NHS Trust
The NHS Trust sought to establish a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Centre of Excellence (CoE) to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. As the sole recruitment supplier, we were tasked with building this RPA CoE from the ground up by sourcing and placing a diverse team of RPA specialists.
The Requirement
The primary objectives of the recruitment drive were to build a robust RPA Centre of Excellence by sourcing and placing key roles, including a Head of RPA Development, a Head of Process Improvement, RPA Developers, RPA Business Analysts, and RPA Project Managers. It was crucial to ensure the team was equipped with the skills and expertise to develop and implement RPA solutions that would drive significant efficiencies and cost savings. Additionally, the model needed to be scalable, serving as a benchmark for other NHS Trusts to achieve similar benefits.
How We Helped
We collaborated closely with the NHS Trust’s leadership to define the structure, roles, and competencies required for the RPA Centre of Excellence. Utilising our extensive network and industry expertise, we identified and attracted top-tier talent with specialised skills in RPA and process improvement. We implemented a comprehensive recruitment process, including detailed assessments and interviews, to ensure high-quality hires with the right technical skills and cultural fit. Adopting a phased approach to team building, we prioritised critical roles and scaled the team as needed to support the CoE’s growth and evolution. To address immediate skill gaps and provide expertise not readily available through permanent hires, we supplemented permanent hiring with specialist contract resources.
During the recruitment process, we encountered several challenges: finding candidates with the specialised skills required for RPA development and process improvement in a competitive job market, building a new RPA CoE from scratch required careful planning and coordination to ensure all roles were filled with highly qualified individuals, and ensuring the CoE was scalable and could serve as a model for other NHS Trusts seeking to implement RPA solutions. To overcome these challenges, we developed a proactive talent pipeline, continuously sourcing and engaging potential candidates to ensure a steady flow of high-quality applicants. We enhanced the NHS Trust’s employer brand to attract top talent by highlighting the innovative nature of the RPA CoE and the impact it would have on healthcare delivery. Partnering with the NHS Trust, we created robust onboarding and training programs, ensuring new hires were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their roles. Additionally, we provided specialist contract resources to address immediate project needs and fill critical skill gaps that were challenging to meet with permanent hires alone.
Results
Our strategic and proactive approach led to outstanding results. We successfully placed a Head of RPA Development, a Head of Process Improvement, multiple RPA Developers, RPA Business Analysts, and RPA Project Managers, establishing a strong foundation for the RPA CoE. The use of specialist contract resources supplemented permanent hires, bringing in critical skills and expertise that were not readily available, ensuring the successful development and implementation of RPA solutions. The RPA CoE developed by the NHS Trust has been leveraged by other NHS Trusts, resulting in significant efficiencies and cost savings across the NHS. The implementation of RPA solutions led to millions of pounds in savings for the NHS, freeing up resources to be reinvested in patient care and other critical areas. The RPA CoE improved process efficiency, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced service delivery, contributing to better patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality.
Through our dedicated efforts and strategic approach, we not only met but exceeded the NHS Trust’s recruitment objectives, playing a crucial role in their operational transformation and delivering substantial cost savings across the NHS.