Class of 2016: How a temporary contract changed my working life

Rebuilding my confidence after redundancy

Hello, I'm John, and I'm an admin officer at NHS Education for Scotland (NES). Back in 2016, I was working as an employment advisor at Remploy. I supported people with disabilities to return to work before I was sadly made redundant. Losing my job made me question my skills and confidence.

I applied to be a human resources assistant in the team here at NES. Walking into such a large building for my interview felt quite daunting after working in a small office.

Finding a supportive team culture

Before my interview, I was very nervous and unsure of what to expect. But I needn’t have worried, because the human resources team interviewing me quickly put me at ease.

I've always held NHS Scotland in very high regard. Being offered the opportunity to join such a fantastic organisation made me genuinely happy.

On my first day, I hoped to join a great team in a workplace with a positive, supportive culture. Beyond that, I was excited to learn fresh skills and see where the role could take me.

Growing my administration skills over a decade

My role has expanded so much over the last 10 years. I've been able to contribute across human resources, medical and dental services.

I started on a temporary contract that eventually became permanent. Since then, the opportunities I've been given have restored my belief in my own abilities.

Stepping up during the pandemic

One major highlight of my NHS Scotland career was my 2-year secondment to the Test and Protect programme. I progressed to a higher band and managed a team of contact tracers.

This strengthened my leadership skills and gave me a strong sense of pride. I played a meaningful part in the national effort against the virus. It showed me how quickly our organisation adapts to overcome daily challenges. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for our vital behind-the-scenes work.

Embracing new digital systems

Healthcare administration looks very different today compared to when I started. The Turas system has always been an integral part of my daily work. I've seen many improvements that reduce the paperwork for registrar requests. Most processes are now fully integrated, creating a streamlined, efficient approach.

Finding a place to be yourself

I've stayed here for a decade because I feel valued, listened to and supported. I've had the chance to grow alongside great people.

The best thing about working in the NHS goes far beyond the work you do each day. You'll be looked after, encouraged and given space to be yourself. Working here has changed my life both personally and professionally. I hope to still be part of it in another 10 years.