The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom plays a vital role in providing healthcare services to millions of people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Established in 1948, the NHS is founded on the principle that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth. It is funded primarily through taxation and National Insurance contributions and is one of the largest publicly funded healthcare systems in the world.
NHS Supporting Information Statement
The supporting statement or information (SI) is a crucial component of the job application process within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. Also known as a personal statement or cover letter, the supporting statement provides candidates with an opportunity to sell themselves to the recruiter, and to showcase their qualifications, skills, experiences, and motivations for applying to a specific role within the NHS.
The supporting information statement of the NHS application is a very important part of the application process which many applicants never pay much or any attention to hence they never got any invitation for interview.
The Supporting Information (SI) creates an avenue for the applicant to tell their own career story by themselves and enables the applicant demonstrate how they meet the job description and person-specification for the role.
A well crafted Supporting information will address certain key information about the applicant and a demonstration of how they meet the job description, desirable criteria, essential criteria and person-specification for the role.
Watch: Video How to Write NHS Supporting Information with Chatgpt-AI
The ‘supporting information’ section is your opportunity to sell yourself therefore make sure you use it to your advantage. You can include any information here that has not been covered elsewhere on the application form. Demonstrate why you would be suitable and how you meet the person specification. You need to convince the recruiter that you have the required skills, knowledge and experience and why they should invite you for an interview.
Below is an overview about the stages of what the NHS supporting information entails and how candidates can effectively structure and write one to land their first role in the NHS.
READ: NHS Job Vacancies-Apply Here
Stages of NHS Application Supporting Information
Every Supporting Information should go through the following stages listed below however, each stage must ensure it aligns with the job description and person specification to be on track. We have also put together a sample supporting information for a band 2 Healthcare Assistant role for your advantage, feel free to study the structure and make adjustments as it relates to the job role you wish to apply for in the NHS and don’t copy verbatim. Note that despite the fact that the sample supporting information below maybe healthcare related however, same example can be applied to craft for other job roles in the NHS, this is because the NHS works with multidisciplinary teams and does hire workers outside the health and care profession.
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Introduction
This is the beginning of your supporting information where you give a brief introduction of yourself. Here You will be required to demonstrate within your supporting information that you understand the job description and person specification to ensure that your skills, qualities, experience and qualification meet both essential and desirable criteria for the position you are applying for. When drafting this part of the supporting information, ensure you confirm that you believe you have the required criteria to fulfil the obligations of the role.
Example: “As a professional Healthcare Assistant with over 5 years practical experience in delivering patient-centred care in various healthcare settings, having read the job description and person specification, I am writing to express my keen interest in the role of Healthcare Assistant advertised by your trust on Indeed”
2. Personal Statement/Your Motivation:
Your personal statement should demonstrate why you are applying for the role and what motivates you as a person. Make sure this statement is tailored to the job role and the National Health Service being the organization you are applying to. This statement should also capture your vision or mission as a Healthcare professional (assuming you are applying for healthcare role), linking it to the NHS organisation.
Example: “With a strong background in care-giving and as someone who values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the National Health Service. I am inspired by the opportunity to work in an environment that fosters continuous learning, growth and professional development, enabling me to grow as a healthcare professional while positively impacting and contributing to the well-being of patients and improving the healthcare services of the NHS.
3. Qualifications/Certifications
Another aspect you should demonstrate in your NHS supporting information is your qualifications and or certifications as they are related to the role being applied for. The NHS recruitment requirement is divided into essential and desirable criteria, and so your qualification or certifications are put under the essential criteria so you have to state how you qualify for the role and possibly the trainings or certifications you have that is related to the role. In this section you should demonstrate brief your educational background, your numeracy level and other certifications that must be related to the role you are applying in the National Health service. See example below and make sure you align this to the role being applied for.
Examples: “I hold a Bachelor degree certificate and a Care Certificate (Standard 1-15). To demonstrate my quest for career development I have undergone professional trainings on Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute), Moving & Handling, Medication Administration, Keyworker Training, Communication at Work Training etc. These trainings over time have helped improved my experience and expertise on the job making me a better health care provider, as I now function optimally in ensuring patients get the best support they need.
4. Skills and Experiences with Examples
Your skills and experiences are a vital stage in crafting a winning NHS supporting information statement. In this stage you need to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the job role you are applying. Your skill must meet the essential and desirable skills stated in the job description. When detailing your experiences and skills, ensure they are specifically tailored to the role. Refer to the job description and person specification to understand what the recruiters are looking for.
Example: “In my current role at the nursing home/Carehome (or hospital), I’ve managed numerous cases of adults and youths dealing with dementia, brain and spinal cord injuries, learning disability, mental health issues and mild to severe autism. I work closely with a range of multidisciplinary specialists on daily basis including paediatricians, teachers, mental health specialist nurses and occupational therapists in order to consistently deliver effective, integrated care plans for my patients. This highlights not only my collaborative skills but also underscores my commitment to delivering best possible patient-centered care to each and every one of my patients
5. NHS Values or NHS Trust Values
If you’re applying for a job either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you’ll be asked to demonstrate the values of the NHS and how they would apply in your everyday work.
This is why it is so important for you to think about how you demonstrate the values in your application supporting information and possibly in interviews. You may want to think about work experience or volunteering you have done or experiences from your personal life such as helping friends or family. You may also tell a story how you assisted your sick parent/relative- the care, compassion, respect and dignity shown to her/him during the period. Also note that beyond the NHS values different NHS trusts also have their own values; this would be displayed in the job description or on their website and you will be expected to demonstrate how you align to it.
The values
So what are the values? There are six values that all staff – everyone from porters, healthcares, physiotherapists, nurses, paramedics and gardeners to secretaries, consultants, healthcare scientists – are expected to demonstrate:
- Compassion. We ensure that compassion is central to the care we provide and respond with humanity and kindness to each person’s pain, distress, anxiety or need
- Working together for patients. Patients come first in everything we do
- Respect and dignity. We value every person – whether patient, their families or carers, or staff – as an individual, respect their aspirations and commitments in life, and seek to understand their priorities, needs, abilities and limits
- Commitment to quality of care. We earn the trust placed in us by insisting on quality and striving to get the basics of quality of care – safety, effectiveness and patient experience right every time
- Improving lives. We strive to improve health and wellbeing and people’s experiences of the NHS
- Everyone counts. We maximise our resources for the benefit of the whole community, and make sure nobody is excluded, discriminated against or left behind.
Examples: “Having learnt and studied the NHS values, I understand how important they are to delivering outstanding treatment and care to patients. I am strongly committed to the NHS values, particularly the commitment of improving lives and ensuring care, respect, and dignity for all patients and their families. I am also committed to upholding the core values of the Stockport NHS foundation Trust which is “We Care, We Respect, We Listen”. This I am able to do by delivering the best care and support, respecting and listening to patients and their family members by showing compassion, empathy, respect, and dignity at all times to all patients irrespective of their background, culture or circumstance.
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6. Trust Policies
I work within laydown rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and I am able to observe and work within the laydown policies and procedures of the trust to ensure the delivery of the best patient-centred healthcare.
7. Team Player
If you are eventually employed by the NHS you will be interfacing with a lot of multidisciplinary team members ranging from healthcarers, doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, therapist, engineers, IT professionals, etc, so most NHS job roles will require that you demonstrate how you can work with these personalities with diverse cultural background and experiences. Here you can also demonstrate your communication skills with your team members and how same can be replicated in your working with the NHS, assuming you are hired.
Example: “I am an effective team player because with team everyone achieves more. In my current job, I collaborate and communicate closely and efficiently with a range of multidisciplinary specialists on daily basis including, nurses, mental health specialists and occupational therapists in order to consistently deliver effective, integrated care plans for my patients. This highlights not only my collaborative skills but also my commitment to delivering best possible patient-centred care to each and every one of my patients.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility here refers to how you adapt to situation in your work place to assist when it becomes necessary. Here you have to demonstrate you can actually cover up for the organisation in the event of eventuality, maybe when the need arises, like maybe your colleague is running late and you need to cover up with work before he/she arrives.
Example: “I am flexible and adaptable meaning I can take up extra shifts or additional hours to cover up for lapses that may occurs hence supporting the NHS, and I am willing to carry out jobs outside my job description to assist the organisation when required.
9. Conclusion
Knowing how to write supporting information for NHS jobs involves understanding your own professional journey and effectively communicating it to resonate with the role requirements. This comprehensive blog guide, alongside the examples given, should serve as a strong foundation for your application. Remember, your application is not just a document—it’s your story. So make it compelling, make it genuine, and most importantly, make it yours. own it! The conclusion is the final stage in the NHS supporting information statement. See example below
Example: “In summary, I am confident and optimistic my skills and experiences coupled with my unwavering commitment to the NHS values makes me an ideal candidate for the role if given the opportunity to serve. I am eager to bring to the table my passion, dedication and skills to your organisation working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to continue making a positive impact in the lives of patients.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to an opportunity to further discuss my suitability for this position.
Thank you and God bless.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here”
10. The Importance of Proofreading
Finally, don’t forget to proofread your supporting information before hitting the submit button. Make sure your writing is grammatically correct and accurate, you have no spelling errors and all information you have provided are true and factually accurate. This shows your professionalism, communication skills and commitment to the role you are applying for.
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Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Supporting Statement
- Research: Learn about the particular position, division, and NHS Trust you are applying for. Create a supporting statement that mentions these areas.
- Clear Structure: Use a paragraph structure, similar to an essay. Your skills, experiences, motivation, and conclusion should come after a captivating introduction.
- Be Concise: Maintain a clear, focused statement. Avoid using overly technical or unnecessary jargon.
- Quantify Your Successes: Include figures to demonstrate your success, such as the quantity of patients you have treated or the number of projects you have managed.
- Proofread: Double-check for grammatical and spelling mistakes. A statement that is presented well demonstrates your attention to detail and shows that you care about your application.
Sample NHS Application Supporting Information Statement
Below is a supporting information statement for a band 2 healthcare assistant role at the Stockport NHS foundation Trust. Understand how it was crafted, then tailor your own statement with this example.
“As a professional Healthcare Assistant with over 5 years practical experience in delivering person-centred care in various healthcare settings, having read the job description and person specification I am writing to express my keen interest in the role.
With a strong background in professional care delivery and as someone who values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the National Health Service. I am inspired by the opportunity to work in an environment that fosters continuous learning, growth and professional development, enabling me to grow as a healthcare professional while positively impacting and contributing to the well-being of patients and improving the healthcare services of the NHS.
I hold a Bachelor degree certificate and a Care Certificate (Standard 1-15). To demonstrate my quest for career development I have undergone trainings on Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute), Moving & Handling, Medication Administration, Keyworker Training, Communication at Work Training. These trainings over time have helped improved my experience and expertise on the job making me a better health care provider, as I now function optimally in ensuring patients get the best support they need.
I am strongly committed to the NHS values, particularly the commitment of improving lives and ensuring care, respect, and dignity for all patients and their families. I am also committed to upholding the core values of the Stockport NHS foundation Trust which is “We Care, We Respect, We Listen”. This I am able to do by delivering the best care and support, respecting and listening to patients and their family members by showing compassion, empathy, respect, and dignity at all times to all patients irrespective of their background, culture or circumstance.
I am an effective team player because with team everyone achieves more. In my current job, I collaborate and communicate closely and efficiently with a range of multidisciplinary specialists on daily basis including, nurses, mental health specialists and occupational therapists in order to consistently deliver effective, integrated care plans for my patients. This highlights not only my collaborative skills but also my commitment to delivering best possible patient-centred care to each and every one of my patients.
Through out my career, I have garnered essential skills that are crucial for a band 2 role. My experience in patient-centred care, problem solving, empathy, effective written and verbal communication with patients and their families, and team collaboration has equipped me with the required skill sets that aligns with the demands of this position.
“In my current role at the nursing home/Carehome (or hospital), I’ve managed numerous cases of adults and youths dealing with dementia, brain and spinal cord injuries, learning disability, mental health issues and mild to severe autism. I work closely with a range of multidisciplinary specialists on daily basis including paediatricians, teachers, mental health specialist nurses and occupational therapists in order to consistently deliver effective, integrated care plans for my patients. This highlights not only my collaborative skills but also underscores my commitment to delivering best possible patient-centered care to each and every one of my patients
Also, in my previous role as a Healthcare Assistant, I gained valuable experience in assisting patients with activities of daily living, including medication administration, personal hygiene, mobility assistance, bathing/washing, meal preparation and feeding those who cannot feed themselves. I developed excellent communication skills through regular interaction with patients and their relatives, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring a supportive and comforting environment for all individuals under my care.
I am an effective communicator both verbally and written. I utilise this skill when collaborating with colleagues, patients, and relatives, which often requires me to demonstrate empathy, whilst at times having to remain calm when under pressure.
I am proficient in delivering person-centred care. I assist in basic medical procedures such as recording vital signs, administering medication (under supervision), and assisting with medical equipment and hoists. I possess Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating empathy, patience, respect and dignity.
I am very flexible and adaptable to different working situations and I am able to take instructions from senior colleagues and also abide with the policies and procedures of my current work place, and ensure I adhere strictly to laid down best practices.
In summary, I am confident and optimistic my skills and experiences coupled with my unwavering commitment to the NHS values makes me an ideal candidate for the Band 2 role if given the opportunity to serve. I am eager to bring to the table my passion, dedication and skills to your organisation working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to continue making a positive impact in the lives of patients.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to an opportunity to further discuss my suitability for this position.
Thank you and God bless.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here”
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How to Write the NHS Supporting Information with ChatGPT- AI
The following steps below coupled with the video will be a guide to drafting the NHS supporting supporting information leveraging artificial intelligence.
- Create an account or login with your email address on chatgpt application
- On chatgpt enter a prompt as this: “Using a maximum of 1000 words, using British grammar in first person’s sentences, using a warm human and professional tone, using all the details in my resume, write a supporting statement, demonstrate that I meet the job description criteria and have read the person specification and that I meet the essential and (where relevant) desirable criteria for the post of Healthcare Assistant- Theatres, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Please include my reasons for applying and take the opportunity to highlight my particular skills, talents and strengths, show what I can personally offer to the role and what is unique to me-what sets me apart from my peers”. Take not that you will have to edit the job role and Trust’s name to suite the role you are applying for.
- Still on chatgpt, under the above prompt copy the work experiences section in your resume, copying from the oldest work experience up to the latest experience, then paste it under the prompt, and finally,
- Scroll down to the NHS job advert on the main trust website, at the end of this the job page download a pdf file containing the job description and person specification, open this pdf file and copy everything on this pdf file and paste it on chatgpt under the work experiences you pasted before and hit/press the enter key.
NB: If you follow the instructions very well above and hit your enter key, the AI software will craft a professional supporting information for you,; make sure you proofread for possible typographic errors after the production. Keep an eye here for a practical video guide on how to craft the NHS supporting information.
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