Apply to the 2026 NHS Finance Insights placement scheme at Bristol NHS Group

An innovative NHS paid placement scheme, designed to give young people meaningful experience working in a busy NHS finance department, is now open for applications within the Bristol NHS Group.

The NHS Finance Insights placement scheme is a paid, full-time, 12-month work opportunity for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

It is particularly suited to young people who have recently completed school or college (such as GCSEs, A-levels, BTEC or equivalent) and are considering their next steps.

The scheme offers hands-on exposure, learning opportunities and insight into a range of NHS roles. No previous NHS or healthcare experience is required.

We are looking to place one student in the Bristol NHS Group from September 2026 and the placement will provide:

12 months of on-the-job, full-time experience in an entry-level finance role.
Experience working in an office, with hybrid and flexible working patterns.
Rotations through different departments within finance to gain exposure to various areas and projects.
Opportunities to work with a wide range of diverse and talented people across the NHS.
Insight into how the NHS operates as a business and how finance teams support services delivered to patients in local communities.
Training and development throughout the 12-month placement.
Attendance at online and in-person events.
The chance to meet and network with peers on the placement scheme across the country.

To apply for the NHS Finance Insights placement scheme, it is necessary that you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined below:

You have the right to work within the UK and will be able to prove this if offered employment within an NHS organisation.
You have not attended university and are not planning on attending.
The main person who earns money in your household has a job that is classed as lower socio-economic background, and/or you have been eligible for free school meals at any time in the last six years.

Upon completion of the placement, each candidate should feel well-prepared to apply for NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level roles, and be confident in transitioning to professional working environments.

If you are interested in applying and fulfil all the eligibility criteria, we recommend you read through the application guidelines to ensure you submit the best application possible. Interested students, careers leads and parents can also sign up to a one-hour NHS Finance webinar about the scheme, taking place on Wednesday 4 March from 12pm–1pm.

Please fill out the 2026 cohort application form to be formally considered for the NHS Finance Insights placement scheme.

Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 8 May 2026.

Notes:

Lower socio-economic background usually means the main earner in your household has a lower income, fewer qualifications, or works in a lower-paid or less secure job. You can find out more about how parental occupations are classified here.
Free school meals are a government benefit for pupils whose families receive certain benefits. This does not include meals provided in other ways, such as boarding school.