Transformation doesn’t happen in isolation.
In a health system as large and complex as the NHS, collaboration is more than just a buzzword, it’s a practical way to unlock scale, reduce costs and deliver consistency where it matters most.
It’s already happening and it’s delivering results. From Greater Manchester to NHS Scotland, collaborative models are proving that when we pool our efforts, we all benefit.
But first, let’s take a look at what collaboration really means in an NHS recruitment context and why it’s a game-changer.
What collaboration really looks like
When we talk about collaboration in recruitment, we’re not just talking about shared values or informal partnerships.
We’re talking about:
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Regional recruitment hubs
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Shared service centres
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Standardised systems across trusts
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Collective procurement for cost efficiency
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Regional advertising campaigns with consistent branding
One of the most prominent examples? NHS Scotland. All 22 Boards are now supported by a single recruitment platform (our ATS), delivering not just cost savings, but consistent processes, clearer data and a much better candidate journey across the board.
And it’s not just in Scotland. In Greater Manchester, 12 councils teamed up to buy one recruitment system – tailored to local needs, but unified where it counts.
These aren’t pilot schemes. They’re living proof that collaboration works.
Why now?
There’s never been more pressure on recruitment teams to do more with less – less budget, less time, fewer people. Shared services and regional collaboration offer a way to scale recruitment efforts without duplicating effort or resources.
Here’s what trusts are telling us:
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“We’re all facing the same bottlenecks – why not tackle them together?”
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“Our teams are stretched thin – a shared centre could give us breathing space.”
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“We need to cut advertising spend – but still reach more candidates.”
Sound familiar?
Collaboration gives you the breathing room to solve these problems strategically, not reactively.
The benefits of a shared approach
Let’s break it down:
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Cost savings
Pooling budgets for tech, advertising and resources means better buying power and lower overheads. -
Better data
A shared system means shared insights. Regional data dashboards help identify patterns, compare performance and drive real improvement. -
Consistent candidate experience
No more fragmented processes or conflicting messages. Candidates get the same, seamless experience – whether they’re applying in Leeds, Leicester or Luton. -
Faster time-to-hire
Shared teams, centralised support and joined-up systems lead to reduced duplication, quicker approvals and smoother handovers. -
Reduced agency reliance
Better visibility and coordinated recruitment efforts reduce the need for last-minute, high-cost agency staff.
All of these benefits are already being realised by trusts who’ve embraced a more collaborative approach. The guide features these real examples in full.
Technology makes collaboration easier
Of course, collaboration only works if the systems can support it. That’s where our ATS comes in.
We’ve built our system to make regional, multi-entity collaboration seamless – with features like:
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Multi-branding across trusts or councils
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Single platform for multiple hiring teams
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Candidate sifting and routing based on location or role type
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Shared reporting across organisations
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Permissions and workflows tailored to local and regional teams
The result? Autonomy where needed. Unity where it counts.
In NHS Scotland, this approach allows candidates to apply once and be considered across the entire country. The system then routes them to the right local recruiters based on preferences and job type – saving time, reducing duplication and improving outcomes.
Don’t go it alone
Too often, NHS recruitment teams work in silos – even when they’re facing the exact same challenges as the trust next door.
Whether it’s shared vacancies, overlapping geographies or similar roles, collaboration can help you build a more resilient, scalable recruitment model.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out from scratch. In our whitepaper, we explore real-life examples of collaboration in action – and share the practical steps to replicate that success in your region.
👉 Download the whitepaper to explore them in detail.
Transformation takes a team
The NHS is built on collaboration – between clinicians, between departments, between regions. It makes sense that recruitment should be no different.
By sharing systems, insights and strategies, trusts can tackle long-standing challenges faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce time-to-hire or simply provide a better candidate experience, collaboration could be the key.
Ready to explore it further? Download the full guide: Transforming Recruitment in the NHS
Six practical steps. One joined-up vision.