Human Resources Trainee

Start your journey in Human Resources

People are at the heart of the NHS. As a Human Resources trainee, you'll help ensure the NHS attracts, develops and supports the workforce needed to deliver outstanding care to millions of patients.

HR leaders play a critical role in shaping organisational culture, workforce strategy and employee experience. From supporting staff wellbeing and inclusion to leading workforce transformation and service redesign, you'll help create environments where people can thrive and perform at their best.

Throughout the Scheme, you'll gain experience at both operational and strategic levels, developing the skills and confidence to influence decisions that affect thousands of NHS employees and the services they provide.

On placement, you could be involved in:

• Workforce planning and people strategy.

• Recruitment and talent attraction.

• Equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

• Employee relations and organisational change.

• Health and wellbeing programmes.

• Leadership and organisational development.

• Performance management and workforce analytics.

• Supporting the workforce requirements of new and evolving healthcare services.

This is an opportunity to build a career that combines people, leadership and purpose while contributing to the future of healthcare.

Qualifications

As an HR trainee, you'll study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management with the University of Leicester.

Areas of study include:

• Employee development and workplace learning.

• Managing human resources in a business context.

• Implementing improvements in organisational performance.

• Managing change and technology at work.

On successful completion of the Scheme, you'll achieve professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), providing a strong foundation for your future HR career.

Alongside your academic studies, you'll participate in the NHS Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme, designed to help you understand, develop and apply your personal leadership style.

The programme combines:

• Residential and conference-style learning experiences.

• Virtual workshops.

• Small-group development activities.

• Action Learning Sets.

• Networking and leadership events.

You'll learn alongside fellow trainees and gain insights from leaders across health, social care and other sectors.

Teaching takes place during working hours, although trainees should expect to complete coursework and revision independently alongside their role.

Career path

Our HR alumni have progressed into a wide range of leadership and specialist roles across the NHS, including:

• Assistant HR Business Partner.

• HR Manager.

• Resourcing Manager.

• Organisational Development Manager.

• Workforce Transformation Lead.

• People Business Partner.

Support and development

The Scheme equips you with the professional qualifications, practical experience and leadership skills needed to build a rewarding long-term career in NHS people management and workforce leadership. We’re looking for leadership potential. To help you achieve yours, every trainee receives the following structured support:

We're looking for leadership potential. To help you achieve yours, every trainee receives comprehensive support throughout the Scheme.

This includes:

• A Trainee Support Manager (TSM), providing pastoral and wellbeing support throughout your time on the Scheme.

• An Education Officer, supporting your academic journey and professional development.

• A Placement Manager for each placement, acting as your day-to-day line manager.

• A Programme Manager who oversees your overall progression and competency development.

• A trainee Buddy from a previous cohort who can share their experience, advice and support.

You'll also benefit from the wider GMTS network, including fellow trainees, alumni, NHS leaders, university tutors and professional experts who will help support your development and future career.

“The work I do varies every day. Recently I have been working alongside our Employee Relations team to review sickness absence, as well as supporting investigation meetings for grievance, disciplinary or conduct. Prior to this, I was recruiting vaccinators and admin staff – that’s been the highlight of my experience so far.”

James, Human Resources