The buddy scheme runs alongside the annual Public Health recruitment cycle, typically provided from the opening of applications through to recruitment outcomes and post-recruitment debriefing (approximately October to April). The overall offer comprises:
Overview of the buddy scheme offer
One to One buddy support
· Informal contact with a matched registrar buddy
· The opportunity to discuss experiences, concerns and questions relating to recruitment
· Support navigating different stages of the application process
Recruitment preparation sessions
· Consultant-led session(s) focused on key stages of recruitment
· Application form support and guidance
· Assessment centre preparation sessions
Peer networking opportunities
· Access to a moderated group communication platform (e.g. WhatsApp group) for
applicants
· Opportunities to connect with fellow applicants and build supportive peer networks
· Sharing of resources, opportunities and key recruitment updates
Online resources
· Access to recruitment preparation materials and professional development resources
· Signposting to relevant webinars, reading materials and wider Public Health opportunities
Post-recruitment support
· Debrief opportunities for unsuccessful applicants
· Signposting to wider career development resources and future opportunities within Public Health
· If appropriate, longer-term support may be available through a mentoring approach if capacity within the School is sufficient to support this.
What You Can Expect from Us
- You’ll be matched with a Public Health registrar who will support you through the application process.
- Your buddy will make initial contact and offer informal 1:1 guidance (via phone, email or in-person). Although this will be based upon individual preference and needs, we would expect this guidance to amount to 1-5 hours of time in total, across your application process.
- You’ll be invited by the buddy scheme administrator to sessions focused on the application, assessment centre and interviews. This will be around 5 hours of time.
- You will be provided, by the buddy scheme administrator, with access to the ‘JobTestPrep’ resource to support with the assessment centre
What We Ask from You
- To make sure the scheme runs smoothly and respectfully, we ask that you agree to the following:
- Engage actively with your buddy and peers. After your buddy makes initial contact, it’s your responsibility to stay in touch, arrange sessions and make the most of the support offered. We also expect that applicants take an active role in the relationship with their peers and in arranging peer support sessions
- Communicate respectfully with your buddy. Please be mindful of your buddy’s time and boundaries. They’re volunteering their time while working in busy roles. We therefore request:
- Respect agreed expectations regarding communication and engagement – contact your buddy only within working hours and using email or Teams in the first instance (unless your buddy requests otherwise)
- Try to give at least a week’s notice for any queries or requests you send to your buddy, quicker responses may not be possible
- Try to collate queries or requests, if possible, to limit the amount of correspondence you send and ensure that your questions don’t get lost
- Prepare for meetings and discussions
- Attend (as far as possible). Try to attend any webinars or one-to-one buddy sessions that are offered – they’re designed to help you!
- Be honest and open. Let your buddy know what you need help with – everyone’s journey is different, and there are no silly questions.
What We ask from Buddies
To ensure that buddies and applicants have a rewarding and positive experience we ask that buddies:
- Attend a briefing session before being matched with applicants
- Make initial contact following allocation
- Provide informal support within agreed boundaries as above (maximum of 5 hours in total, within working hours and via email, Teams or work phone unless alternatives are preferred by the buddy)
- Signpost applicants to formal scheme activities and resources
- Maintain fairness and integrity throughout the recruitment process
- Escalate concerns to scheme leads where appropriate