NHS Admin Interview Coming Up

[Greedyfly]

I have an NHS admin interview coming up and whilst I know what they generally ask and what to ask myself I know they are going to ask me what I know about the NHS and the policies (I think thats what I am looking for). I have been checking out the nhs website and the department of health website also. But I dont want to overload on info, so what policies/values should I remember and mention?


Thanks Guys

Greedyflythe1st

[Greedyfly]

I am not exactly sure what they will ask in reference to what I know about the NHS and I am struggling to find what I need online, porbably due to the wording I am using when searching. Have you been for an admin position or are you in one now? Do you know what I will be asked regarding this?

Thanks

[ummmm]

I cannot see why, for an admin job, you will need to know NHS policies. You would need to know about 'admin'

[China Doll]

Look up Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection... you should find these policies on most hospital websites as they are able to be accessed by patients.

The hospital you're applying to should also have its own website with its mission statment and duty of care to patinets etc... Researching the department you're working for (particularly if it's clinical) to give you a vague idea of the type of work you will be expected to do usually stands you in good stead.

[China Doll]

Ummmm... You need to know policies... Believe me!

[ummmm]

Really? Why can't it be something you learn after you get the job?

[China Doll]

Depends on the band of job you're going for. WOuldn't necessarily be important for a receptionist but bands 4 and 5 are expected to have some knowledge of NHS policies/procedures before they come in to the role as they're higher paid admin jobs and usually require a certain level of 'relevant' experience... So basically you could come from another sector/admin role but you would be expected to be able to transfer the knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of policies/procedures and how they could be applied. Freedom of Information and Data Protection are pretty good examples of that sort of thing.

[McMouse]

Mug up on Urdu and Hindi.

[ummmm]

The reason I was surprised is because Gingers sister works for NHS. This is her first job....EVER. I presume she's doing something that isn't 'scaled' then.

[China Doll]

She could be a band 2 or 3... Wouldn't be anything too essential required there, just basic education, perhaps experience dealing with people and the rest could be on the job training. I'd be suprised if she's a 4 and flabbergasted if she's a 5 lol!

Medical Secretaries are a band 4 and they usually have to have a medical terminology course at least under their belts or at relevant experience... I have known them to be brought in and paid under a band 3 until they've done the course (AMSPAR when I did it but I think it's changed now) but I'm not sure it's standard practice.

[ummmm]

I think she was sent on a course by the job centre.

[IggyB]

I agree that data protection policy is nearly always worth looking into, I would also recommend knowing a bit about equality and diversity (always brought up by NHS HR) - make sure you can define and contrast both.

The whistle-blowing, counter fraud, bullying and harassment policies also often come up in the higher banded admin position interviews I believe

[Greedyfly]

Thanks to the guys who helped =)

[boxtops]

I suggest - data protection/confidentiality, equality & diversity, these will all be on your mandatory training schedule if you get the job (as will, I am sure, manual handling, fire training, and a few others). The NHS is very hot on record-keeping and (although things have got lost in the past as we all know) policies about information storage and patient security are now major priorities for all staff irrespective of grade. Good luck with the interview!