Applying For The Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Programme

2013-2014 Recruitment Applicant Guide

Applying For The Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Programme

Introduction to using this guide

This document has been put together to help you understand the application, recruitment and selection process for Specialist Community Nurse (SCPHN) Health Visiting courses.

It will also provide you with helpful hints to ensure your application is completed accurately.

It is in your interest to read the contents of this document fully before submitting your application.

Inside you will find several useful links and addresses that you can use to gain further information. There are also all the contact details you will need, should you have any further questions.

We have broken the process down into four stages;

• Researching the Health Visitor Role

• Starting Your Application

• The Application Process

• What Happens Next?

Contents

1.) Researching the Health Visitor Role 1

2.) Starting Your Application 3 • 2.1 Applying via NHS Jobs – www.jobs.nhs.uk 3

• 2.2 Registering and applying through a SCPHN 4 central recruitment portal

3.) The Application Process 5 • 3.1 Completing each section 5

• 3.2 Personal details 6

• 3.3 Equal opportunities monitoring information 7

• 3.4 Eligibility to apply 7

• 3.5 Application details 8

• 3.6 Professional qualifications 9

• 3.7 References 9

• 3.8 Fitness to practice process 10

• 3.9 Employment history 10

• 3.10 Supporting evidence 11

4.) What Happens Next? 12 • 4.1 Assessment centre (if applicable) 12

• 4.2 Interviews 13

• 4.3 Right to work in the UK 14

• 4.4 Offer process 14

• 4.5 Clearing 15

• 4.6 How to apply after 1st April 2013 16

5.) Appendix 17 • 5.1 Useful websites 17

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• To find your local higher education institution/university (HEI) offering the Health Visiting programme, please visit: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/hvcourses

• HEIs have open days to promote SCPHN courses with local HV service providers. These are a great opportunity to speak to HV programme leaders and HV practitioners, whilst raising your profile with the service providers. Go to your local HEI website to see if you could attend a SCPHN Open Event.

• You could also contact your local HEI and speak to the SCPHN (Health Visiting) educational lead for an informal discussion, explaining that you are interested in health visiting.

• It may be useful to consult the document ‘Personal and professional attributes for consideration as part of the recruitment and selection process for Health Visiting’ in order to understand the capabilities you will need to become a health visitor. You can access the document via: www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_133017.pdf

• Make sure your professional portfolio is up-to-date with your clinical practice. Include a section that demonstrates your understanding of the role you are applying for and add appropriate objectives on your Professional Development Plan.

• If you are unsure about your educational credits, contact your local HEI to review your credits and if necessary consider taking a module (relevant to the role as a health visitor), to gain extra academic credits.

• If you have been out of education for a while, you may also wish to consider taking a study skills module to develop your existing skills.

• Update yourself on the current government and Department of Health policy relevant to health visiting.

1 Researching the Health Visitor RoleTo increase your chances of gaining a place on the SCPHN programme you should consider the following points:

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• Be sure to update your IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel) in preparation.

• You may also find it useful to read relevant professional and research journals.

• There are a number of myths or misapprehensions that exist around health visiting. The following document on the NMC website aims to dispel some of these myths and bring out the facts relevant to you: www.nmc-uk.org/Press-and-media/Latest-news/Health-visiting-An-update-on-the-NMCs-position/

• You can access the NMC website for more information on Specialist Community Public Health Nursing: www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/Specialist-Community-Public-Health-Nursing/

• Read the NMC Standards for education and practice at: www.nmc-uk.org/General-public/The-standards-we-expect-nurses-and-midwives-to-follow/

• You can also visit the CPHVA/RCN/NMC websites for more information on health visiting:

– www.rcn.org.uk

– www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/411737/health_visiting.pdf

– www.unitetheunion.org/cphva

Please note:• The application process for accessing health visiting training may vary

depending on where you apply.

• In general, the applications for the SCPHN training are done in partnership with the local health visitor service providers and their choice of HEI.

• During the recruitment process whether it’s managed by the HV service provider or a central recruitment process, you will also be asked to complete a second application form for the HEI to comply with their local admission procedures. HEIs will accept applications but these will need to be supported by a clinical placement offer from a HV service provider.

• Intakes for the HV training are generally in the autumn; however, due to the increased numbers of places available for HV training, some areas are also having intakes in the spring.

• Please check on your local SHA website for further information.

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2.1 Applying via NHS Jobs - www.jobs.nhs.uk• You will have a choice of HV service providers and we recommend that

you choose the one where you would like to do your SCPHN student placement and then eventually work as a qualified health visitor.

• An advert will appear on the NHS Jobs website for student health visitor training at a specific organisation.

• By registering on the NHS Jobs website and putting in a RSS feed, you will receive email alerts when local health visitor service providers are advertising.

• Type ‘Student Health Visitor’ in the search feed to get alerts of appropriate courses.

• When you register on the NHS Jobs website you will also benefit from:

– New student health visiting vacancies sent directly to you with Jobs-by-email.

– Add interesting vacancies to your job basket to apply for later.

– Get reminders about closing dates for applications you’ve not yet completed.

– Save your application form at any stage and complete it later.

– Store your last application online to save time filling in forms (Note: application forms are held for 12 months on NHS Jobs. If you do not visit your application regularly NHS Jobs will delete application details due to confidentiality rules).

– Follow your job applications progress online.

– Keep track of your interview dates.

• Submit your application via NHS Jobs to the relevant organisation. Note: all communications are by email so please ensure you use a valid email address and check your email account regularly for emails regarding potential interviews.

2 Starting your ApplicationThere are two application routes to apply for health visiting training; through NHS Jobs or through a central recruitment portal via your local Strategic Health Authority (SHA) or PCT Cluster. Please check your local SHA website for further information.

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2.2 Registering and applying through a SCPHN central recruitment portal

You must register first, before applying

• To apply, you must first register with the recruitment portal using a valid email address.

• During the application process all communications are primarily by email.

You must check your emails

• Applicants are advised to check their email account once every 24 hours after the application closing date.

• Please also check your ‘spam’ or ‘junk-mail’ to ensure that correspondence have not been filtered by your provider.

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3.1 Completing each section

Complete all sections in full

• Please note that you must complete all sections in full, as failure to do so may result in your application being rejected. All fields in bold and marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory fields and must be completed in order to submit your application.

Be aware of word limits

• Where word limits are stipulated, applicants should note that they will not be able to enter text beyond the specified limit.

• When copying text into an answer field from another document (e.g. Microsoft Word) ensure you have checked the spelling, formatting and amount of words you are pasting and re-read your answer.

• You will not be able to save your answer if it exceeds the specified word limit. If you do go over the limit the field will be highlighted and you will have to edit the text accordingly.

3 Application Process – either via NHS Jobs or a SCPHN central recruitment portalOnce you have registered and logged into NHS Jobs or via the SCPHN central recruitment portal you will have to complete the predetermined application form specific to your vacancy.

Make sure you complete the application correctly to increase your chances of gaining a place on a SCPHN programme. It is important to read the job description and person specification carefully for each role, and tailor your application to show you have the skills needed for the job.

The online application is your way of selling yourself, so include everything you think is relevant as a demonstration of the transferable skills and knowledge you have as well as personal qualities required for the health visitor role.

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3.2 Personal details

• It is important to complete ALL of the personal details fields as requested.

• It is mandatory to include an email address in this section; it should be the same address you used to register with the site. If you do not supply a valid email address this may result in your application being rejected.

• If you have professional qualifications and PIN numbers ensure these are in date and correct.

Please update any changes to your details

• Remember to contact NHS Jobs/Central Recruitment/Interviewers should there be any changes to your contact details, including phone numbers, during your application.

• Where necessary we may need to communicate with applicants via telephone and therefore applicants are also asked to ensure they regularly monitor their voicemail messages.

Contact details and proof of address

• The contact address you provide in this section will be used at interview as part of the ‘proof of identity’ check, so you will be asked to bring valid documentation to prove that you live at this address.

• Please be aware that ONLY valid documentation may be used for ‘proof of identity’ such as; utility bills, bank statements and local authority tax bills addressed to you. You may also be asked for photographic identification.

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3.3 Equal opportunities monitoring information

• As public sector employers, healthcare organisations are required to collect information on equal opportunities during applications. Please ensure you complete all of the sections as requested.

• The NHS is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and actively encourages applications from people with disabilities. If you are a disabled applicant and would like to request a guaranteed interview, then please email your chosen organisation.

3.4 Eligibility to apply

• Before beginning your application it is important that you determine whether you are eligible to apply e.g. 1st level registered nurse (adult, child, learning disability and mental health) on the NMC Register.

• In order to find out your eligibility to apply, please refer to the NMC Registration Eligibility webpage at www.nmc-uk.org/Registration prior to applying, or if unsure please contact your local HEI.

• The NMC has stated there is no minimum period of post-registration experience required to undertake HV training.

• Programmes are at degree level and you must be able to demonstrate that you can study at this level. There is a typical entry requirement of 120 academic points at level 5 diploma or equivalent.

• Where an applicant has relevant experience and/or learning, the higher education institution/university (HEI) which provides the health visiting course may give accreditation of prior learning (APL). This can be applied to a maximum of one-third of a SCPHN/HV programme.

• For those that hold a first level degree there are options to study this course at Masters level, please check with the HEI in your area offering this course and if they offer this option.

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Eligibility information requirements

• You must provide your NMC registration number, date of full registration and renewal date.

• If you are not registered at the time of application or your NMC registration as a nurse is pending, then you need to provide details of when you will be eligible to register. The NMC recommend that it’s received within four weeks of starting the SCPHN programme.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria in order to be considered for SCPHN training. These criteria are in place to meet legal and other requirements and will be assessed during the long-listing stage.

• It is important to note that your application is likely to be withdrawn prior to the interview stage should you fail to meet a criterion assessed at long-listing.

3.5 Application details

• Please provide the date you are available to start if you are offered a position for training and also indicate whether or not you wish to study full-time or part-time if applicable.

• Please also indicate if you hold a current UK driving licence and if you have access to a vehicle for the purposes of work.

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3.6 Professional qualifications

• In this section, you must complete the information about your education attainment. Please note that candidates invited to interview will be required to bring all of their original documentation and copies of qualifications.

• You are required to enter details about your entry qualifications, additional undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees and other professional qualifications e.g. Dip HE.

• Failure to list essential entry qualifications in this section is highly likely to lead to your applications being unsuccessful at this stage.

3.7 References

• You will need to list your professional referees including their contact details and valid email addresses.

• You must provide referees that are able to comment, from experience, on your ability and suitability for the HV training and career.

• One and only one referee must be your current or most recent manager/supervisor.

• Please ensure all the referee details you provide are correct as you will be unable to begin the training until references are supplied and checked.

• Please inform your referees that you are applying for this vacancy and that if an offer is made, they will be contacted.

• When inputting your current post, please leave ‘End date’ blank.

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3.8 Fitness to practise process (Note: not applicable for the NHS Jobs process)

• Applicants who answer “yes” to one or more of the ten questions listed on the application form under the Fitness to practise section must provide full details via email to your chosen organisation.

• In this email please also clearly indicate the question(s) to which you have provided a positive response.

• Failure to do so will result in your application being withdrawn.

3.9 Employment history

• Provide details of your present or most recent employment, including name, address, position, appointment dates and length of contract.

• Provide details of your career progression and explain any employment gaps of more than four weeks duration. Please note the 150 word limit.

• Confirm the length of your contract, in months and weeks.

• If applicable, please enter all your employment since obtaining your nursing qualification.

• There is no limit to the number of employers you can enter (starting with your most recent post).

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3.10 Supporting evidence

• Your application must demonstrate knowledge of the health visitor

profession and role. An excellent way to gather this information is by speaking to or shadowing health visitors in your local area and getting a first-hand account of the role.

• Your supporting statement (additional information) gives you the opportunity to display your strengths and suitability for the programme and profession.

• To ensure you cover all aspects, structure your supporting statement using the headings provided in the Person specification section of the job vacancy.

• Provide evidence of how your skills and knowledge are transferable to this new role.

• Demonstrate knowledge and a strong commitment to the profession.

• Consider the personal, academic and professional attributes required and how you will demonstrate these. For more information visit: www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ @dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_133017.pdf

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4.1 Assessment centre (if applicable)

Some local recruitment processes will require you to visit an assessment centre. These can take several forms depending on the higher education institution/university (HEI) or HV service provider, for example, information giving days or whole day recruitment sessions including group work.

You may be asked to complete a numeracy and a literacy test. These tests are in place due to the level of assignment and report writing that is required in the training, and expected from a qualified health visitor.

• Assessment Centre locations and dates depend on your preferred HEI or HV service provider.

• As a guide the centre exams usually run for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• There will be an assessment set against the National Qualifications Framework, level 1/2 for numeracy and level 3/4 for literacy. For information about these levels please refer to the following link: www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/index.htm

• You can look for a local course to update your literacy and numeracy skills via: www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039031

• Sample assessment papers and solutions, as well as guidelines on how to complete the assessment to help you prepare, can be found at: www.londondeanery.ac.uk/var/recruitment/specialist-communitynursing/recruitment-process/assessment-centres

4 What Happens Next?Once you have applied, the second part of the recruitment process will begin according to the specific timings of your application.

On submitting your applications, successful candidates will be contacted by email to attend an interview. These interviews will be with both the HV service provider and a higher education institution/university (HEI) representative.

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4.2 Interviews

• Depending on whether you have applied to a HV service provider through NHS Jobs or through the central recruitment process, the interview process may differ. Local HV service providers tend to use their venues for interviewing, however in managing large numbers of interviewees through the recruitment process, you may be asked to attend a central venue.

• All interviews are managed using agreed scoring frameworks and documentation.

• As a guide, each interview will be around 30 to 40 minutes and each panel will consist of around three members.

Important: If shortlisted and invited to attend an interview, applicants will be asked to bring certain documentation with them including:

• Valid documentation to prove that you live at your contact address, such as; utility bills, bank statements and local authority tax bills addressed to you. You may also be asked for photographic identification.

• All of your original documentation and copies of qualifications showing proof of education attainment.

• Original documents proving the right to work in the UK, such as a passport.

• Evidence of immigration status; this normally consists of a biometric residence card, a date stamped passport, and an accompanying letter from the UK Home Office.

Failure to bring the specified documents may result in applicants not being interviewed.

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4.3 Right to work in the United Kingdom

Non UK or EEA nationals

Applicants who are not UK or EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals with limited leave to remain in the UK and whose employment will require Tier 2 sponsorship are subject to the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT).

Applicants should refer to UK Border Agency website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk for up-to-date information regarding the right to work in the UK.

4.4 Offer Process

Applicants will be advised if they have been successful via the email address provided by them during the application process. If you change this email address you must notify the interviewers as soon as you have changed it, at the latest, on the day of your interview.

Applicants will be given a process to confirm their place on the HV training and further HR processes will be undertaken before a confirmed offer is made.

If an applicant rejects their offer they will be removed from the process.

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4.5 Clearing (if applicable)

Some SHAs will offer a clearing process

• Please note that clearing is subject to places being available after the interview stage.

• If a candidate is successful at interview (having scored the pass mark required) but not offered a place based on their preferences, they will be put through to a clearing process, which consists of the following steps:

1. Candidates will be contacted and asked to select a preference from a list of organisations that have capacity remaining after the interview stage.

2. Candidates will be offered a recruitment area and higher education institution/university (HEI) based on these preferences, through a ranking system (based on highest interview score).

3. Please note that in some cases where a candidate has other organisations outside their preferences represented on the interview panel, candidates may be offered a placement at these health visitor service providers in order to avoid clearing. It is up to the candidate to decide whether to accept these offers or whether to go through to clearing.

During the allocation process we may have more candidates in clearing than places available.

Please be aware that going through to the clearing stage does not secure an offer, however you may be able to gain a place on the next cohort.

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4.6 How to apply after 1st April 2013

SHAs and PCTs will be changing after 1st April 2013. If you have any queries after 1st April 2013 please visit NHS Careers at www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/healthvisiting where you will find updated details of the best point of contact for your region. Alternatively, please visit your local SHA website where you may be able to find contact details for your new service provider.

SHA websites follow below:

East Midlands www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk

East of England www.eoedeanery.nhs.uk

London www.londondeanery.ac.uk

North East www.northeast.nhs.uk

North West www.northwest.nhs.uk

West Midlands www.healthvisiting.westmidlands.nhs.uk

Yorkshire and the Humber www.healthvisiting.org.uk

South Central www.southofengland.nhs.uk

South East Coast www.southofengland.nhs.uk

South West www.southofengland.nhs.uk

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Useful websites

• NHS Jobs (for advertised student health visitor courses) www.jobs.nhs.uk

• Flying start www.flyingstartengland.nhs.uk/career-pathways/cvsandinterviews

• NHS Jobs (advice on applying for courses) www.jobs.nhs.uk/advice/success_applics.html

5 Appendix