­­Frequently Asked Questions

How many Independent Sector Treatment Centres does UKSH have?

We currently operate five treatment centres in the South West. Our Shepton Mallet site has been running since 2005. In November 2009, we opened three new centres at Emerson’s Green (Bristol), Devizes (Wiltshire) and Cirencester (Gloucestershire) and in August 2010, we began operation of the Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre (Plymouth).

How many vacancies are there?

­We have many clinical and non clinical vacancies for our new treatment centres. Please search here for more information.

What qualifications do I need?­ ­

Each role has specific requirements. When positions are advertised a job description and person specification will be provided. These will highlight the essential qualifications, skills and experience required to be successful in the position.

What is the selection process?

Each role will have a competency based interview. Some roles will require an assessment, details of which will be outlined in any invite to interview letter.

Do I need to complete an application form or can I submit a CV?

You are required to complete our standard application form for your application to be considered.

What do I do if I want to withdraw my application?

If you wish to withdraw from an application you have made, please send an e-mail to the relevant recruitment email address as we will need this in writing. You can find this information on our contact details page.

Can I make changes to my application once I have submitted it?

Once your application is submitted the information cannot be changed. If for any reason you would like to make a change please contact the relevant recruitment contact.

If my application is unsuccessful, can I apply again in the future?

Yes we would welcome your application. We keep all applications on file for a period of 6 months should any suitable vacancies occur.

What learning and development opportunities are available?

Staff development is at the heart of UKSH's values and vision statement. We have a reputation for delivering excellence, our clinical outcomes are first rate and our patients have the best possible experience that we can give them. This success is a result of hard work, commitment and vision. But this success can only continue if we move forward by learning new things, challenging the status quo and developing our practice.

UKSH promises that all staff will have the opportunity to enrol in learning and development programmes provided within the centres and externally. We have strong links with the University of West of England and Norton Radstock College and are able to access a wide variety of courses. We are especially proud of those members of staff who, through study and application are becoming specialists in their own field and who bring into UKSH innovative and evidenced based practice which contributes to our programme of clinical excellence.

Click here to read more about some of the people who have accessed development opportunities at our Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre.  

Will UKSH assist in further academic studies?

We owe it to our patients, to the organisation and above all to ourselves to be the best we can at what we do. This involves a process of continuous learning. Assistance will depend on the type and level of study you wish to undertake and can be applied for through the Further Education Sponsorship programme.

Will I have the opportunity to work at any UKSH treatment centre?

Yes, you will have an opportunity to work at any of our treatment centres to enhance your development or provide additional support.

As an employee of UKSH you will have access to our vacancy notices – which can be viewed on line and on staff notice boards.

What are the working hours for the treatment centres?

Our elective surgery centres operate from Monday to Saturday. The wards are open continually 24 hours a day to support patient needs.

Managers will discuss individual working schedules to meet patient and/or business needs.

Does UKSH offer a competitive benefits package?

Our salaries are comparable with the NHS and we offer a number of benefits including a relocation package for people moving more than 200 miles.

Is there a staff car park?

There are car parking facilities at our treatment centres for both patients and staff. Where possible we encourage staff to car share or use public transport.

I will need a work permit; can I still apply to work for UKSH?

We welcome your application and once successful in the recruitment process will give you full support with your UK Border application (for more information visit - http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk).

What pre-employment checks will I have to undertake?

All positions require you to complete a pre-employment health screening questionnaire. There will also be a reference check, a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and an Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) check. Some posts will require the applicant to undertake an Enhanced CRB check.

For clinical positions checks will be made with the respective professional regulatory body for continuation of registration.

You will be asked to bring a number of original documents to your interview that will assist us with your pre-employment checks.

When will my referees be contacted?

The majority of references are requested upon offer.

I already have a CRB clearance; can I give you a copy of my disclosure?

Unfortunately CRB clearances are not portable and it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure they have undertaken a check. We will therefore request a new check for you.

What is an Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) check?

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) role is to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. Any person wishing to work with vulnerable people will need to apply to register with the ISA. It is important that you register with ISA to be appointed to UKSH when this regulation commences in October 2009

To register from October 2009 please go to the ISA website http://www.isa-gov.org.uk

I have heard the term Additionality and that it affects certain positions. What is Additionality?

The Department of Health (DoH) has identified a list of specialist roles in the UK that have a skills shortage. As a result the DoH has designed a clause called Additionality that specifies that we are unable to recruit anyone who has been employed or engaged in a role on the shortlist professions list within the NHS during the last 6 months. The Additionality clause for our company applies for the following roles – theatre roles and nursing roles grade 7 or above.

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