations signed up to host placement students from September 2024. 

Originating from a successful London pilot in 2023, this initiative offers paid work experience within NHS organisations across England. It targets individuals aged 18 and above who have decided not to pursue university education and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The programme’s primary goal is to attract diverse talent from the communities served by the NHS, providing 12-month paid placements in an entry-level finance role. This allows candidates to cultivate new skills and gain valuable on-the-job experience. Upon completing the placement, participants are expected to be well equipped to apply for various NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level positions, and feel assured in transitioning to professional work environments.

‘The expansion of the scheme is really exciting and provides a fantastic opportunity for young people from our communities to begin a career in NHS finance that they otherwise may not have had,’ said Tom Shearer, chief finance officer, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, and the chief finance officer lead for the scheme. ‘But it is also an opportunity for us to improve the diversity of leadership within NHS finance over time.’

• Find further details on the One NHS Finance website