The NHS Leadership Centre is using online testing to help recruit future leaders on to its graduate training schemes.
A numerical reasoning test is being integrated into the recruitment process for its three graduate schemes, which will reduce administration and cut the cost of sifting through 6,000 applications. The test is provided by assessment specialist PSL, following a review of the recruitment process.
“Our graduate training schemes are designed to produce the NHS directors and chief executives of the future,” said Fiona Maybin, marketing and recruitment co-ordinator at the NHS Leadership Centre.
“Numerical ability is one of a range of competencies that we test for during the selection process. Last year we tested 1,500 candidates over a two-week period and this year we expect to test three times that number.”
In 2005, there are 173 places available for graduates who will train in a variety of NHS organisations. After submitting an application, the candidates who meet an initial set of criteria are sent an e-mail inviting them to complete PSL’s 20-minute Infinity Series numerical reasoning test via the internet.
After completing the numerical test, candidates progress through two further stages of competency-based selection.
www.psl.com
www.futureleaders.nhs.uk
