Join the Bank
What is the MWL Bank?
As a Trust we are always looking for skilled and highly motivated individuals who share the same values as us, and would like to work flexibly across our hospitals. We offer flexible opportunities a range of professions through our MWL Bank.
The MWL Bank aims to supply skilled workers to cover temporary shortages within the organisation, usually to cover staff shortages or increased service demand. Our bank team includes a diverse range of talented professionals including doctors, nurses, midwives, operating department practitioners and healthcare assistants, as well as vital support roles. Our Bank is also available for our existing permanent staff to join, who would like to pick up additional shifts across our hospitals, to support our departments whilst earning extra.
Our bank team work across our hospital and community sites, in a number of different roles:
- Doctors
- Registered Nurses
- Healthcare Assistants
- Operating Department Practitioners
- Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)
- Administrative and Clerical
- Healthcare Scientists
- Why Join the #MWLBank?
There are so many reasons to join the MWL Bank, we can offer flexible shifts to suit your lifestyle, have the opportunity to earn extra money whilst gaining new skills.
Joining the bank could open a new phase in your career! Bank work provide the knowledge and experience which could open doors to further professional qualifications and permanent jobs both internally and externally to the Trust. Bank work is also a great way to explore different specialities across the Trust, without having to commit to a permanent post.
The MWL Bank could work for you if:
- You are looking for a flexible career and want to achieve a better work/life balance
- You want to earn extra money
- You want to experience what it’s like working in our Trust and working in a hospital / community setting
- You wish to return to work after retiring or from a career break
- Benefits of joining the MWL Bank
Flexible working patterns
You can choose your own working hours, you are not required to work a set number of hours, we just ask that you work at least one shift every six months to keep your bank membership active.
Flexible work opportunities to suit you
You can choose your own working area from a range of available shifts (this is subject to the relevant skill set).
Paid accrued annual leave
For every 8 hours you work, you accrue 1 hour of annual leave which can be paid or taken as leave.
TRUE weekly pay
Bank shifts worked will be paid on a weekly basis, every Friday.
Access to NHS Pension
Opportunity to gain experience across a wide variety of areas
Access to training and development opportunities and the chance to improve your skills
Access to internal Trust vacancies
Easy access to shift via a 24 hour self-booking system (Patchwork app)
Paid Trust Induction
Paid Fundamental Care Course (Only applicable to Healthcare Assistants)
Enhanced pay for unsocial hours
A friendly Temporary Workforce Team on hand 7 days per week to support you
NHS Discounts
You will have access to NHS special discounts and offers through NHS discount websites.
- How do I join the #MWLBank?
To ensure our quality of care and standards are maintained, it is essential that applicants that join the MWL bank meet the same criteria as our permanent member of staff.
Bank Recruitment Process
Completing your bank application
Similar to applying for permanent NHS roles, for any bank positions you will have to apply online via our vacancies page or register your interest via our online form which will mean that we notify you via your Trac.Jobs account of available positions.
It is really important to complete your online application form, similarly as you would for a permanent role. Make sure you read through the job description and person specification and ensure you detail how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Read more about how to complete an application form.
Experience
It is important to note that some bank roles e.g. Healthcare Assistants, Administrators, Receptionists will not necessarily need clinical or healthcare experience. Ensure you read the job advert and person specification thoroughly to find out what is required and needed for the role you are applying for.
Interviews
If you have successfully been shortlisted, you will be contacted by the Recruitment Team using our Trac e-recruitment system to set up an interview.
When receiving your interview invite, make sure you read the instructions on how/where your interview will take place. Furthermore, during this stage we will initiate pre-employment checks, more details will be provided on your interview email.
What happens next?
If you have been successful during the interview, the Recruitment Team will start ID checks if they have not already been obtained at the interview. Pre-employment checks will also be completed (read more about NHS Pre-employment checks here). A Disclosure and Barring service check will also be completed as appropriate.
Once pre-employment checks are complete, the candidate’s information will be passed across to the Temporary Workforce Team who will organise NEWS2 Training, book a Shadow Shift (generally for bank clinical roles and if candidate requires) and provide IT assistance.
The Recruitment Team will then book the candidate on the next available Fundamental of Care Course. This consists of two full clinical days (this course is only applicable to Clinical Bank roles).
All new bank starters will also be invited to attend a Welcome Bank Meeting, candidates will not be able to book shifts until attendance of the required classes/sessions have been confirmed.
Following this, new bank starters will be able to book shifts or take up on bank opportunities when they become available. In order to remain active on the Trust Bank candidates must work at least one shift every six months, before they are removed from our system.
Internal applicants
If you are currently a permanent/substantive staff member with us and you would like to join the MWL Bank, please email jointhebanknow@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk to register your interest and the Bank Recruitment Team will advise further.
Do you have any questions? We’re happy to help, send us an email!
Contact our Resourcing Team on jointhebanknow@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
Stay connected with us!
Join our Staffing Solutions Facebook group where we keep our Bank Team updated with the latest bank news and opportunities. If you’re currently a Bank member, join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sthkstaffingsolutions/.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What shifts are available?
There are shifts available 24/7 Monday to Sunday (this is dependent on the ward / department) and your current bank role.
Bank Registered Nurse & Healthcare Assistants
The general shifts will be either early (7:00-15:00), late (13:00-20:00), long day (7:00-20:00) or night shifts (19:30-7:30).
Admin & Clerical
The shifts are likely to be Monday - Friday (9:00-17:00), this is dependent on the role and the specific requirements of the department.
How do I book shifts?
You will be booked to attend a Bank Welcome meeting before commencing in your Bank post, this meeting provides a full introduction to the Trust Bank.
All Bank Workers are required to download the Patchwork App. Workers will then be verified by the Trust and be granted access to be able to book shifts.
If you are unable to access the Patchwork app, please contact the Temporary Workforce Team on 0151 430 1302 or staffing.Solutions@sthk.nhs.uk who will be able to book your shifts.
Will I be provided with a uniform?
You will be provided with uniform if your role requires one.
For our current staff you will be able to use your existing uniform.
I have previously worked for the Trust, can I re-join the bank?
Depending on how recently you have left the Trust, we may be able to register you to work immediately.
Please email jointhebanknow@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk to find out what we will require from you, or whether you need to re-apply as an external applicant.
What experience do I need?
The experience you need will depend on the bank role you are applying for.
Please ensure you read through the person specification and the job adverts before applying for the bank role.
If you require more information about the advertised bank role, you can also contact the recruiting manager. Their contact details can be found on the job advert.
How much will I be paid?
We offer highly competitive rates of pay for bank work and the rate you receive will depend on your role. You will also be paid additional enhancements for any unsocial hours worked.
Please note that if you are currently employed by another NHS Trust as a Band 5 Registered Nurse we will pay like for like whilst undertaking bank work here at the Trust, on the basis that your most recent payslip is provided as part of your pre-employment checks.
Please contact the Temporary Workforce Team (staffing.Solutions@sthk.nhs.uk) for the latest bank pay rates.
When will I get paid?
Bank work is paid weekly. For every bank shift you work, you will be paid the following Friday.
How often do I have to work to remain on the bank?
You are required to work a minimum of one shift every six months to stay registered on the bank.
Can I work in one specific area or do I have to work all over?
While you can be flexible and book shifts wherever you want, as a bank worker you must also be flexible on the operational needs / demands of the Trust, you may be required to move to a different area to ensure safe staffing and good levels of patient care is maintained.