A huge recruitment drive seeks to appoint 500 reservists to support NHS and social care services across Derbyshire.

The reservist role is similar to that of a freelancer – they pick the shifts they want to do via an app and can work flexibly in any location they choose. It could be with the NHS, social care, primary care or a charity.

There are four different reservist roles:

1. Essential assistants – no previous experience required.
2. Clinical assistants – six months’ experience required.
3. Registered health professional – healthcare qualifications required and suitable for those who already work in healthcare.
4. Registered vaccinator – healthcare qualifications required and suitable for those who already work in healthcare.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a reservist is invited to attend a jobs fair at Derby City Council tomorrow (Wednesday, September 20, between 10am and 1pm.

Darren Tidmarsh, chief people officer and deputy Derbyshire Community Health Services Foundation Trust and a senior workforce lead for the Derby and Derbyshire integrated care system, explained more about the roles.

He said: “Being a health and social care reservist is a great way to earn some extra money, to gain extra experience that will help to get you a new or better job and to help our local community.

“Reservists help the NHS and social care at busy times, so we’re recruiting now in readiness for winter when we know more people become ill.

“Reservists help to care for people in hospital and when they leave to go home, or to be supported to get better in supported housing, or a residential home.

“We are very flexible about the experience and skills you’ll need and there are many different roles for people who already work in health and care, who are in college, or who have retired.

“Please come along to chat to our team if you can, or take a look at our website and fill in our simple form to express an interest. We’ll get right back to you.”

Dementia nurse Becky Haslam picks up additional shifts as a reservist.

She said: “It suits my work and my personal life. I run a business at home with my husband and we have two young children, so having shift work that fits around our other work is really helpful.

“I use an app, in the same way that I do with my bank shifts, see what’s available and then put myself down for the shifts I want to do.”

Entry to the jobs fair is free but tickets need to be booked online in advance here.

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