Date published: 12 June, 2023
Date last updated: 12 June, 2023
Nursing, midwifery and care

Your questions answered: a guide to becoming a healthcare support worker

Version 1, 12 June 2023

What actually is the healthcare support worker role?

Healthcare support workers (HCSWs) work closely with a team of registered healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives, supporting them, and helping patients on their health journey, whether this is by helping them to manage a long-term condition or supporting them through their recovery. HCSWs are at the centre of patient care.

HCSWs can work across a variety of settings, from mental health to children’s services. For more information about where HCSWs work, visit the Health Careers website and/or Indeed UK.

The healthcare support worker role in the NHS

Life as a healthcare support worker

In some trusts or other healthcare settings, HCSWs have slightly different job titles, such as:

  • Healthcare assistant (HCA)
  • Clinical support worker (CSW)
  • Nursing assistant.

The title may vary depending on the chosen setting and the healthcare professionals that the HCSW supports. In maternity settings, for example, these colleagues would be maternity services support workers (MSSWs).

The day-to-day role of a HCSW will vary depending on which part of the NHS the HCSW is working in. For example, a HSCW based in a hospital may:

  • help patients to mobilise/move
  • monitor patients and perform basic health checks, for example blood pressure
  • support patients to maintain their personal hygiene
  • serve meals and assist patients with eating
  • complete basic patient documentation
  • take blood samples.

A HCSW based in a health centre or GP surgery may:

  • perform health checks like blood pressure
  • take blood samples
  • process lab samples
  • sterilise equipment
  • restock consulting rooms
  • share NHS information with patients/carers about how to take control of and improve their health
  • report problems to a nurse.

No matter which area a HCSW chooses to work in, being a HCSW is a key role that is at the very heart of healthcare.

Myth 1: I can only apply for a HCSW role if I have previous experience

There are no set entry requirements to become a HCSW; an individual’s personal skills and values are most vital to success in the role.

HCSWs will need to be proactive, compassionate and willing to get stuck in: it’s a hands-on environment where teamwork, communication, organisational and problem-solving skills are important.​

Good literacy and numeracy skills are helpful, and in some cases GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths are required. 

For information on improving functional skills, please visit the HASO Skills for Health website.

For some roles, experience in health or care may be useful (but not essential). This experience could come from paid or voluntary work, or from lived experience of caring for a family member or friend.

Once in post, HCSWs undergo a trust-level induction and work to be awarded the Care Certificate.

Prior to working in the NHS, I was working as a nursery nurse. However, during this time a relative became unwell and I saw the impact providing care to patients can make.

It was at that point I realised I wanted to change my career. My mother had worked in the NHS in a senior administration role so was used to coming into a hospital setting.

Tracy, former HCSW, now Macmillan Head and Neck Specialist, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

You don’t need prior healthcare experience; you will receive excellent training and will have a development educator to call on for pastoral care if needed. Regular peer support visits will be carried out, so you will see a friendly face.

You will be allocated a mentor on your ward, so that you can learn from them, gain competencies, and build you confidence. Your team will welcome you with open arms.

Becky, Associate HCSW Development Educator, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Much of my experience and skills have proven transferable to nursing, like customer service and teamwork.

Madeline, former HCSW, now Sister and Inpatient Co-ordinator for Endoscopy, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

Before the NHS, I was based in East Sussex where I completed the level 2 diploma in health and social care and went on to complete the level 3 diploma. “After this, I got a job in a nursing home and I really enjoyed it, I felt I had a good rapport with the residents. “I wanted to improve my skills, so I sought to join the NHS where I applied to different wards and joined as a HCSW. Within a year I was promoted to my senior position where I was able to do bloods, cannulas and ECG.

Emily, former HCSW, now HCSW Practice Mentor, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Myth 2: I will never get the job as I am not very good at interviews

To ensure organisations select the right candidates, they must be able to fairly assess people against key essential and desirable criteria.

A common method to assess these criteria is an interview, although some trusts opt for scenario-based recruitment.

It is completely normal to worry about the interview process, but there is plenty you can do to prepare in advance and increase your confidence:

  • Read the job description and person specification several times and have a think about what the role is and what skills/attributes the trust are looking for.
    • Think about the kind of questions an interviewer may ask to obtain as much information as they can about how well you match the role in an interview.
    • Topics including team working skills, communication skills, dealing with difficult situations and confidentiality are key themes that may be covered.
  • Look up the trusts or NHS values and behaviours and how they match yours.
    • You will need to demonstrate that you have the same values as the organisation, such as caring, compassion, respect, and dignity.
    • Feel free to use examples from your personal life, volunteering, or previous roles.
    • Find out more:
    • The NHS values
    • The NHS constitutional values hub
  • Take notes into the interview if needed.
    • These can act as a useful prompt if your mind goes blank during the interview.
    • It is good etiquette to ask the panel if they would mind you referring to notes before using them.
  • Ask questions about the role.
    • Panels always like to see that a candidate has thought about what they want to know and asks questions accordingly, as it shows a motivation to want to know more and can help you stand out.
  • Practice answering interview questions.
    • You could ask a colleague or a family member to ask you some practice questions.
    • This can help you formulate answers and get used to verbally saying them to another person.
    • They can also give feedback about clarity, structure of the answers and relevance of the example chosen.
    • This exercise will help with recalling answers in an interview situation.
  • Don’t be afraid to go back to a previous question and add another point if something comes to mind.
    • Make a quick note of any additional comments you have and ask the panel if they mind whether you provide a little more information on a previous question.
  • Ensure the laptop, computer or tablet you are using for your interview has a good wi-fi connection.
    • Often, hospitals conduct interviews using video platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
  • If appropriate, seek advice from organisations such as the job centre, employability teams at a local council or other organisations such as the Prince’s Trust or Citizens Advice.
    • Many of these organisations have teams who can support you to gain employability skills that will help develop your confidence.
  • Research online.
    • There are so many video clips and tutorials on how to prepare and perform in interviews, all developed by people who have been through it.

Myth 3: I can’t do this job with my other day-to-day responsibilities

HCSW roles can be extremely flexible and shaped around existing responsibilities. Hours will be discussed at interview and with the appointing manager.

There are also opportunities to join the NHS as a HCSW on a more flexible basis through a range of apprenticeship schemes.

Once in post, there are some opportunities to take up additional, flexible shifts through the bank system.

Watch this video from NHS Professionals to find out more.

Myth 4: I don’t think I can cope with the workload, as I hear it’s always very busy

Clinical areas are busy, but HCSWs are not expected to be fully competent on arrival.

HCSWs are classified as ‘supernumerary’ when initially starting in post, meaning time will be given to watch, learn and build confidence before a HCSW is asked to undertake the tasks at hand.

Through this supernumerary period, HCSWs learn how to prioritise tasks and work with colleagues to prioritise the workload.

It is critical to maintain a clear line of communication with colleagues in terms of workload, and to raise concerns if necessary.

Myth 5: I will be on my own and won’t know what to do

In some roles, such as community-based healthcare support work, there may be situations where a HCSW is ‘lone working’, such as visits to a patient’s home.

However, in these instances a HCSW will be provided with a device to communicate with their team. In addition, the trust will also complete a full risk assessment to assess and then mitigate any potential risks.

Whether a HCSW is based in a community or inpatient setting, all relevant training will be provided, and they will always be supported by fellow multidisciplinary colleagues.

Myth 6: No-one will talk to me, and I won’t feel part of the team

The NHS believes in leadership at all levels and HCSWs are valued members of any team within the NHS. HCSWs are integral to the exemplary patient care that is provided.

The NHS is one big family and HCSWs are part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including doctors, nurses and therapists, to name a few who will be more than happy to advise, listen to or support you.

HCSWs are drawn from all backgrounds and experiences. Everyone is welcome and all bring with them strengths and perspectives that enhance the whole team, which in turn help patient outcomes.

The NHS and local trusts all welcome a diverse and inclusive HCSW workforce whatever your age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances.

If you have a lived experience, for example mental health, disability, experience of homelessness or other – don’t hesitate to put in an application. Support and/or reasonable adjustments are provided for all staff, so have a chat with the trust.

The IPS service is available to anyone accessing the mental health and/or addictions treatment teams where employment specialists are based. It’s for anyone who wants to find work.

Myth 7: There will be no development opportunities for me

Some people choose to stay in their HCSW role long-term, while others choose to move into a HCSW role in a different healthcare setting or use it as a stepping stone to other careers in the NHS. The HCSW role provides great grounding for a varied, life-long career in the NHS.

HCSWs can choose to specialise in a particular setting such as community, learning disabilities, maternity or mental health, or train to qualify as a healthcare professional, such as a nursing associate, nurse, or midwife.

Alternatively, for those looking to remain in the HCSW role, there are also opportunities to develop and progress into senior HCSWs, specialist roles or a variety of educator or pastoral support roles.

Find out more about career progression and development opportunities for HCSWs:

I’m ex-military and always looking for progression, so while I was working, I was also proactive in enrolling and completing my NVQ3 in health and social care.

I also completed any continuous professional development courses I could, through work and through my own sources, including dementia level 2 training, Mental Health Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards courses.

I’ve recently been accepted for a band 4 training nursing associate role at my current trust and have also applied for the Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship programme (band 5).

In both my current and previous trusts the support to progress from colleagues and managers has been amazing.

Shane, HCSW, Learning Disability Forensic Services, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

I always thought that I wasn’t academic enough to become a registered nurse, but my ward manager encouraged me to apply for a secondment for my adult nurse training and I was given a place.

I think the reason that I progressed through the banding was with nurture and support from my trust over the past 26 years. They invested in me with regards to my secondment and had the belief that I could become a registered nurse!

Claire, former HCSW, now Clinical Team Lead, Community Bladder and Bowel Service, Central Cheshire ICP

I initially started as a healthcare assistant (HCA) in outpatients, which enabled flexibility for childcare arrangements. Working in an outpatient setting put me in a great position to work within a few different specialities.

A HCSW role then became available on one of the inpatient wards and at first, I was working evening periods, from 4pm-10pm. Again, this allowed me flexibility with my child’s school arrangements, ensuring a better work-to-life balance. “I think it’s important too, that this is emphasised more widely to those who are interested in becoming a HCSW.

My main duties were to support with patient observations, patient bathing and supporting the qualified nurses on the ward. At this time, I still wasn’t necessarily considering becoming a qualified nurse. However in 2001, after a conversation with a friend, I decided to apply for a nursing degree.

My main reason for deciding to go down the path of becoming a qualified nurse was that I wanted to change the way nursing was provided to the elderly –this was my aspiration. In my final placement, I worked on a surgical ward, which I was initially nervous about as a speciality because it wasn’t one which really interested me. However, I’ve worked on a surgical ward ever since!

I qualified in 2004 and got my first qualified post on the Kinmonth Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, looking after cancer, neck and plastic surgery patients. During my time here, I was a nurse for 5 years and then applied for a deputy sister role. Within seven months, I was then offered a ward sister post, which I did for a further 12 months.

Another opportunity arose for a three-month secondment to become a Macmillan specialist nurse for neck and cancer patients – that was 9 years ago! It’s a job I absolutely adore and it’s an absolute privilege to do this role.

Tracy, former HCSW, now Macmillan Head and Neck Specialist, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Myth 8: There isn’t much pay progression for HCSWs

Most entry-level HCSW jobs are an NHS band 2 on the Agenda for Change (AfC) scale. The full-time starting salary is £22,383 (plus high-cost area supplements [HCAS] where applicable).

HCSWs may also receive unsocial hours payments and have the option to earn more by working extra hours through the staff bank system.

The AfC is a pay system that covers all staff except doctors, dentists and very senior managers. Each of the nine pay bands has multiple pay points.

Staff will normally progress to the next pay point annually until they reach the top of the pay band. In addition to basic pay, there is also extra pay for staff who work in high-cost areas such as in and around London.

Each band features several pay points, all offering a structured opportunity to progress your salary. For more information, please visit the NHS Employers website.

Myth 9: I won’t be able to handle aggressive patients

HCSWs receive full training prior to arriving in their clinical area which will provide the confidence and the knowledge to keep both themselves and patients safe.

Depending on the clinical area a HCSW is interested in, additional training will be offered, for example breakaway training or managing violence and aggression.

Myth 10: I will be exposed to patients who have passed away

This is likely dependent on the clinical area a HCSW works in. However, the NHS cares about staff wellbeing and treating staff with kindness.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable with a task you are being asked to carry out, it is critical to discuss this with your line manager, ward manager, HCSW educator or a named contact so that you can receive the appropriate support.

Communication is key in the HCSW role.

Frequently asked questions

1. If I apply for a HCSW role, will the organisation be able to sponsor my visa?

You will need to discuss whether this is an option with the trust you are interested in applying to.

2. I only have a couple of months left on my visa, am I still able to apply for a HCSW role?

Yes, on the basis that your visa is current and valid for work in the UK. If there are any concerns about this, please speak to the prospective Trust and for further information please consult the UK Visas and Immigration website.

3. What documents will I need should I be successful at interview?

All candidates will be asked to provide several pieces of documentation either at interview or shortly after. These cover the 6 NHS employment check standards:

  1. Identity
    • that you are who you say you are.
    • The recruiting organisation will provide you with a list of acceptable documents; this will generally be a combination of a government-issued photographic identification document and documents confirming your current residing address.
  2. Right to work
    • All successful applicants will need to show that they have the legal right to work in the UK or be likely to obtain the relevant permission within an acceptable period.
    • This evidence may be a passport or other right to work document, for example visas.
  3. Professional registration and qualification checks
    • If a post has specified that you must have certain qualifications and/or a professional registration, then you will need to provide details.
    • These will be qualification certificates and/or registration details with regulatory bodies.
  4. Employment history
    • This is to check the information that you have provided in your application.
    • If you are new to the NHS then the employer will want to check your employment (or training) history for the past three years and they will want to get references, where possible.
    • If you have any gaps for this period, please clearly explain the reason for the gap.
  5. Criminal record checks
    • A HCSW role will require this to check whether there is any data held relating to a person’s criminal history.
    • This helps to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from entering the workforce and gaining access to individuals who may be more vulnerable because they are receiving healthcare or other services.
    • It does not necessarily mean that if you have a conviction, you will not be allowed to work as a HCSW, but this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
    • It will also be checked against the application form so please make sure that this section is accurate.
    • If you are unsure whether you should declare something, please contact the trust’s recruiting team prior to completing the application form.
  6. Work health assessments
    • You will be asked to complete a self-report health screening to assess whether you are able and fit to undertake a particular role.
    • Should there be any issues which need assessing then this will be undertaken by an occupational health specialist who may need to see/speak to you directly.
    • This is an opportunity to address any reasonable adjustments that may be advised.

Please be assured that a trust’s recruitment team will work with you to help you understand and provide the right information to make this process as smooth as possible.

It may be useful to pull together any supporting documentation ahead of your interview to ensure there are no document gaps that may delay formal appointment to your role.

How to apply for a HCSW role

For information on how to apply for HCSW roles, please visit:

The NHS is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

If you need support with the NHS application form, this e-learning resource from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust can help:

Remember:

  • Complete all sections fully.
  • Ensure you have demonstrated in the ‘supporting information’ section of the application form how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
  • Use the word count available to sell yourself and all your skills and attributes.
  • Your application form will be all they have to go off to decide whether to invite you for interview or not, so it is in your hands!

You can also find more details about live vacancies:

If you still have questions, have a look at these useful resources:

HCA recruitment

A video about healthcare assistant roles from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals

Publication reference: PAR1922_i

Date published: 12 June, 2023
Date last updated: 12 June, 2023