There are various routes that people take to join #TeamNELFT. Hear about John’s journey below - originally working with the Trust via an agency and is now working with us permanently. Similar to John, there are 56 new starters this financial year who joined our Staff Bank after working with the Trust via an agency.

John Hollands, Integrated Team Manager for South Kent Coast 

''I’ve been in the health and social care industry since 1990 and I’m a trained Community Psychiatric Nurse. I’ve always wanted to work in CAMHS, and when I saw an advert through a temp agency for a nurse to work in NELFT, I decided to take up the opportunity. I enjoyed working through various ideas to solve issues.  

While working through the agency, I met one of the Trust’s Executive Directors while she was on a visit, and we spoke about all my ideas for improvements within the service. She gave great advice, that it’s easier to fix any issues directly from the inside. One positive word and conversation was all it took, and the fact that senior leaders were willing to listen to me and made me feel valued, that made me want to join the Trust as a substantive member in order to make a difference. 

I joined as a Band 7 Complex Pathway Lead, and quickly progressed to a Band 8. Upon joining, having access to Power BI for example, I’ve been able to analyse the data and make improvements accordingly.  

I now work and live by the South Kent Coast, and I really enjoy my role. It can get difficult, particularly in CAMHS, but it's not just a job it’s a career. And if you are passionate, you’ll enjoy it. There is no hierarchical structure, it’s a transformational management approach where everyone’s opinion is valued. Being close to the white cliffs of Dover and the countryside nearby is also perfect for my family life. 

My advice to anyone considering moving from agency to substantive, is to sit down and really look at your payslip. Do the calculations of what your take home pay is with agency and compare to what a substantive pay is. Also consider the full benefits package, such as sickness pay, access to training, or expenses as I have found this to be better with substantive. If you enjoy being part of a team, then you’ll have that support system around you by joining permanently and can set a long-term career plan.''

If you’d like to join our staff Bank, please visit our careers website: Temporary Staffing Opportunities - NELFT