If we want to tackle the scale of the recruitment challenge across the NHS, we have to start with the right foundations – and that means technology.
The NHS faces a constant uphill battle with staff turnover exceeding 10%, equating to 80,000 clinical vacancies each year just to stay afloat. Filling these posts quickly, affordably and with the best possible candidates is no longer a 'nice to have' – it's a strategic priority.
But technology isn't just about having the latest tools. It's about enabling a smarter, faster and more human-centred recruitment experience from the ground up.
Breaking free from outdated recruitment tech
For decades, NHS recruitment technology has been dominated by just two systems – NHS Jobs and Civica/Trac. These platforms, though familiar, have shown little in the way of innovation, client-focus or responsiveness to the NHS's evolving needs.
This closed-shop environment has made it difficult for new providers to offer alternative solutions – but change is happening.
Our Jobtrain ATS is already delivering measurable benefits to NHS Scotland, where it's helped reduce time-to-hire by 31% – nearly a full month per vacancy. These are not marginal gains; they are transformation-level shifts.
Why technology is step one
Technology is the first step in the transformation journey because every other improvement – whether in data, candidate experience, onboarding or efficiency – depends on it.
Legacy systems often shape the recruitment process, limiting what's possible. In contrast, a modern ATS is designed with flexibility and integration at its heart, including real-time, two-way API connections with both NHS Jobs and ESR. This means fewer delays, reduced manual entry and a far smoother experience for everyone involved.
As Stephen Covey put it, "You can't change the fruit without changing the root." Your technology is the root of your recruitment process – and changing it could unlock results you didn't think possible.
Download the full guide on NHS recruitment transformation for more information.
It's also not solely about automation – it's about transformation too.
Some see technology purely as a way to automate admin tasks. And yes, a modern ATS, like Jobtrain, does that exceptionally well. But its true value lies in how it empowers recruitment teams to work smarter and deliver better outcomes.
For example:
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Recruiters can instantly see where each candidate is in the process, reducing unnecessary chasing and speeding up decision-making.
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Hiring managers are better engaged because the system makes it easier for them to review and progress candidates.
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Candidates benefit from a smoother, clearer journey – which means fewer dropouts and better acceptance rates.
All of these things feed directly into time and cost savings.
Measurable impact from day one
Let's talk about the numbers.
If your trust reduced time-to-hire by just five days, that could result in savings of £28 million annually across the NHS. This doesn't even touch on the cost of agency staff – where covering just 20% of those 80,000 vacancies could cost a staggering £5.6 million a day.
The sooner you hire, the less you rely on agencies and the more you save. It's a simple equation, but one that's often not easily fixed with outdated systems and processes.
See what we mean in practice - download our guide here.
Real change, not lip service
Adopting new technology might seem like a daunting change, but trusts already use our Jobtrain ATS and are proving how powerful it can be. And we're not talking about complicated tech for the sake of it. Our focus is on systems that are intuitive, adaptable and fully supported.
For example, we work closely alongside every NHS trust we partner with, guiding implementation, providing in-person training and making sure the system is tailored to their specific needs. It's more than just a plug-in-and-go model, it's a partnership aimed at sustainable, meaningful improvement.
Ready to take the first step?
If your trust is serious about reducing costs, improving the candidate experience and supporting your recruitment team to work more effectively, the first step is reviewing your technology.
Download our in-depth guide, Transforming Recruitment in the NHS, to explore the six critical areas for change – and see exactly how a modern ATS like Jobtrain can help your trust transform recruitment for good.
Download the whitepaper: Transforming Recruitment in the NHS
Six steps to a better, faster, more human hiring experience.