NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is set to provide 30 paid work placements for parents throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde. This major initiative aims to reduce poverty and assist more parents in securing sustainable employment. The health board has successfully obtained nearly £600,000 in funding from the Scottish Government, as announced through the 'Bringing Hope, Building Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-31'. This funding is designated to create opportunities for parents who encounter significant obstacles to entering the workforce.
These placements will be available across various locations within Greater Glasgow and Clyde, offering paid employment in roles such as administration, catering, portering, and other entry-level career paths. Parents who meet the programme's criteria, particularly those with characteristics associated with a higher risk of poverty, will receive support during six or 12-month placements. The aim is to equip them with valuable workplace experience, essential skills, and increased confidence.
The programme will specifically target six priority family groups: lone-parent families, minority ethnic families, young mothers under 25, families with a baby under one year old, larger families with three or more children, and families with a disabled adult or child. Mark Goldie, Workforce Employability Officer at NHSGGC, highlighted that these groups represent approximately 90% of children living in poverty and often face barriers related to income, cost of living, and access to services. He emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for parents to achieve sustainable employment and improve their future prospects.
This initiative aligns with NHSGGC's commitment as an anchor organisation, leveraging its position as a major regional employer to generate opportunities that benefit local communities and enhance social and economic wellbeing. Supporting local employment is a key focus for the health board in its broader efforts to reduce inequalities and tackle poverty.
Recruitment for the 30 placements will occur in cohorts, with the first participants expected to start before the end of this year or in early 2027. Each participant will receive tailored support, including dedicated job coaches to assist in identifying long-term employment prospects and planning career progression. NHSGGC aims for at least half of the participants to secure permanent roles within the organisation, while others may pursue further education, training, or employment elsewhere.
“"Before joining the programme, I was finding it difficult to get my foot in the door and gain the experience employers were looking for. The placement gave me the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and become part of a supportive team. It showed me that a career with the NHS was something I could achieve, and I would encourage anyone who is eligible for these new placements to consider applying."
The programme builds upon previous employability initiatives by NHSGGC, conducted in partnership with Local Employability Partnerships. Raiyan Mehmood, a previous participant, secured a placement through an earlier pilot after facing difficulties finding work post-graduation. He shared how the experience was instrumental in developing skills and confidence, making him realise a career in the NHS was achievable.
Mark Goldie further commented on the new placements, stating they will offer meaningful, paid work experience within the NHS, complemented by practical support, mentoring, and career guidance. The objective is to facilitate long-term, sustainable employment rather than just temporary jobs. He reiterated the organisation's role as an anchor organisation in supporting communities, reducing inequalities, and creating opportunities for local people.
NHSGGC will collaborate with Local Employability Partnerships in each local authority area to identify suitable candidates and offer additional support for barriers such as childcare and travel costs. Further information on working with NHSGGC is available on their careers page, and details on their anchor organisation work can be found on their sustainability section.
