New job - NHS Admin. What to wear?

[SquatBetty]

Starting a new job this week in a hospital and have no idea of the dress code due to very limited comms from HR! Yes I could find out on my induction day tomorrow but it would be good to know in advance so I can plan some outfits.

Is it likely to be smart casual/business casual type of thing or more relaxed than this?

Anyone here work in admin at a hospital and can advise me?

Our admin teams here tend to be smart casual, rather than business attire. Loafers or ballet pumps, a shift dress, or slim fitting smart work trousers and a blouse are always good staples.

Congratulations on your new job! 😊

Smart casual, but in my area we're more on the casual side, nothing obviously casual like blue denim, but I often wear smart black jeans. We're not patient facing at all though. Just go for a safe smart casual outfit first day and you'll quickly get the idea from what others are wearing.

Congratulations!

Smart casual. No jeans

What a coincidence @SquatBetty I’m going for an induction for NHS admin tomorrow too! I was wondering what is worn and did a bit of research on line. From what I can tell it varies from hospital to hospital. I’m going to be a Ward Clerk so public facing and I think I’ll have a uniform of a blouse which has to be paired with my own black bottoms - just any type of trouser or skirt so long as they’re smart. Tomorrow I’m just going to wear a smart casual - a shift dress and jacket. Good luck!

You don't tend to get people in suits but definitely not jeans. When I started at the NHS I did my first interview in a suit, had a good look at what people in the offices I passed were wearing and switched to a jersey dress and jacket for the 2nd interview. Now I tend to wear a jersey dress in winter, shirt dress in summer, occasionally tailored trousers and nice top.

Black trousers and a nice top/blouse would be my safe option for day 1 👍

Definitely business casual, not business smart. Smart trousers/chinos/skirt and any top really as long as no slogans and isn’t too flashy/dressy.

Good luck for tomorrow!

Thanks everyone and good luck to @Coniferhedge too !

Agree with above. I freelance in NHS roles so see a range of organisations, and most staff are business casual, with some more casual (although not often you see jeans). Agree a dress or trousers and nice top will be fine.

Also hospitals are typically boiling in summer!

I don't work in a hospital so obviously my opinion isn't worth much but I'm of the opinion that admin staff may have to do a fair bit of walking around a hospital, depending on the role.

I'd say that really comfy shoes would be a major consideration.

All the best!