Discover what a career behind the scenes in the NHS could look like
Work experience opportunities at the NHS Business Services Authority
This July, we’re inviting Year 12 students (or equivalent level of study) from across the North East to join us for a week of hands‑on work experience at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
You don’t need to work on the frontline to make a difference!
Did you know there are thousands of non-clinical roles that support the NHS behind the scenes? Our services help NHS organisations, contractors and the public every single day, and we’re proud to be part of something meaningful that touches millions of lives.
If you're curious about how roles such as digital, data, HR, finance, project management and many others support the NHS, this is your chance to explore them up close.
You don’t need to know what you want to do yet - that’s what this week is for. You’ll meet colleagues from across the organisation, take part in real activities, build your skills and confidence, and see how a large public sector organisation works day to day.
We deliver services that support the NHS, Government and local health economies and we’re proud to be one of the UK’s Best Big Companies to Work For. Our values - collaborative, adventurous, reliable and energetic - guide everything we do!
Where and when
6-10 July 2026
09:00 to 15:30
Stella House, Goldcrest Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NY
What you’ll be doing
Across the week, you’ll:
- try out interactive tasks linked to real NHS services
- explore different business areas (matched to your interests where possible)
- work with other students on a group project
- build workplace skills and confidence
- meet professionals from teams across the organisation
- get a real feel for working life in a national public sector organisation
Explore the many careers that support the NHS behind the scenes
Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)
See how the NHS uses technology every day! Our DDaT teams keep everything running smoothly, with roles ranging from cyber security and data analytics to software and digital services. This is for you if you’re interested in technical, digital and data solutions.
Finance, Commercial and Estates (FCE)
Our FCE team makes sure that billions of pounds of public money are managed wisely and responsibly. From budgeting and procurement to fraud prevention and estates, this area is ideal if you’re interested in business, strategy or numbers.
Workforce Services
Our colleagues play a vital role in managing the many systems that support over a million people working in health and care - including important services like NHS Jobs, the NHS Pension Scheme and the Electronic Staff Record (ESR).
People and Corporate Services
Meet the teams supporting our people and culture. From human resources to communications and marketing, from organisational development to colleagues focused on sustainability, wellbeing, safety and more. Here you’ll find the people in various disciplines who support all our colleagues across the NHSBSA!
Portfolio Management
Want to know how big projects are delivered? From planning and design to change management, assurance and risk management to budgeting, analysis and reporting. Our portfolio management teams work across the NHSBSA and beyond to launch new services, make improvements and deliver value and change for the NHS. Great if you’re interested in project management or how new services are developed and launched.
Citizen Services
If you’ve got good communication skills and like helping people, this could be for you. Here you’ll learn how we help members of the public get access to healthcare support, benefits and entitlements. Meet our award-winning customer contact centre team and see our essential administrative support colleagues in action.
Primary Care Services
If you’re interested in helping NHS organisations thrive then primary care services is for you. Find out how we process over a billion prescriptions and 29 million dental claims each year and make £11 billion worth of payments to pharmacies and dentists accurately, and on time!
Who can apply
To apply you must be:
-
in Year 12 (or equivalent level of study)
-
attending a state‑funded, non‑fee‑paying school or college
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living in the North East (including the North of Tyne and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas) and be able to travel to our office within 1 hour
We ask this to support your wellbeing, as you’ll need to travel twice a day across five consecutive days. -
available to come to the office for the full five days (where possible)
If you’d find it difficult to attend all five days - for example due to a health condition, disability, caring responsibilities, or any other reason - please let us know. We expect a minimum of 3 days attendance with 5 days being preferential. We’re keen to help with any adjustments and support so you can attend and get the most out of your placement.
Supporting fair access
Not all students have access to workplace experiences and young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are often underrepresented in work experience programmes.
We’re committed to removing barriers and making sure that access to opportunities is available to all young people, so half of the places available are dedicated to students who meet either of these additional criteria:
eligible for free school meals in the past six years and/or currently receive a Sixth Form bursary
OR
- from a low‑income household* (based on Social Mobility Business Partnership criteria)
Socio‑economic background is the social and economic circumstances of a person’s life while growing up, which have a strong influence on a person’s life and career opportunities.
*Family household income is the same as or less than the household expenditure amount shown below:
Region - North East England
Average Weekly Household Expenditure - £493
Average Yearly Household Expenditure - £25,616
Next steps
If you’d like to join our work experience week, apply here by Friday 15 May.
Successful applicants will be contacted by Friday 29 May.
If you’re selected, you'll receive a full schedule before your placement begins.
We’ll provide a laptop and free lunch each day - all you need to do is travel to our office and bring your curiosity, enthusiasm and your best self for the week.
If you have any questions, contact [email protected]
