Missed Opportunity For The NHS

The NHS is perhaps missing out on a huge opportunity to save money, by recruiting interim staff with private sector experience.

Over the last two years, Sellick Partnership has seen a significant increase in the demand for temporary and interim finance staff for the NHS. However, requests for such candidates to have NHS experience are artificially inflating the cost of employing interim candidates.

Nikki Graham, Senior Consultant of Sellick Partnership’s Midlands office, explained: "When registering a role with us, the majority of NHS clients state that they require recent NHS experience. As a result, contractors with NHS experience are in high demand and short supply, which significantly increases the cost of employing such candidates for both agencies and the NHS."

Usually the reason stated for this demand is that an understanding of the NHS culture is required. But Nikki highlights that apart from a few roles, such as reference costing, which are unique to the NHS, accountants and financial experts with private sector experience could provide the same service at a lower price - leading to cost savings for the NHS.

“The NHS has a different culture to many private organisations, but it seems unfair to assume that qualified individuals with private sector experience cannot quickly adapt to the new organisation. After all, every organisation, whether public or private, has its own unique culture.”

Increases in capital expenditure, applying for Foundation Trust status, initiatives to improve services and increased accountability at a local level are just some of the challenges currently faced by the NHS. As a progressive and forward thinking organisation the NHS may find additional benefits from working with commercial contractors. New ideas and a fresh approach may add value to a finance department as well as keeping down the costs of utilising contract staff.

“We have seen instances where good technical accountants with excellent references, who would have cost the NHS less, have been prevented from applying for a role with the NHS due to their lack of public sector experience. We advise that NHS clients start to be more flexible in this area, and consider private sector candidates going forward.”

Case Study - Richard Breeze currently working at a large Acute NHS Trust

Having graduated from The University of Wolverhampton with a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and an MBA, Richard moved into the private sector working for various organisations. It was here that he qualified in CIMA. However following his decision to move jobs, Richard has just taken on a twelve month contract as a Senior Financial Accountant at a large Acute NHS Trust that is working towards Foundation Trust status. Initially the Trust was looking for an NHS candidate, however could see the value in taking on Richard as his experience and skill set fit the role, even though there were NHS candidates available.

Since starting his role, Richard has enjoyed a new challenge and has received training to support him including IFRS practitioner training and pre-accounts planning training.

If you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding your recruitment needs or employment situation, please contact Nikki Graham on 01782 572700 or e-mail nikki.graham@sellickpartnership.co.uk

The above article was featured in the NHS Network Magazine (edition 43, NHS Network West Midlands)