Job Summary
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is offering an exciting Undergraduate Placement opportunity within our dynamic Human Resources (HR) teams. This 12-month placement is ideal for current university students seeking to put theory into practice and gain invaluable experience within one of the UK’s largest NHS Trusts.
You will contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s HR and Organisational Development (OD) functions, supporting a wide range of HR activity and casework. You’ll benefit from professional mentoring, structured training, and exposure to real-world HR challenges, helping shape the future of the NHS workforce.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide generalist HR support across a range of employee relations matters, including absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedures.
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Communicate professionally with staff and managers to support HR advice and policy interpretation.
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Assist in preparing and delivering key HR information and reports for divisional managers and clinical leads.
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Support HR operational tasks, meetings, and documentation across various hospital sites.
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Engage in learning and development activities, including buddying, mentoring, and team-based projects.
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Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in line with GDPR and Trust policies.
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Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and people-focused service delivery.
What You’ll Gain
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Practical, real-world HR experience in a large, complex healthcare organisation.
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Development of professional communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
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Exposure to NHS employment policies, systems, and strategic workforce planning.
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Mentorship and guidance from experienced HR professionals.
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Opportunities to contribute to service improvement initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential:
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Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree, ideally with a focus on HR, Business, Management, or related disciplines.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Ability to manage time effectively and work in a fast-paced environment.
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A proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
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Basic understanding of HR principles and employee relations concepts.
Desirable:
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Prior work experience (paid or voluntary) in an office or customer service environment.
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Knowledge of the NHS or interest in public sector employment.
About MFT
MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England, with a £2.8bn turnover and a workforce of over 28,000 staff. We operate 10 hospitals and community services across Greater Manchester and Trafford. We are proud leaders in research, education, and innovation through systems like Hive—our award-winning Electronic Patient Record system.
Our mission is “Working together to improve the health and quality of life of our diverse communities.”
Strategic goals:
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Help people to live well
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Deliver high-quality, integrated care
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Foster a great place to work
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Provide greater value for patients and communities
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Lead world-class research and innovation
Why Join Us
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Be part of a forward-thinking, digitally enabled NHS Trust
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Gain exposure to high-level HR functions in a respected academic research centre
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Supportive team environment focused on personal growth and professional development
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Placement experience that strengthens your CV and future employability
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
At MFT, we embrace diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring fair opportunities regardless of age, disability, race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
Please review the Job Description, Person Specification, and Candidate Essentials Guide in the ‘Supporting Documents’ section before submitting your application.
Note: If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. However, we encourage you to apply for future opportunities.