Sector Spotlight: Ellie Walker, Recruitment Adviser

In the final day of our Sector Spotlight on Administration, we hear from the last of our respondents from NHS Orkney, the first of whom is Ellie Walker, Recruitment Adviser.
The roles we've highlighted this week are far from the only administrative roles within the health service - there are still yet more we haven't covered!

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--Can you describe a typical day in your role as Recruitment Adviser?
My job is varied! I process all new starts pre-employment checks including right to work, references and Disclosure Scotland checks. As part of my role I also process all agency staff coming to NHS Orkney by ensuring they have IT, ID and Accommodation booked as well as being compliant. I also help managers with designing adverts and provide recruitment advice.
 
--How did you end up in this role?
I started my career at 13 working part-time as an office administrator and sales assistant for one of the local firms.
 
On completion of 6th year I was due to go to university to study Law. However, I decided I wasn’t ready to go away – I then applied to UHI where I started a course in criminology – Then deciding that the course wasn’t suited to me and changed to the HNC Business.
 
I completed the HNC in 2019, after which I worked full time for a year. I then wished to go back to university and try and complete my degree – I did this for one year whilst working part time.
 
Finally, I got my full-time hours at my previous employer where I worked in both finance and general administration. This post allowed me to develop my skillset and apply theory to my work. Whilst in role I studied and worked full time to try and get my BA Business, I am now currently in year 3 and near completion.
 
After developing in my role, I noted the opportunity at NHS Orkney and applied.
 
--What is the best thing about your job?
Working with new starts and seeing them finish the NHS Orkney recruitment journey!
 
--What is the worst thing about your job?
Competing with challenging deadlines and expectations.
 
--What skills do you need to undertake your role?
As part of my role – communication, attention to detail as well as concentration and appreciation for confidentiality are all key.
 
The role is busy and requires adaptability to be able to re-prioritise tasks quickly and cope with competing deadlines.
 
--What qualifications do you have?
I have a Diploma in Business Management – will hopefully have a BA in Business in July this year which I have undertaken whilst working full time.
 
--Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why?
Yes, this job has provided me the opportunity to grow and develop. It allows opportunity to take on a job with great variance.

Visit NHS Orkney on:
 
Website:  https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nhsorkney/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nhsorkney
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/nhs-orkney
YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTDkxpsLBQKYVyVtDDrwYVQ