14 October 2026
Over 250 NHS placements open pathways for parents in Scotland
More than 250 paid placements will be made available to parents across Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to tackle child poverty and improve access to employment.
The placements will be offered across 18 NHS health boards, with roles including porters, catering staff, healthcare support workers, administration assistants and assistant technical officers. Typically lasting between six and 18 months, the placements aim to help parents facing the greatest risk of poverty access employment and develop the skills and experience needed for longer-term careers.
The initiative builds on existing employability programmes delivered by NHS boards. One example is the NHS Lanarkshire Demonstrator Programme, which has supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment. More than 77% have progressed to positive destinations, including NHS employment, with the most recent programme achieving almost 88%.
Mairead Doyle, who joined a similar NHS Lanarkshire employability programme in 2024, has since been promoted twice and now works as a Management Secretary at Band 4. She highlighted how the programme helped her regain confidence and return to employment after several years away from work.
The Scottish Government says the initiative will provide parents with opportunities to build sustainable careers while strengthening the future NHS workforce. It also demonstrates how large public sector employers can contribute to tackling poverty by creating accessible routes into work and supporting progression.
Jacqui Jones, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of HR at NHS Lanarkshire, highlighted the NHS’s role as one of Scotland’s largest employers and the important link between employment and good health. She emphasised that creating opportunities for local parents and families to gain skills, experience and employment helps people thrive, builds a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and contributes to better health outcomes.
Read more about 250 NHS jobs for parents.
The placements will be offered across 18 NHS health boards, with roles including porters, catering staff, healthcare support workers, administration assistants and assistant technical officers. Typically lasting between six and 18 months, the placements aim to help parents facing the greatest risk of poverty access employment and develop the skills and experience needed for longer-term careers.
The initiative builds on existing employability programmes delivered by NHS boards. One example is the NHS Lanarkshire Demonstrator Programme, which has supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment. More than 77% have progressed to positive destinations, including NHS employment, with the most recent programme achieving almost 88%.
Mairead Doyle, who joined a similar NHS Lanarkshire employability programme in 2024, has since been promoted twice and now works as a Management Secretary at Band 4. She highlighted how the programme helped her regain confidence and return to employment after several years away from work.
The Scottish Government says the initiative will provide parents with opportunities to build sustainable careers while strengthening the future NHS workforce. It also demonstrates how large public sector employers can contribute to tackling poverty by creating accessible routes into work and supporting progression.
Jacqui Jones, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of HR at NHS Lanarkshire, highlighted the NHS’s role as one of Scotland’s largest employers and the important link between employment and good health. She emphasised that creating opportunities for local parents and families to gain skills, experience and employment helps people thrive, builds a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and contributes to better health outcomes.
Read more about 250 NHS jobs for parents.
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