Application process

Learn more about how to join us

It takes all types of people here at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), but how can you join us?

We want everyone to feel welcome to apply for jobs at NHSBT, and we strive to make our recruitment process fair, equitable and inclusive.

On this page, we’ve outlined how our recruitment process works and provided some guidance, so you have the best chance of success when you apply.

We've also provided information about visas and immigration, and what you need to think about if you're planning on relocating to the UK to work here.

Making an application

From searching for jobs to getting an offer confirmed, here's how our application process works.

Finding jobs

Visit our vacancies hub to search all our opportunities and filter by location or role type. You will need to register here to make and track your applications.

You can also set up a job alert to be notified about vacancies you're interested in as soon as they are posted.

All our vacancies contain a recruitment profile, which will tell you all you need to know about the post, the team you’d be joining, and what we’re looking for. Your application will need to include clear examples of how you match the recruitment profile.

Applying for jobs

We use standardised application forms so that all candidates can be screened fairly, and we make these forms anonymous before hiring managers review them. All managers must undergo training before they are allowed to be involved in recruitment, which includes our policies on fair recruitment.

You can follow the progress of your application online in the vacancies hub. You can see when your application has been viewed, if you need to complete any additional selection methods, and if you have been invited to interview.

Tip: make the most of supporting information

The supporting information section of the application form is where you can set yourself apart and document any relevant information that you haven’t already mentioned elsewhere.

Our hiring managers will judge how well your application meets the recruitment profile of the role you’re applying for.

To give yourself the best opportunity to be invited for interview, you need to carefully read the recruitment profile and use the supporting information section to provide specific examples of how you meet the following criteria:

  • behaviours and values
  • skills and abilities
  • experience and knowledge
  • qualifications and training
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Our candidate portal offers a range of accessibility tools to make it easier for anyone to use.

You will be able to inform the recruitment team if you require a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process.

Using artificial intelligence (AI)

AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants can support you as you complete your application. For example, they can check for spelling or grammar errors, or help you to decide what to include.

But they shouldn’t replace your own responses or be used to write the application for you.

Relying too much on AI can negatively impact your chances of success, because automatically generated answers:

  • might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
  • often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won’t show your unique voice and perspective
  • could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience

We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.

Interviews and assessments

If you are selected for interview or assessment, we will notify you and ask you to select your preferred time and date. Your interview may be in person or take place through Microsoft Teams.

At the interview, you can expect to be asked competency-based questions. The same questions are asked of all candidates, though your interviewers may ask follow-up questions to check your understanding.

We will let you know the outcome of your interview within a few days. If you have been successful, we will explain what happens next.

Interview tasks and additional selection methods

We may use additional selection methods, such as presentations, ability tests or group exercises, to help us assess your suitability for the role. We’ll let you know ahead of time if you need to prepare for any of these.

Pre-appointment checks

If you are made a conditional offer, we will need to carry out some checks before we confirm your employment. We may need to carry out criminal records or additional security checks if the role requires these.

Confirming our offer of employment

After we have completed all the required checks for your role, we will contact you to arrange a start date. You will also receive your contract of employment.

You will be given details of any training required, where you should attend on your first day and any other information you need. We will arrange an induction programme where you’ll be able to meet your new colleagues and to help you settle into your new role.

From here, you’ll be part of the team – and you’ll help to save and improve lives every day.

Visas and immigration

If you are considering applying to NHSBT and would need a visa to work in the UK, you can find more information on the UK Government website:

Before you apply, think carefully about the potential costs of starting a job here. We cannot cover travel costs for you or your family, or the cost of transporting your personal belongings.

We cannot provide accommodation, so you will need to find a place to live in the UK. We recommend researching the location you will move to and considering the following questions:

  • what is the area like?
  • how much does it cost to live there?
  • what kind of accommodation is available?
  • how will you travel to work?

If you will be renting your accommodation, remember to consider the cost of utility bills and council tax which might not be included in your rent.

We will pay your salary to a UK bank account, so you will need to create one as soon as you have confirmed your UK address.

You will need to prove your address along with your identity and other requirements when you open your bank account. The bank you choose to open your account with will provide you with full details about this process.

Important: Important: check your visa sponsorship

Not all of our roles are eligible for visa sponsorship. Be sure to check the recruitment advertisement carefully and make sure you would be eligible in the role before you apply.

Discover more about our organisation

Rewards and benefits

We give back in return for your hard work, with several workplace benefits and flexible working options.

Learning and development

Whatever your role, we provide a range of opportunities to learn while you work and become an expert at what you do.

Stories

Learn more about the people who work here, including their career journeys and what they love about their role at NHSBT.

Vacancies hub

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