NHS - How long for unconditional offer?

[Moonpixie]

Hi, first off, I know the NHS can take a long time in their recruitment, but just wondered if anyone has any experience?

I was offered a p/t clerical post and received the conditional offer three days later. A week after after that, completed my occupational health visit, and two days after that, was told all my pre-employment checks were complete and I was ready for a start date. So, all went very smoothly and quickly.

The email from recruitment said I needed to provide them with a start date so an unconditional letter could be issued.

So, I phoned my new manager, who interviewed me. Embarrassingly, she had no idea who I was when I introduced myself on the phone and had to be prompted into remembering.

Tbh, she had no idea who was meant to be doing what. She told me I needed to complete my occ. health forms first. I told her this had all been done, it was only then that she'd realised she had all that information in front of her.

She then said recruitment would email me with a start date. I told her they have asked me to reply to THEM with a start date (she was sent the same email as me, but seemed to have no idea about this).

We sorted out what days/times I'd be working and she gave me a provisional start date. I emailed this info back to recruitment. Think she said she would also contact them.

However, this supposed start date is looming ever closer and I've still had no response and no unconditional offer. I emailed them yesterday (no chance of getting them on the phone) and still had no response.

Does anyone know what I'm meant to do? Just wait? Not having the unconditional offer yet is making me a bit antsy 😬

[AlishaJayx]

@Moonpixie

Thanks.

Yeah, not sure how it worked given that they asked ME to give THEM a start date. And when I give them one after contacting the manager, I hear nothing back.

I do understand its not a super fast process, but what's the point of providing them with a start date when it's coming up and I've not had the unconditional offer or done the induction, meaning I won't be able to start on that date?

Hi,


They are asking about your potential start date as they will not have this information, purely pre employee check information, your new job title, department etc. Your start date you would need to discuss with your new manager. Seems backwards to us I know, I think it's to reduce the back and forth of the negotiation process in regards to a start date, this way it can be settled between you and your new manager and cut out the 'middle man'. Your induction will essential begin on your start date, all this SHOULD be arranged behind closed doors however sadly most of the time it is not communicated efficiently with new employees. When is your official start date?

X

[Moonpixie]

Thanks.

Yeah, not sure how it worked given that they asked ME to give THEM a start date. And when I give them one after contacting the manager, I hear nothing back.

I do understand its not a super fast process, but what's the point of providing them with a start date when it's coming up and I've not had the unconditional offer or done the induction, meaning I won't be able to start on that date?

[Carrotgirl87]

I had this years ago, rang them everyday and when it got to the day before my start date they told me it had been postponed 🙄 I told them I'd handed my notice in 4 weeks prior after a confirmation email and they ended up finding me an admin type filler job until my actual new job became available. Not much help I know but I'd be hounding them if I were you!