About the scheme:

The award winning NHS Finance Insights placement scheme is designed for individuals at the beginning of their career journey who are interested in exploring opportunities within the NHS. Offering full-time, 12-month, paid work experience in NHS organisations throughout England to individuals aged 18 and above. You may still apply if you are aged 17, but please make sure you have turned 18 by the end of August 2027.

It is particularly suited to people who have recently completed school or college (such as GCSEs, A-levels, BTEC or equivalent) and are considering their next steps, whether that is further study, an apprenticeship or employment.

No previous NHS or healthcare experience is required. The scheme offers hands-on exposure, learning opportunities and insight into a range of NHS roles.

Upon completion of the placement, each candidate should feel well-prepared to apply for NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level roles, and be confident in transitioning to professional working environments.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who meet the eligibility criteria.

Benefits of applying:

• Starting salary circa £25,272 per annum, depending on location.
• Access to training from recognised bodies
• Blue Light Card – discounts across 100s of stores
• Health Service Discounts – access to further discounts
• 27 days paid annual leave + bank holidays
• Plus many more NHS employee benefits

Placements are available in each region of England starting in September 2027 and will provide:

• 12 months of on-the-job, full-time experience in an entry-level finance role
• Experience working in an office, with hybrid and flexible working patterns
• Rotations through different departments within finance to gain exposure to various areas and projects
• Opportunities to work with a wide range of diverse and talented people across the NHS
• Insight into how the NHS operates as a business and how finance teams support services delivered to patients in local communities
• Training and development throughout the 12 months
• Attendance at online and in-person events
• The chance to meet and network with your peers on the placement scheme across the country

Entry requirements:

To apply for the NHS Finance Insights placement scheme, it is necessary that you meet the three eligibility criteria outlined below:

• You have the right to work within the UK and will be able to prove this if offered employment within an NHS organisation.
• Attending state school or college, or have been in full-time education within the past three years,
  minimum Grade C / 4 in GCSE Maths is desirable but not essential, and You have not attended university and are not planning on attending.
• The main person who earns money in your household has a job that is classed as lower socio-economic background. And or; you have been eligible for free school meals at any time in the last 6 years.

What this means:

• Lower socio-economic background usually means the main earner in your household has a lower income, fewer qualifications, or works in a lower-paid or less secure job.
• Free school meals are a government benefit for pupils whose families receive certain benefits. This does not include meals provided in other ways, such as boarding school.

You can find out more about how parental occupations are classified here.

Scheme delivery:

It started as a pilot scheme with five young people in London in 2023, with four out of the five participants subsequently taking permanent roles in NHS finance. Fast forward to 2024, 37 young people completed placements all across the country. 23 more trainees began placements in September 2025.

If you would like to take part as a hosting organisation please contact finance.academy@nhs.net. Interested in becoming a host? Join our upcoming webinar on October 7, 12:00 – 13:30 to learn more – Insights Placement Scheme Webinar for NHS Organisations.

How to apply:

Before completing the application form, it is recommended that you read through the application guidelines to ensure you submit the best application possible. Please note this is a full-time role if you’re considering applying.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed!

You can register your interest for the 2027 cohort here.  Applications open 1st January 2027.

“Insight placements provides a foot in the door to NHS finance for any school leaver with a desire to pursue a career but have no intention to pursue tertiary education. It’s a great way to learn about finance/NHS finance and no finance background is required.” Theo Assifuah, Corporate Efficiency Team, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.