Join the NHS Reservists

Top-up your income and make a real difference by joining the NHS Reservists.

Looking for casual work that will fit around studies or childcare? Registered professional looking for shorter, flexible shifts with less responsibility? The NHS Reservists scheme allows you to pick up paid work for both clinical and non-clinical roles, as and when shifts are convenient for you.

Our current recruitment status

Please note that we are currently recruiting registered and non-registered clinical professionals. Please do use this page to get information on all of our roles, and keep an eye on this page. We’ll be re-opening applications for all of our roles later this year (2023).

Who can join

From experienced clinicians to students looking to gain experience. We’re seeking anyone aged 18+ who would like to earn extra money and help their local NHS. Our varied roles mean we have something for everyone.

How it works

NHS Reservists are able to view and secure unfilled shifts that become available locally. These roles include:

  • Admin Assistants
  • Ward Helpers
  • Healthcare Assistants
  • Registered nurses and AHPs

You can choose to pick up full shifts as and when they are convenient to you. Half shifts may also be available. All we ask is that you work at least 150 hours per year with a minimum of one shift every six months. You will also be required to complete paid mandatory training.

As a Reservist, you will also enjoy the following benefits:

  • Annual leave (you will receive a working time directive payment of 12.07% of amount earned on each shift worked, which is payment made in lieu of holiday).
  • Option to join a pension scheme
  • Easy access to shift bookings
  • Weekly or monthly pay (depending on the trust you choose to work with)

Apply now

Learn more about the roles on offer below or contact the team if you have any queries.

When you’re ready to apply, please complete our expression of interest form. Someone from the team will then be in touch.


Roles available

Admin Assistant Job Description

Job Title: Administration Assistant
Accountable to: Ward/Department Manager
Responsible to: Ward/Department Manager
Location: NHS locations across Suffolk & North East Essex
Pay Band: Band 2
Hours: Flexible

Purpose of The Job

Provide administration support to clinical teams/departments. To support a high standard and efficient level of administrative support, undertaking required tasks and activities daily.

Key working relationships

  • Reservist clinical lead
  • NHS Professionals
  • Members of the multi-disciplinary team
  • Patients and Relatives
  • Ward/Department Manager & Staff

Responsibilities

  • Respond to external and internal queries into department via email or telephone. This may include providing non-clinical information to the patients or relatives and passing on message as required.
  • Use initiative to deal with routine problems that may arise and refer more complex issues to the appropriate person.
  • Assist in maintaining efficient electronic and manual filing systems.
  • Check data on hospital systems is updated in a timely manner ensuring accuracy.
  • Undertake routine administration tasks as directed and support other team members.
  • Escalate urgent matters or administration issues in a timely manner.
  • Identify when administration supplies are running low and escalate as necessary.
  • Work to standing operating procedures and departmental guidelines.
  • Work flexibly to support all members of the team.
  • Keep up to date with trust policies and IT updates.
  • Support the gathering of audit data.
  • Utilise equipment/systems to administrative processes
  • Undertake any other admin or clerical duties as may be delegated.

General
This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. There may be a requirement to undertake other duties as may reasonably be required to support clinical teams/departments in accordance with your role.

Codes of conduct
All Reservists must demonstrate the values of the NHS and the organisation they are supporting.

Equal opportunities
The NHS is committed to equal opportunities that affirms that all staff should be afforded equality of treatment and opportunity in employment irrespective of sexuality, marital status, race, religion/belief, ethnic origin, age, or disability. All staff are required to observe this standard in their behaviour to fellow employees.

Safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk
Safeguarding is a key priority for the NHS. Staff must always be alert to the possibility of harm to children, young people, and adults at risk through abuse and neglect. This includes being aware of the adults who may find parenting difficult. All staff should be able to recognise the indicators of abuse and know how to act on them, including the correct processes and decisions to be undertaken when sharing information. All staff must follow the safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidelines, know how to seek specialist advice, and must make themselves available for training and supervision as required.

Confidentiality
All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any patient/client information that they may have access to, or accidentally gain knowledge of, in the course of their duties.

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any information relating to the work of the NHS organisations they support.

Data protection
All employees must adhere to appropriate Information Governance policies for the NHS organisations they support.

Health & Safety
All Reservists should be committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy environment and be responsible for their own and others welfare.

Risk Management
You will also attend mandatory and statutory training, report all incidents/accidents including near misses and report unsafe occurrences as laid down within the policies.

Policies & procedures
All Reservists are expected to comply with all relevant policies for NHS Professionals and the NHS organisations they are supporting.

Infection Control
All staff must observe the infection control policies of the NHS organisation they are supporting including policies related to social distancing, wearing of mask and PPE.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check
NHS Professionals may require a disclosure dependant on your role.

Further Terms & Conditions
Please see NHS Professionals for further information not included in this Job description.

Admin Assistant Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

  • GCSE Maths & English (C/4) or above (or equivalent qualification)

Desirable:

  • NVQ Level 2 in administration /secretarial or equivalent

Experience & Knowledge

Essential:

  • Experience in Microsoft office, Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint
  • Basic keyboard skills
  • Experience working as part of a team
  • Confidentiality and Data Protection

Desirable:

  • Previous NHS experience

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Able to prioritise workload and time manage
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Excellent telephone manner
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent numeracy skills

Personal Attributes

  • Demonstrates and embeds the Core NHS values; Working together for patients; Respect and dignity; Commitment to quality of care; Compassion; Improving lives and Everyone counts
  • Punctual, motivated, and committed
  • Ability to use initiative
  • Able to recognise own limitations
  • Good attention to detail and accuracy

Clinical Professional (Registered) Job Description

Job Title: NHS Reservists Clinical Professional (Registered)
Accountable to: Ward/Department Manager
Responsible to: Ward/Department Manager
Location: NHS locations across Suffolk & North East Essex
Pay Band: Band 5
Hours: Flexible

Purpose of The Job

To work with all members of the clinical team within the multi-disciplinary framework and maintain a high standard of patient care under the direction of the Ward/Department Sister/Charge Nurse or Clinical Lead. To act as a leader in the clinical area, in the absence of a more senior member of staff. To work in accordance with the principles laid down by the NMC/HCPC professional bodies and policies for the trusts you support. To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NHS values.

Key working relationships

  • Reservist clinical lead
  • NHS Professionals
  • Members of the multi-disciplinary team
  • Patients and Relatives
  • Ward/Department Manager & Staff

Clinical responsibilities

  1. Ensure practice is in accordance with your relevant Code of Professional Conduct and work within limits of competence.
  2. Maintain a high standard of patient care and clinical interventions, applying evidence-based practice.
  3. Carry out assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of patient care without supervision.
  4. Carry out the daily personal care of patients if requirement of role.
  5. Maintain accurate records of all care given.
  6. To effectively use information technology for the benefit of patient care in accordance with the Information governance policies of the trust you are supporting.
  7. To maintain confidentiality of information (written, verbal, electronic), whilst being aware of the Freedom for Information Act.
  8. To communicate relevant changes promptly and effectively in patient status to the multi-disciplinary team.
  9. Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers, significant others, the multi-disciplinary team, and support services.
  10. Communicate with patients, clients, and relatives on emotional and sensitive issues.
  11. To ensure the safe custody, supply and administration of drugs and therapeutic substances in accordance with Trust policy.
  12. To participate in clinical audit or reviews of patient care, as required.
  13. To participate in benchmarking activity in the clinical area.
  14. To promote health education to patients, carers, and significant others.
  15. To act as the patient’s advocate.
  16. Report medical device failure in accordance with the policies for the NHS organisation you are supporting.
  17. To demonstrate competency and teach others in the safe and effective use of medical devices in the clinical area.
  18. To ensure NHS policies are adhered to by all staff and report as necessary.
  19. To be competent in managing emergency situations including directing other members of the team.
  20. To be competent in clinical skills including enhanced practice relevant to the clinical area.
  21. To safeguard the health and welfare of patients, visitors, and staff in all circumstances. Including management of situations of violence or aggression.
  22. Liaise with the PALS service where necessary on patient care issues.
  23. To comply with the complaint’s procedure of the NHS organisation in respect of own area.
  24. Promptly report all incidents or accidents involving patients, visitors or staff and take appropriate action according to NHS organisational policy.
  25. Ensure the safekeeping of patients’ property and valuables.
  26. Contribute to the philosophy and continuous development of the clinical area.

Management and Leadership

  1. Effectively assess and delegate workload according to staff competencies to meet patient needs.
  2. To assist in leading and monitoring the performance and work of the nursing team and support workers.
  3. To act as a professional role model and provide leadership to junior members of staff.
  4. To support and direct the voluntary workforce in the clinical area.
  5. Actively participate in meetings related to own clinical area.
  6. To participate in the appraisal process for junior staff as directed by the Ward/ Department Sister / Charge Nurse.

Educational Responsibilities

  1. Act as a mentor and provide supervision to junior staff and other learners.
  2. To assist with induction for new staff. 3. Teach, support, and share clinical knowledge with registered and non-registered staff

Professional development

  1. Maintain Continuous Professional Development in line with Trust Policy, the Knowledge and Skills Framework and professional bodies.
  2. Ensure own practice is up to date and evidence based and demonstrate an awareness of current, relevant research.
  3. To further develop knowledge and skills relevant to the clinical area by undertaking appropriate training and courses of study.
  4. To develop practice to that of an experienced clinical practitioner with guidance from senior staff, colleagues and through the personal development review process.
  5. Any hours worked with the NHS Reservist scheme are included in your professional registration hours for revalidation.
  6. We can offer clinical support and guidance to assist with your professional registration.

General

This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. There may be a requirement to undertake other duties as may reasonably be required to support clinical teams/departments in accordance with your role.

Codes of conduct

All Reservists must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct appropriate to their professional governing body and the values of the NHS organisation they are supporting.

Equal opportunities

The NHS is committed to equal opportunities that affirms that all staff should be afforded equality of treatment and opportunity in employment irrespective of sexuality, marital status, race, religion/belief, ethnic origin, age, or disability.  All staff are required to observe this standard in their behaviour to fellow employees.

Safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk

Safeguarding is a key priority for the NHS. Staff must always be alert to the possibility of harm to children, young people, and adults at risk through abuse and neglect. This includes being aware of the adults who may find parenting difficult. All staff should be able to recognise the indicators of abuse and know how to act on them, including the correct processes and decisions to be undertaken when sharing information. All staff must follow the safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidelines, know how to seek specialist advice, and must make themselves available for training and supervision as required

Confidentiality

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any patient/client information that they may have access to, or accidentally gain knowledge of, in the course of their duties.

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any information relating to the work of the NHS organisations they support.

Data protection

All employees must adhere to appropriate Information Governance policies for the NHS organisations they support.

Health & Safety

All Reservists should be committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy environment and be responsible for their own and others welfare.

Risk Management

You will also attend mandatory and statutory training, report all incidents/accidents including near misses and report unsafe occurrences as laid down within the policies.

Policies & procedures

All Reservists are expected to comply with all relevant policies for NHS Professionals and the NHS organisations they are supporting.

Infection Control

All staff must observe the infection control policies of the NHS organisation they are supporting including policies related to social distancing, wearing of mask and PPE.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check

NHS Professionals may require a disclosure dependant on your role.

Further Terms & Conditions

Please see NHS Professionals for further information not included in this job description.

Clinical Professional (Registered) Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

  • Registered healthcare professional on appropriate register (NMC, HCPC)
  • Heath related degree
  • Willingness to further develop knowledge & skills (including requirements of revalidation if appropriate)

Desirable:

  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience & Knowledge

Essential:

  • Recent experience in the healthcare setting

Desirable:

  • Experience of managing/leading a team/shift
  • Experience of mentoring, supervision, and assessment of learners
  • Experience of working with patients with complex needs including mental health

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to deliver high standards of care
  • Competency in clinical skills including enhanced practice relevant to the level of experience and clinical area
  • Time management skills

Desirable:

  • Evidence of participation in clinical audit/patient review

Personal Attributes

  • Demonstrates and embeds the Core NHS values; Working together for patients; Respect and dignity; Commitment to quality of care; Compassion; Improving lives and Everyone counts
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
  • Must be able to demonstrate ability to work well within a team
  • Good emotional intelligence and personal resilience
  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity and diversity considering and being aware of how individual actions contribute to and make a difference to the equality agenda.
  • Values diversity and difference operates with integrity and openness

Healthcare Assistant Job Description

Job Title: NHS Reservists Healthcare Assistant
Accountable to: Ward/Department Manager
Responsible to: Ward/Department Manager
Location: NHS locations across Suffolk & North East Essex
Pay Band: Band 2
Hours: Flexible

Purpose of The Job

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, work with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, to contribute to the provision of the highest standards of patient care delivered with dignity, respect, and compassion. To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service, all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NHS values.

Key working relationships

  • Reservist clinical lead
  • NHS Professionals
  • Members of the multi-disciplinary team
  • Patients and Relatives
  • Ward/Department Manager & Staff

Responsibilities

Clinical

  1. To accurately and promptly carry out the instructions of the Registered Nurse who is professionally accountable for the delivery of care.
  2. To deliver care and clinical carry duties within the scope of practice agreed with clinical department/ward.
  3. To be confident and competent to carry out clinical duties (assessment may be required).
  4. To report to Registered Nurse any patient who gives cause for concern or any observed changes in the patient’s condition.
  5. To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care.
  6. Provide and deliver a high standard of individualised personal nursing care.
  7. To report all care that has been given to patients within the team to a Registered Nurse.
  8. To accurately document all care delivered to patients, countersigned by a Registered Nurse always maintaining confidentiality.
  9. To assist in the preparation of patients and equipment for treatment, investigations or procedures as directed by the Registered Nurse.
  10. To keep the clinical area clean and tidy maintaining a safe environment.
  11. To adhere to NHS organisation infection control procedures demonstrating an understanding of cross infection.
  12. To chaperone/escort patients to other clinical departments under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
  13. To support relatives under the guidance of a Registered Nurse.
  14. To assist with the discharge process for patients as directed by Registered Nurse.

Communication

  1. To be effective, clear, and accurate when using all forms of communication throughout the Trust environment.
  2. Welcome patients, visitors, and relatives to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required.
  3. Provide a high standard of support to patients and visitors who may have barriers to effective communication.
  4. To answer the telephone when required in a polite courteous manner and pass on enquiries to the Registered Nurse.
  5. Communicate effectively within the nursing team, multi-disciplinary team, and other departments to ensure that patient care is well planned and coordinated.
  6. Contribute to the reporting, handover, and documentation of patient care.
  7. Report incidents, accidents, and complaints to senior nurse on duty
  8. Use the Hospital Information technology system and other computer systems as required by the clinical area.

Housekeeping/Management:

  1. Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patient’s property in accordance with Trust policy.
  2. Promote a professional, welcoming, and uncluttered environment; keep all storage areas safe and clean and tidy.
  3. To share responsibility in the care, cleanliness, and maintenance of all equipment in the clinical area.
  4. Ensure all waste and soiled linen is disposed of in line with Trust policy.
  5. Participate in audit under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
  6. Cleaning and checking of beds, lockers, oxygen, and suction in the patient area following discharge and in preparation for admission.

Professional/Educational:

  1. Attend mandatory training sessions, complete e-learning, and all required updates.
  2. Achieve and maintain levels of competency as assessed in the Care certificate and Trust competencies.
  3. Continue personal development in relation to identified objectives.
  4. Maintain up to date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post.
  5. Participate in training sessions relevant to the clinical area being flexible in relation to client requirements.
  6. Achievement of the requirements of the Knowledge and skills framework outline for the role.

General                                                                                         

This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. There may be a requirement to undertake other duties as may reasonably be required to support clinical teams/departments in accordance with your role.

Codes of conduct

All Reservists must demonstrate the values of the NHS and the organisation they are supporting.

Equal opportunities

The NHS is committed to equal opportunities that affirms that all staff should be afforded equality of treatment and opportunity in employment irrespective of sexuality, marital status, race, religion/belief, ethnic origin, age, or disability.  All staff are required to observe this standard in their behaviour to fellow employees.

Safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk

Safeguarding is a key priority for the NHS. Staff must always be alert to the possibility of harm to children, young people, and adults at risk through abuse and neglect. This includes being aware of the adults who may find parenting difficult. All staff should be able to recognise the indicators of abuse and know how to act on them, including the correct processes and decisions to be undertaken when sharing information. All staff must follow the safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidelines, know how to seek specialist advice, and must make themselves available for training and supervision as required

Confidentiality

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any patient/client information that they may have access to, or accidentally gain knowledge of, in the course of their duties.

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any information relating to the work of the NHS organisations they support.

Data protection

All employees must adhere to appropriate Information Governance policies for the NHS organisations they support.

Health & Safety

All Reservists should be committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy environment and be responsible for their own and others welfare.

Risk Management

You will also attend mandatory and statutory training, report all incidents/accidents including near misses and report unsafe occurrences as laid down within the policies.

Policies & procedures

All Reservists are expected to comply with all relevant policies for NHS Professionals and the NHS organisations they are supporting.

Infection Control

All staff must observe the infection control policies of the NHS organisation they are supporting including policies related to social distancing, wearing of mask and PPE.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check

NHS Professionals may require a disclosure dependant on your role.

Further Terms & Conditions

Please see NHS professionals for further information not included in this Job description.

Healthcare Assistant Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential:

  • GCSE Maths & English (A-C) or equivalent

Desirable:

  • Healthcare related qualifications
  • Care certificate
  • NVQ Level 2 (health)

Experience & Knowledge

Essential:

  • 12 months health/care experience
  • Experience working as part of a team

Desirable:

  • Community/Acute hospital experience

Skills & Abilities:

Essential:

  • Demonstrates a patient focused approach
  • Is committed to patient centred care
  • Ability to effectively communicate in the English language
  • Clear & effective reading & writing in the English language
  • Basic numeracy
  • Can follow instructions and learn procedures
  • Basic computer/IT skills
  • Understanding of confidentiality
  • Understanding of the HCA role

Personal Attributes

Essential:

  • Demonstrates and embeds the Core NHS values; Working together for patients; Respect and dignity; Commitment to quality of care; Compassion; Improving lives and Everyone counts
  • Punctual, motivated, and committed
  • Caring and compassionate with excellent interpersonal skills
  • Inclusive and non-judgemental
  • Able to cope with stress and challenging situations
  • Reliable and professional
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Able to prioritise own workload and manage time effectively
  • Able to recognise own limitations

Ward Helper Job Description

Job Title: NHS Reservists Ward Helper
Accountable to: Ward/Department Manager
Responsible to: Ward/Department Manager
Location: NHS locations across Suffolk & North East Essex
Pay Band: Band 2
Hours: Flexible

Purpose of The Job

We are looking for people who have a ‘can-do’ attitude to come and support our general wards during the busy period. You will work under the supervision of the nurse in charge and will undertake a range of housekeeping and runner activities, such as keeping patient company, helping them to call home, collecting items from pharmacy and stores, keeping ward store cupboards stocked, answering the ward phone, and dealing with general queries. You’ll also assist the ward host to serve meals to patient’s bedside and clearing away at the end of service. All these activities mean our clinical staff can focus on patient care.

Key working relationships

  • Reservist clinical lead
  • NHS Professionals
  • Members of the multi-disciplinary team
  • Patients and Relatives
  • Ward/Department Manager & Staff

Key Responsibilities

  • Make patients’ feel comfortable – environment & wellbeing
  • Checking, tidying, and replenishing stock and supplies e.g., soap, sanitiser, gloves, equipment, pharmacy
  • Cleaning medical devices (as per infection control policies)
  • Bed cleaning and making
  • Support maintenance of linen stocks if housekeeper not available.
  • Running errands, collecting, and delivering equipment, stock, medicines
  • Answering the phone and taking messages
  • Talking to patients, particularly those who don’t have regular family/friends contacts
  • Supporting ward host serve and collect meal trays to bedside and keeping water jugs topped up and available
  • Supporting patients to contact relatives and friends via phone or tablet
  • Updating patient name board, checking patient IDs and next of kin detail
  • Any non-clinical duties designated by department manager/team leader

General                                                                                         

This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. There may be a requirement to undertake other duties as may reasonably be required to support clinical teams/departments in accordance with your role.

Codes of conduct

All Reservists must comply with the Code of Professional Conduct appropriate to their professional governing body and the values of the NHS organisation they are supporting.

Equal opportunities

The NHS is committed to equal opportunities that affirms that all staff should be afforded equality of treatment and opportunity in employment irrespective of sexuality, marital status, race, religion/belief, ethnic origin, age, or disability.  All staff are required to observe this standard in their behaviour to fellow employees.

Safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk

Safeguarding is a key priority for the NHS. Staff must always be alert to the possibility of harm to children, young people, and adults at risk through abuse and neglect. This includes being aware of the adults who may find parenting difficult. All staff should be able to recognise the indicators of abuse and know how to act on them, including the correct processes and decisions to be undertaken when sharing information. All staff must follow the safeguarding policies, procedures, and guidelines, know how to seek specialist advice, and must make themselves available for training and supervision as required

Confidentiality

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any patient/client information that they may have access to, or accidentally gain knowledge of, in the course of their duties.

All Reservists are required to observe the strictest confidence regarding any information relating to the work of the NHS organisations they support.

Data protection

All employees must adhere to appropriate Information Governance policies for the NHS organisations they support.

Health & Safety

All Reservists should be committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy environment and be responsible for their own and others welfare.

Risk Management

You will also attend mandatory and statutory training, report all incidents/accidents including near misses and report unsafe occurrences as laid down within the policies.

Policies & procedures

All Reservists are expected to comply with all relevant policies for NHS Professionals and the NHS organisations they are supporting.

Infection Control

All staff must observe the infection control policies of the NHS organisation they are supporting including policies related to social distancing, wearing of mask and PPE.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check

NHS Professionals may require a disclosure dependant on your role.

Further Terms & Conditions

Please see NHS Professionals for further information not included in this job description.

Ward Helper Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

  • GCSE Maths & English (A-C) or equivalent

Desirable:

  • Healthcare related qualifications

Experience & Knowledge

Essential:

  • Experience in a public facing role

Desirable:

  • Healthcare experience

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

  • Physically able
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Basic IT skills
  • Confident speaking on the phone
  • Practical approach

Personal Attributes

Essential:

  • Demonstrates and embeds the Core NHS values; Working together for patients; Respect and dignity; Commitment to quality of care; Compassion; Improving lives and Everyone counts
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
  • Must be able to demonstrate ability to work well within a team
  • Good emotional intelligence and personal resilience
  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of equality of opportunity and diversity considering and being aware of how individual actions contribute to and make a difference to the equality agenda.
  • Values diversity and difference operates with integrity and openness.

Frequently asked questions

A Reservist is a newly developed role to complement the existing NHS workforce, aimed at nurses, allied healthcare professionals (AHPs), Health Care Assistants and administration staff who want to continue supporting the NHS with a limited time commitment but utilising their previous NHS experience and knowledge to support their local NHS services.
Some roles, such as Ward Helpers and Admin Assistants, are also open to people who have not worked in the NHS before.

Read frequently asked questions about the Reservists below.

How will I be employed?

East Suffolk and north east Essex (ESNEFT)

If you choose to work in east Suffolk or north east Essex, you will be working with NHS East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). This means that the locations of choice are Aldeburgh, Clacton, Colchester, Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich.

We are collaborating with NHS Professionals (NHSP) who will be employing all Reservists in this area. You will be employed on a “bank” registration with all the benefits of NHS Professionals.

ESNEFT have a particular set of requirements for their NHS Reservists. Please see below and contact Sarah Kench if you have any questions.

Qualified Nursing:

  • A minimum of 6 months healthcare experience (Private or NHS) within the last 2 years from one of the following areas:
    – An NHS Hospital
    – A private hospital in the UK
    – A Prison healthcare service in the UK
    – A Hospice in the UK
    – A Mental Health service in the UK
    – A Community healthcare service in the UK
    – A Learning Disabilities healthcare service in the UK
    – A Care Home in the UK (subject to Trust Requirements)
  • Valid NMC Registration
  • If you do not have the relevant experience, you will need to have completed a ‘Return to Practice’ within the last 2 years

Unqualified Nursing:

  • A minimum of 3 months healthcare experience within the last 2 years from one of the following areas:
    – An NHS Hospital
    – A private hospital in the UK
    – A Prison healthcare service in the UK
    – A Hospice in the UK
    – A Mental Health service in the UK
    – A Community healthcare service in the UK
    – A Learning Disabilities healthcare service in the UK
    – A Care Home in the UK (subject to Trust Requirements)
  • Valid Care Certificate or one of the following relevant qualifications:
    – Student Nurse with at least 12 weeks’ clinical placements
    – QCF Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services – issued after 2011
    – QCF Level 2 OR above Diploma in Health & Social Care or Clinical Healthcare Support – issued after 2011
    – QCF Level 3 OR above Diploma in Healthcare Support or Maternity & Paediatric Support – issued after 2011 (For Paediatric & Maternity roles only)
    – Degree /Diploma in Nursing and currently do not have an NMC Registration.
  • If you do not have the relevant experience, you will need to be currently studying (Student Nurse) towards a Nursing qualification (Degree Level) and completed a minimum of a 12 week clinical placement

Qualified Allied Health Professionals

  • A minimum of 6 months healthcare experience within the last 2 years within the role applied for
  • Relevant qualification associated to the place of work in which you are applying to

Unqualified Allied Health Professionals

  • A minimum of 3 months healthcare experience within the last 2 years within the role applied for
  • Relevant education requirements associated to the role you are applying for or currently be studying an appropriate degree and completed a minimum of a 12 week clinical placement

West Suffolk

If you choose to work for NHS West Suffolk Foundation Trust (WSFT), you will be part of West Suffolk Professionals (Bank). You can choose to work in either Bury St Edmunds and/or Newmarket. You will be employed on a bank registration.


Reservist pay rates

Role typeStandard weekday rate
Band 2Vaccine administrator
Ward clerk
Ward helper
£10.37-£10.90
Band 5Registered professional£13.84-£16.84
Please note, higher pay rates will apply for weekend, night and public holiday shifts (where available). Specialist roles may attract other pay rates.  Pay rates may differ, dependent on the trust you are working with.

As a Reservist we ask you to work a minimum of 20 paid deployed days per year (150 hours), plus mandatory training related to your reservist role.

You could be assigned to help in various settings to meet increased shift demand, or to support patient care in new and innovative ways. The shifts you choose to take could also be intended to help specific projects such as delivering flu vaccinations for staff. As a Reservist you choose where you want to work (e.g. your local hospital).

Where possible we will try to deploy Reservists in small clusters but some deployments will be working as part of an established clinical team.

For Reservists working in east Suffolk or north Essex you will be required to complete e-learning and may be required to attend some face to face training at either Colchester or Ipswich hospitals (clinical roles only).

For Reservists working in west Suffolk, you will be advised of the West Suffolk Hospital training required. This will be specific for your role and will include a paid shadow shift.

This will vary according to the requirement at the time. Individual shift details will be shown via the online platform, and you can choose to work shifts that suit your preferences or existing commitments.

When working for West Suffolk Hospital, shifts will mainly be during the daytime and you will be able to choose either early shifts (07:00-15:00), late shifts (13:00-21:00) or full shifts (07:00-19:30). Although, there may be some flexibility around this.

Raising concerns is an essential part of the NHS Freedom to Speak Up campaign and the trust bank teams will advise of you how to raise any concerns.  We would also encourage you to contact Sarah Kench, Reservist Clinical Lead, via email at sneenhsreserve@suffolk.nhs.uk for support or advice.

The tax position for each individual will be different as this will depend if you have other roles outside of the scheme, receive a pension or other income. We are not able to give you individual advice regarding your tax position and you should consult HMRC for clarity. Telephone 0300 200 3300 and have a note of your National Insurance number.

You may be paid either weekly or monthly, depending on the trust you choose to work with.

You will receive a working time directive payment of 12.07% of amount earned on each shift worked, which is payment made in lieu of holiday

We fully appreciate that individual circumstances change. Please email sneenhsreserve@snee.nhs.uk  to resign from the Reservist programme. You would also need to resign from the organisation you are registered with.

Before you can start work as a reservist, NHS Professionals or West Suffolk Professionals will need to need to satisfy a number of pre-employment checks including DBS, verifying professional registration, proof of address and right to work in the UK.

You will be advised on the occupational health clearance and immunisations required for your role.

Firstly, it is important you are honest about your medical history when the time comes to complete your Occupational Health form. This is so the NHS has the correct information for your clearance and any concerns are picked up before you start work.

If you develop conditions after you have commenced work please contact your Clinical Lead in the first instance for advice.

Your deployed days will vary according to demand, this many involve a block of days or single working days on a sporadic basis.

Registered professionals have a personal and professional responsibility to protect themselves and those they care for by ensuring they have the relevant health clearance.

It is important that you make sure you have sufficient time off from work to have a healthy balance between work and home life. This means that in line with working time regulations you should:

  • not be working more than an average of 48 hours per week
  • have an 11-hour gap between shifts
  • have one day a week off or two days over a fortnight

For Registered reservists you will be accountable to your professional body to maintain your own registration.

You can work in any clinical area providing you have the clinical competencies to practice safely and effectively. You will also need to have the relevant health clearance.

On occasion when working as a Reservist, you may be required to move to another area. You can deliver the general duties of the role but will not be expected to perform tasks/duties which you do not assess yourself as having the required clinical competence for. You should make the Ward Manager/Senior Sister aware if this is the case.

Please speak to your Clinical Lead who will be able to advise.

Please complete the Expression of Interest form and we will be in touch to arrange an informal interview. This is to check you understand the Reservist scheme, answer any questions you may have and check you have relevant skills for the Reservists programme. The interview will be online via Microsoft Teams

Page last modified: 14 June 2023
Next review due: 14 December 2023