how to write personal statement for nhs

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Making successful applications

Once you have successfully found a position you wish to apply for, you need to make sure your application does you justice and provides you with the best possible chance of getting an interview. This means reading the job description and person specification and taking time over your application demonstrating your skills and experience.

How good a match are you?

All employers will be judging how well your application matches the 'person specification' for the position you are applying for. The applicants who closely match the person specification will be the ones that are shortlisted for interview.

To stand the best chance of receiving an invitation is to demonstrate that you do have the skills and experience as stipulated within the person specification and provide clear examples within the supporting information section.

Never submit the same application form twice. Always adapt it to show how you meet the person specification of the particular post you are applying for.

Complete all the parts of the form

Read the instructions within the advertisement and application form very carefully and make sure that you complete all the sections of the application form. The information you give in the 'application for employment' section will be used to decide if you should be shortlisted for interview.

The 'personal information' and 'monitoring information' sections will not be used for shortlisting, but will be kept for administrative purposes only.

Provide good supporting information

The 'supporting information' section is your opportunity to sell yourself therefore make sure you use it to your advantage. You can include any information here that has not been covered elsewhere on the form. Demonstrate why you would be suitable and how you meet the person specification. You need to convince the recruiter that you have the required skills, knowledge and experience and that they should be inviting you for an interview.

You can include, among other things, details about:

• your duties and responsibilities;
• your skills, knowledge and/or experience which is relevant to the post;
• identify any employment gaps;
• voluntary work you have accomplished;
• research, publication and/or presentation experience.

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• Making a Successful Application

Using the supporting information section to your best advantage

This section is critical to complete well. It’s your chance to really sell yourself as a suitable applicant and get that invitation to interview.

As an external applicant you have up to 1500 words for this section to persuade and influence the recruiting manager that you could do the job and that you deserve an interview.

So how do you do this?

By tailoring your application i.e., by matching your skills, knowledge, and experience to the job requirements. You need to connect your current and past work experience to the requirements of the role you are applying for. This means you can’t just cut and paste any old thing. You need to make it specific to the job in question.

In the Employment History section of your application, you will have listed your previous jobs and the main duties and responsibilities of each. This will have given you some ability to link your skill set with the job in question, by one job at a time. However, the Supporting Information section of your application is where you can sell yourself and really stand out from the crowd.

You have the freedom to organise this section how you want, so you can do this by grouping your skills and work experience into broader themes and strengths that match the job you are applying for.

Using bullet points and subheadings is good. Long paragraphs and essays are not so good. Make it as easy as possible for the recruiters to find the information you need and want them to see.

The critical thing to do here is to pay close attention to the requirements of the role you are applying for and give good examples of your achievements for each. Remember that now with NHS Jobs the shortlisting criteria are included with the advert. Recruiters will be scoring your application against these. So, make sure you cover these.

What makes a good example?

This will be covered in more detail in section 2 on Having a Successful Interview. A helpful framework to use here is the STAR example.

What is a STAR example?

STAR stands for:

• S ituation or T ask – what was the context and what were you being asked to do
• A ction – what you did to achieve this
• R esult – what was the outcome or result, e.g., money or time saved, better customer service, patient care, staff morale etc

In a good STAR example, you address all three elements concisely by writing about your previous experience.

For example:

“At Acme Ltd, as Trainee Accountant, I was asked by my manager, towards year end, to make savings from the budget. This was crucial to the business as we were overspending. I set up a team involving key people from across the business, such as department heads. I asked people to share their ideas and we then prioritised the best ones. For example, I decided to change our electricity supplier to a lower tariff and reduced our stock levels by 10% which improved our working capital. Overall, I achieved £20k in savings, almost 3% of the budget, and we hit the year-end target. My manager was really pleased, and I got a letter of recognition from the Managing Director.”

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• HealthJobs Ltd
• 27 June 2018

How To Write A Personal Statement For Your Next Job In Healthcare

• Matt Farrah Nurses.co.uk Co-founder / Co-owner
• Save for later

An excellent personal statement is the key to success in every healthcare job application you make and in this article we look at the steps to follow in order to create the ideal one.

If you’ve written a personal statement before for a previous job application or university course application, you can use ideas and themes from that but you can’t simply use the same one again.

A personal statement must be tailored for each situation, and when you’re applying for healthcare jobs you need to tailor it according to the person specification and job description of the vacancy you’re interested in.

Start with a brainstorm of ideas

If you try to sit down and write your personal statement from scratch by starting with the first sentence, you could find your finished personal statement has no coherence and does not follow a logical order.

By brainstorming your ideas first you can prioritise the points you want to make and assemble all the evidence you want to mention that will back up the claims you’re going to make.

In order to avoid repetition in your personal statement, pick out a couple of points you want to make in your opening statement that really establish you as a serious contender for the job; for example, your qualification or current employment.

Then move on to the centre section where you should elaborate on the all the reasons why you are perfect for the job! Use the person specification and job description from the vacancy advert as a reference and try to check off the points you’re making with the requirements of the employer.

Your closing section should summarise the main points you want the employer to remember you for, especially your professional expertise if you applying for a doctor job , dentist job or any other senior healthcare professional job.

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Put words around your ideas

As you begin to put your ideas into sentences, be mindful of the length of your personal statement. It’s easy to write too much, but you are more likely to be successful if you are succinct and coherent.

It’s essential as you’re writing that you use a variety of examples from your experience to illustrate each point you’re making because you want to demonstrate the range of your experience.

It will also help to make your personal statement as memorable as possible because the employer will have a really good insight into your history and how your experience can make you ideal for their job vacancy.

Proof-read and edit your personal statement several times

When you think you have your personal statement completed go back and proof read it to spot any spelling errors, and to check that the information you have given is accurate.

Your personal statement forms part of your job application so you can be sure that when you apply you are required to confirm all information is correct to the best of your knowledge.

Whether you’re an experienced healthcare professional in a particular field, or you’re applying for your first healthcare assistant job , the personal statement is an essential part of the job application.

It’s your only opportunity to talk directly to the employer before they decide whether or not you are suitable for the job and therefore should be offered an interview.

Try to imagine the questions they will be asking themselves when reading your personal statement and provide clear, concise answers to as many of those questions as you can anticipate.

Once your personal statement has secured you an interview, you'll be wanting advice on how to smash your interview, right? Take a look at how to successfully prepare for interviews in healthcare to find out how to do just that.

Looking for a job in medicine or health care? Next Steps... Create an account. We will help you build a CV as part of that process. This will get you ready to start searching for jobs.

About the author.

I believe people working in healthcare should be able to choose to enjoy work. That is, choose an employer who reflects their values and provides them with a sustainable career. This leads to better patient care, higher retention rates and happier working lives in this most important employment sector.

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NHS England. NHS long term workforce plan. 2023. https://tinyurl.com/muw8c9aw (accessed 3 October 2023)

Nursing and Midwifery Council. Standards of proficiency for nursing associates. 2018. https://tinyurl.com/45pc95ve (accessed 3 October 2023)

Creating an effective personal statement for RNAs

Director of Nurse Education, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Roehampton

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Organisations are starting to redesign services to meet the changing health needs of the local community and align with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan ( NHS England, 2023 ). These changes are creating new roles within a variety of settings, opening up the job market for the registered nursing associate (RNA). Applying for a new job can be a daunting and competitive process; standing out from the crowd is an essential criterion for success. When marketing yourself to potential employers, it is important to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills and attributes they require, to convince them that you are the best person for the job.

Do your research

In the first instance when considering a new job, it is important to be sure it is what you want and where you want to work. If it is with a new employer, do your research: find out about its values and culture. As a health or social care provider, review its most recent Care Quality Commission report; review the latest news and developments shared on both its website and social media platforms. This will not only give an insight into it as a potential employer but also help with tailoring your personal statement and preparing for interview. More specifically, when considering the role, consider the job description and the person specification – is it clear what the role involves and what skills are required to undertake the role?

Adverts often include a contact person for an informal discussion; this is a great opportunity to interview them as a potential employer and get answers to questions about the organisation or the role. As an RNA, enquire about RNA roles in other departments and see how the role is being used across the organisation; it may even be possible to speak with an RNA already in post.

Applying for a role

The application form will consist of standard questions on previous employment and education. It is the personal statement section that provides the opportunity to showcase your skills and experience and to explain why you are the best candidate for the role. It is important to keep it concise and focused on the requirements of the role and to highlight how your skills and experience match these requirements.

Throughout the personal statement, reference should be made to the requirements of the job description and the personal specification. Take words and phrases from these to make it easier for the employer to see clearly how you are demonstrating the requirements of the role. Highlight your achievements and provide examples of how you have added value to previous roles. Use specific, measurable examples that demonstrate your skills and experience.

When looking to demonstrate performance in relation to professional practice, reflect on your previous studies, current and previous practice and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates ( NMC, 2018 ). By taking the time to reflect, you will naturally start to realise the skills and qualities you possess and identify examples that can be quoted to support a claim that you have the experience or skills required.

‘Examples of how you have used your teamwork and collaborative skills could include taking the lead in a project or activity, resolving conflicts, or encouraging others to achieve a common goal’

Demonstrate your skills

Some of the skills you will identify will be specific; for example, recording 12-lead ECGs if working in a cardiology department. However, other skills will be non-specific; these are equally important and often referred to as transferable skills.

Transferable skills are identified within the NMC standards for RNAs ( NMC, 2018 ) but can often be overlooked by people focusing on practical skills. The modern job market values individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances and continuously learn and develop. The journey from health or social care support worker to RNA will have supported this development. As an RNA, the journey through academia will have exposed you to various subjects, teaching methods, and learning environments, developing your ability to adapt and acquire transferable skills.

Whether through considering case studies, research projects or practical assignments, you will have encountered and resolved various challenges, therefore developing strong problem-solving abilities. Providing examples will demonstrate analytical thinking and the ability to consider creative solutions. These could include an instance where you identified a problem, developed a strategy, and implemented it effectively within your practice or your studies. Linked to this may be how you have honed your teamwork and collaborative skills through completing group projects on your academic journey.

Many job roles within health and social care require employees to work effectively in teams. Examples of how you have developed and used your teamwork and collaborative skills could include taking the lead in a project or activity, resolving conflicts, or encouraging others to achieve a common goal.

Demonstrating excellent organisational and time management skills will strengthen the examples of transferable skills already identified. During your studies, you would have balanced multiple assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities simultaneously. In addition, if you completed your Nursing Associate Foundation Degree as an apprentice you would have been working at the same time as studying. Ensure you identify instances where you have effectively managed your time and prioritised tasks to achieve desired outcomes. These examples will demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines and handle the demands of a professional role.

Underpinning all of this is demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and professionally. Communication skills will clearly be shown through the personal statement, not only via the examples used for all the other transferable skills but also in the presentation of the personal statement. Ensure that what has been written is presented in a professional manner in the chosen writing style and terminology used, that there is clarity of thought and proofreading has been employed.

Submitting your application

The last stage in the application process is the submission of the application. Different organisations use different approaches to this, so ensure you have checked the closing date and time and that you have left yourself sufficient time to make the application. Make sure you keep a copy of what you have written; this will be useful when preparing for interview. Interviewers may want to explore the examples you have given with you, and it is helpful if you can remember what you wrote.

A strategic approach

Selling yourself via your application and, more specifically, your personal statement involves strategically highlighting the skills you have acquired through your academic and professional journey. Research the organisation and the role, communicate clearly, demonstrate problem-solving abilities, emphasise adaptability, showcase teamwork skills, discuss time management, and express your passion.

By effectively communicating how your values and skills align with the department's needs, you can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of securing the job. Box 1 provides some top tips on writing your personal statement. Remember, an application is not just an assessment of your qualifications, it is also an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and potential contribution.

Box 1.Personal statement top tips

• Tailor your personal statement to the job description
• Think about transferable skills, not just practical ones
• Use active words to give impact
• Give examples, not just sweeping statements
• Highlight positive things that only you can bring
• Proofread for errors, clarity and fluency

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• 06 May 2020

What your nursing personal statement should say about you

• Claire Carmichael Registered Nurse
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• Johanna Mancelita

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This is a question I asked myself when I wrote my nursing personal statement: ‘What do they want from me? What do they really want to hear?’.

You can write as much or little as possible on a personal statement (within the given word count), but what you write has to count - I’d say it was more about quality over quantity with this one.

But hopefully, I can give you some good quality information to help you write the perfect statement to bag you that interview and hopefully, the job!

Firstly, every statement should be unique to the role you’re applying for; so, remember to change it for every time you apply for a new job.

Secondly, always look at the Trust’s values, person specification and any other information they have uploaded for you; this is going to tell you what they are expecting from you to guide you to write your statement.

You will need to follow their essential and desirable criteria and give examples of how you have achieved these.

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Now, what do most Trusts look for?

From my experience they want you to be the 6 Cs of Nursing; Care, Compassion, Commitment, Courage, Competence, Communication.

So, you have to demonstrate this within your statement along with some nice key themes such as; being empathetic, maintain dignity, being patient centred and showing trust - Trust values are normally built on these.

Furthermore, Trusts will want to provide the best care possible to patients and they want to see how you meet this through your statement and then in your interview.

Is at the heart of nursing and the care you provide should help to improve an individual’s health and wellbeing.

They might also want to see that you genuinely care about other people and helping out.

This is how care is given which is based on empathy, dignity and respect.

This refers to the commitment to paitients and their individual care and overall experience.

This helps you to do the right thing at the right time.

It also enables you to speak up when needed.

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However, everyone will be writing the same skills and experience (more than likely), so you also want to add something to make yourself stand out from the crowd .

Your statement should show you as a person and not just a generic piece of writing of what you can and can’t do.

Moreover, you need to shine, show that personality and passion through your writing.

Some personal statements I have been asked to read, have genuinely given me goose bumps, because you can feel that passion through the page, it’s lovely.

Nonetheless, I know it can be quite hard to get your head in the right place to do this.

Something I do, is, close my eyes and visualise the place, time, experience that I want to talk about.

I put myself back into that place and how lovely it made me feel at the time, which brings back those feelings and I will start writing.

Your statement should also show how committed you are to nursing and your long term goals should incorporate this.

Trusts want to see you are in it for the long run, not just a quick job fix at the time.

Some other things that would be worth mentioning are:

Multi-professional working

How you can effectively work within the multi-disciplinary team and build good relationships with other professionals.

Give examples of how you have done this and why it has benefited your team.

Administering medication safely

How you avoid drug errors?

What thing’s do you do?

This will show you are practising safely and will continue to do so when working for the Trust you’re applying for.

Accurate record keeping

However you have kept records whether it is paper and pen or on a computer you have to show how you did this and how you maintained confidentiality.

You need to show that you can write legible and accurately, which is why you need to get someone to proofread your personal statement just in case too!

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How you keep up to date with the most recent guidelines, policies and practices.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, personal statement help for national honor society.

Hi folks! I need to write a personal statement for my National Honor Society application. I'm not entirely sure what to include or how to make it unique. Could someone give me some advice on what aspects to focus on or examples of what has worked for others? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! Congratulations on your National Honor Society (NHS) nomination! Writing a personal statement is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths, achievements, and the qualities that make you a perfect fit for the NHS. When crafting your statement, consider the following aspects:

1. Core Values: The NHS values character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Make sure to highlight these aspects in your personal statement. Share specific examples of how you exemplify each trait and how these qualities have shaped you.

2. Leadership: Provide examples of your leadership experiences, whether it's through clubs, sports, or school organizations. Emphasize the impact of your leadership and how you've encouraged or inspired others.

3. Service: Showcase your commitment to community service. Discuss specific volunteer projects or initiatives you've been involved in, the results you've achieved, and how they have positively impacted others.

4. Academics: Your academic excellence is already reflected in your application, but don't be afraid to mention any specific achievements or challenges you've overcome in your academic journey. This could include prestigious awards, outstanding test scores, or overcoming obstacles that affected your academic performance.

5. Personal Story: A strong personal statement tells a story. Share something unique about yourself, your background, or your experiences that shaped who you are today. This will help the reviewers to connect with you on a deeper level.

6. Future Goals: Briefly mention how being a part of the NHS aligns with your future goals and aspirations. Explain how the society's values and resources will support your growth and help you make an even greater impact in your community or chosen field.

Remember to be genuine and honest throughout your statement. Best of luck with your application, and I hope these tips help you create a personal statement that truly stands out!

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How to Write the National Honor Society Essay + Example

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National honor society: four pillars and essay, five tips for writing your nhs essay, nhs essay example, time well spent.

What do former first lady Michelle Obama, actor Chadwick Boseman, singer-songwriters Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. have in common?  They were all members of the National Honor Society (NHS).

As you apply for membership in this national organization, remember NHS membership is based on meeting criteria in four areas that the NHS calls its four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character .  

Scholarship 

The first pillar, scholarship , requires that a student earns a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Many high schools set a higher GPA bar for their school’s chapter. If you meet your school’s academic requirement, congratulations, you’ve passed the first hurdle. 

Now it’s important that you carefully complete the application and write a compelling essay.  Most high schools require students to write a 300-500 word essay that showcases their commitment and accomplishments in the other three pillars.

Service refers to the contributions you make to your school and or community on a volunteer basis, without receiving any compensation. For your most significant service activities, be sure to explain why you choose to support certain organizations and why you chose specific roles. 

Showcase your leadership in your school and or community while working with or for others. Remember, stating that you are the captain of a team, president of a club, or supervisor of a shift does not prove that you are a leader. A leader makes things happen, sets a good example, and inspires others to give their personal best. Clearly state why you were selected to hold a leadership position and how you effectively lead. There are many successful leadership styles. Communicate your unique brand of leadership. 

Character is how you conduct yourself with high standards of honesty, reliability, and respect for others. Many attributes define good character, and they all reflect a personal commitment to ethical and compassionate interactions with others as well as how you treat yourself. Results are only part of the story.  How you achieved them is critically important to communicate.

Think about how many NHS applications your school counselor reviews each year. Not every student who completes an application is selected for the honor. So how do you make your essay stand out?  Here are five strategies:

1. Make it Personal and Individual  

Your application form provides the facts about the scope and range of your involvement and contributions to your communities. Be sure that you write your essay in a way that brings this data to life. A compelling essay enables the reader to feel a strong connection to you. Express your unique values, aspirations, and priorities. State the motivation behind your choices and the trade-offs you’ve made. Be honest about challenges and what you have learned through your mistakes. And be sure the tone of the essay sounds like you and nobody else. 

2. Share Your Stories

People love to hear and remember stories, not simply facts and figures. Express themes and points that you want to share by relaying stories that bring these concepts to life. Stories can be poignant, funny, suspenseful, or surprising. Any approach that makes a reader want to continue reading is a great one.

3. Be Humble and Bold

Many students find it hard to express their hard-earned accomplishments without sounding boastful. Proudly stating your achievements without sounding brash is possible and important. Clearly state your motivations, your challenges, your vulnerabilities, and your mistakes to mitigate any concerns.  

4. Follow Tried and True Essay Guidelines

Channel all the advice you’ve received over the years about how to write a great essay. Do you have a clear thesis around which you have organized your thoughts? Compelling topic sentences to hook your reader? Strong supporting sentences to back up your reasoning? Have you avoided clichés? Do you vary your sentence structure and word choice? Does the text flow and keep the reader engaged? Last, but not least, have you checked and double-checked your grammar, punctuation, and spelling?

5. Draft, Edit, Edit, Edit, Polish

Writing is an iterative process so give yourself the time necessary to land on the best approach for explaining why you are deserving of the NHS honor. There are many ways to tackle an essay. Try a few to determine which is the most effective. Then, when you determine the best approach and are satisfied with your latest draft, share it with someone whose opinion you value. 

Looking for someone to read over your essay? Check out Collegevine’s free essay help ! Our peer review system will help you get feedback from other students so that you can improve your NHS essay and college essays.

While there is not a single template for a strong essay, here is an example of an NHS essay written by an 11th-grade student who was accepted into NHS.

Success is not only about improving yourself, but also about improving life for others. While my GPA shows my commitment to academics, how I spend my time and conduct myself outside of school reveal my commitment to making the world a better place, consistent with the values of the National Honor Society. 

For the two years my grandfather lived in a nursing home, each weekend I took my dog EJ to visit him. I witnessed first-hand the healing power of animals as EJ lifted his and the other residents’ spirits. Because of this experience and because monkeys are my favorite animal, when I heard about Helping Hands (HH), the only organization in the world that raises capuchin monkeys to be live-in assistants to people with spinal cord injuries, I reached out to volunteer. 

Both in the summer and during the school year, I assist the trainers. Monkeys begin training when they are teenagers. It typically takes three to five years until they are ready to be placed with a person. My first job is to clean the cages of 60 monkeys. (Not my favorite responsibility.) I also prepare meals and construct and distribute dexterity “toys.” 

While not glamorous, my work is critical to the success of the initiative. The physical support the monkeys provide is unbelievable. They turn pages of books, scratch itches, pour water, and retrieve dropped items… Most importantly, I have seen the life-changing impact a monkey’s companionship has on a partner, including a college-age student confined to a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury from hockey. 

In the spring, summer, and fall I also volunteer at Gaining Ground (GG), a non-profit that grows organic produce to donate to food pantries, shelters, and meal programs. When I volunteered at a local food pantry, it struck me that recipients receive mostly canned and packaged food. I think it is important that people in need receive fresh fruits and vegetables, and I enjoy the physical work of weeding, harvesting, cleaning, and packing produce.

Soon after I began volunteering at GG, my rabbi gave a sermon about the working conditions of tomato farmers in Florida. (It reminded me of Grapes of Wrath, and I couldn’t believe inhumane practices continue.) Her sermon motivated me to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers by distributing postcards urging Trader Joe’s and Stop & Shop to only buy tomatoes from farms that agree to fair wages and human rights. Both chains have now agreed, showing that a little effort by many people makes a difference.

Last, I believe a story is the best way to explain my “behind-the-scenes” leadership. At the annual nighttime football game, one of my soccer teammates (not someone I hang with) was drunk. When our principal came over to the bleachers, my teammate’s friends fled. Concerned that my teammate would fall and hurt herself, I brought her outside the stadium, called her parents, and waited with her until they came — without worrying about social retribution. Despite getting grounded, she thanked me for my help.

I would be honored to be recognized by NHS for my service, leadership, and character. Thank you for your consideration.

The time you invest in composing an effective NHS essay will help you when you’re ready to write your college essays! Essays are important components of applications to selective colleges. Getting into NHS is also an honor that may boost your application at some schools. Remember, you can estimate your chance for acceptance using Collegevine’s free chancing calculator . This tool will factor in your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and more to calculate your odds of admission at hundreds of schools across the country.

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Statements: how to write them

  Getting started

• Understand the ‘what’ and ‘why’ : If your employer or agency asks you for a statement, ask them to put their request in writing so that you know exactly what you are being asked to write about.
• Clarify timescales: You should be given reasonable time to prepare your statement and have it checked by the RCN – so check if there is a deadline in place.
• Gather your documents:  You have the right to check documents to help you write your statement (for example, medical notes, medication administration records, the off-duty rota, any relevant employer policies covering the issues in question). 
• Are you at risk?  If your conduct or practice is being questioned, then – provided you were a member at the time of the incident - we will check your statement. Please contact us  to make arrangements to have your statement checked before you hand it in. If you are being asked to submit a statement for a Coroner’s Court or Fatal Accident Inquiry, please also see the relevant section below.

Tips from our statement checking team

Use one of our templates to format your statement:

• Coroner's Court / Fatal Accident Inquiries template
• General statement template for all other situations  

Prepare your statement as a typed Word document.

Are you a witness? Please see our section on witness statements below.

Are you raising concerns/whistleblowing? Read our guidance here  and contact us  without delay for further support.

Our team recommends the following to help you through the rest of the writing process:

• State the times you were on and off duty on the day/s in question. Check the off-duty rota to be sure.
• Give brief details of the work environment at the time, including your job role, area of responsibility and the number of patients in your care. For example, were you the nurse in charge?
• Be clear about what you did, saw and heard. You have a right to see the clinical records to help you write your statement accurately. If you’re denied access to the records, explain this in your statement and do not attempt to ‘guess’ at what they say.
• Use the first person (i.e. ‘I’). For example, say 'I gave Patient x 500mg of Paracetamol' rather than '500mg of Paracetamol was given'.
• Relate the facts from the beginning and keep them in chronological order, giving precise dates and times. Be consistent in using ‘am’ or ‘pm’ or the 24-hour clock.
• Avoid jargon or official language.
• Explain clinical or healthcare procedures and avoid general statements such as ‘routine observations were made’. If normal procedures were not followed, explain what is normal and why there was a departure from the accepted procedure.
• State what is personal recollection and what can be corroborated as fact with reference to, for example, healthcare records, reports, clinical guidelines or standards.
• Where known, please use full names and job titles of colleagues.
• Always write the subject of an abbreviation or acronym in full the first time you mention it.

Be relevant

• Don’t speculate, elaborate or exaggerate, or use emotional language – you may be called as a witness to give oral evidence based on your statement.
• If you cannot remember something, say so. 
• It is acceptable to form a view based on your professional judgement. Document the facts or evidence on which you based your conclusion. Relate how this impacts on patient care or service levels.
• Don’t assume that the reader knows anything of the facts of the case, such as a patient’s medical history, your environment or clinical routines and procedures. Any intelligent lay person should be able to understand the content.
• Avoid giving opinions or making judgements that you cannot support by factual evidence or corroboration; a good phrase to use is “Based on the information available to me at the moment…”
• Hearsay is second-hand, rather than first-hand evidence, for example: ‘I heard Susan say that she had seen Jill give the injection’. It can be admissible in certain legal proceedings, for example a Coroner's Court or Fatal Accident Inquiry, but it must be clear that it is hearsay evidence. Only relate what you were told by another/ others - you have no way of verifying the accuracy of others’ accounts.
• In any summary, recap the main points and avoid adding new information or comments.

Be compliant

• Keep patients’ and relatives’ identities anonymous - for example, use ‘Patient X’ throughout the statement.
• Follow any professional codes NMC Code of Conduct , particularly the section titled ‘Promote professionalism and trust’.  Also ensure you’re following your employer’s local policies and confidentiality guidelines.
• Remember that you could be challenged on the content of your account, and your statement could be used in criminal proceedings or disclosed to all parties in a disciplinary or grievance hearing.

List all documents referenced in your statement and, if possible, where to find them

Examples include:

• patient records, notes, and departmental documents
• the relevant Datix/incident report/untoward incident form
• local policies or procedures
• national standards or evidenced based information
• professional codes and guides.

Format your statement

Add page and paragraph numbers. Space your lines and ensure pages have clear wide margins at each side.

Review each paragraph carefully, checking that your statement only communicates exactly what was asked for or required. Look at whether the facts can be evidenced. Check that the facts you provide are clearly and objectively explained.

Remember: if you feel your practice or conduct is under investigation, call us for advice.

Keep a copy

Always keep a copy of your statement for future reference. Ideally, keep a photocopy/scanned copy of your signed statement as an exact record of what you have submitted.

If any oral evidence you are asked to give at a later date is significantly different from your written statement, this might affect your credibility.

Statements in different contexts

You’re under investigation.

You could be asked for a statement following an adverse incident at work that you were directly involved in. For example, you may have administered the wrong dosage of medication to a patient, or you’ve been accused of unprofessional behaviour.

If your conduct or practice is being questioned, then - provided you were a member at the time of the incident - we will check your statement for you.  Use our template  then please contact us  or complete our online form   to discuss arrangements for checking your statement before you hand it in.

Inquest/Coroner’s court

If you are asked to provide a statement for an  inquest or Coroner’s court   check your employer’s policy. You may be required to talk to management, or your employer’s solicitor, before speaking to the Coroner’s Office/officer. The policy should outline whether your employer will arrange representation for you to avoid incriminating yourself.

If there is a risk:

• of you being prosecuted in connection with a death,
• you may have contributed in some way to the death, or
• you are concerned your practice might be criticised,

contact us  or complete our online form  for advice prior to submitting or signing any statement.

We expect an employer to represent its employees at an inquest. However, in certain exceptional circumstances, we may provide support where:

• there is a clear conflict of interest between the member and other staff involved in the patient’s care (such as doctors or other healthcare professionals), where it would be difficult for the employer’s lawyer/s to represent all staff as well as the employer
• the employer is refusing to represent you, and we cannot persuade the employer otherwise (this includes if you are a witness).

If you are being asked to write a statement as a witness, please see our witness section below.

Civil and criminal proceedings

An employer may receive a complaint and request a statement about an incident which could result in a civil or criminal claim. This could include, for example, loss of property, personal injury or death following treatment. If you have been asked to prepare a statement in connection with any potential litigation/legal action (such as a medical negligence claim) against you or your employer, call us for advice before you submit your statement.

Police statement in criminal proceedings

It can be very frightening to be questioned by the police. If you are a suspect (for example, the police say that they will be interviewing you under caution) you should not answer questions or submit any statement until you have legal support.

If the incident is work-related, call us as soon as you can. If this is not possible (or the incident isn’t connected to your work) you must seek the support of the duty solicitor at the police station.

Read our advice on  police interviews .

If you have been asked to prepare a statement regarding an alleged criminal act carried out by another/ others, then assess the risk to yourself before you submit a statement. If you are concerned, contact us .

A note on cautions

Do not accept a police warning or caution before talking to an RCN legal adviser or duty solicitor. If you are receiving support from a duty solicitor, please also ask them about the possible implications for your registration.

Read more about cautions in our advice about  police interviews.

Witness statements

You could be asked to make a statement as an independent bystander or as a healthcare professional. For example, you may have witnessed bullying or poor practice. This could lead to formal proceedings against someone else and you may be required to attend a disciplinary or grievance hearing as a witness.

If there is no risk to you, we do not represent members attending a hearing as a witness, nor do we check statements before you give it to your employer. You should prepare your statement in line with this guidance and use our template (see above). Witness statement for the Coroners' court If you have been asked to submit a witness statement for Coroners’ court, your employers’ legal team should be supporting you. If you are concerned that your practice will be questioned or your employers’ legal team is not supporting you, please contact us  or complete our online form  for your statement to be checked.

Statements prepared for you

Sometimes your statement will be prepared by someone else in your workplace, for you to sign. This might have been prepared as a result of a meeting with you or by your manager.

If you disagree with any of the content do not sign and submit the statement. Return the statement to your employer clearly indicating the areas for amendment. Contact us  if you are concerned about what you’re being asked to sign, or have concerns about something you have already signed.

Further information

Gov.uk  (England and Wales)

Scottish Courts

Courts and Tribunal Service Northern Ireland

Labour Relations for Northern Ireland

Coroner’s Court for England and Wales

Coroner’s Court Northern Ireland

Procurator Fiscal Scotland

Nursing and Midwifery Council

General Medical Council

Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service

Ministry of Justice

Victim Support

Coroner's Court and Fatal Accident Inquiry

General statements

Read our advice  if you’ve been asked to attend a police interview due to a work-related incident.

Read our advice on medicines management, immunisation, revalidation,  practice standards and mental health.

Page last updated - 01/01/2024

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• United Kingdom

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Sparks Debate Over Plan to End ‘Sick Note Culture’

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for an end to Britain’s “sick note culture” in a speech on Friday morning.

Sunak made the announcement when discussing U.K. welfare reform , touching on how many people are being signed off work by doctors’ notes known locally as “ fit notes. ” He also set out plans to reduce the number of people turning to sick leave if the Conservative party is re-elected in the upcoming general election, which has to take place no later than Jan. 28, 2025. 

In a speech at the Centre for Social Justice in London, Sunak said there’s a "growing number of people who've become economically inactive," citing figures that have risen to 850,000 since the pandemic due to long term sickness. Sunak said “fully half” of these individuals say they have depression and anxiety. 

He has described his plan to reform the welfare system as a “moral mission,” adding the welfare state should help people back into work.

"I will never dismiss or downplay the illnesses people have," Sunak said, before adding that it would be wrong to accept the current "growing trend” of people using sick leave. He added that he believes “good work” improves mental and physical health and warned against the risk of “over medicalising” everyday hardship.  

A record high number of 2.8 million people are out of work as of February, according to the Office for National Statistics. NHS data showed that almost 11 million fit notes were issued last year in England, with 94% of those signed "not fit for work."

Sunak also said that the British taxpayer provides the safety net of welfare services and that the number of people unable to work is not “economically sustainable.” Sunak said the U.K. government spends £69 billion on benefits for people of working age with disabilities and health 

conditions, a figure he said exceeds schooling, transport, and policing budgets. 

“We don’t just need to change the sick note, we need to change the sick note culture so the default becomes what work you can do—not what you can’t,” he said. “I worry very much about benefits becoming a lifestyle choice.”

Rishi Sunak’s proposal for welfare reform

In his speech, Sunak said that if the Tories are re-elected, they will be “more ambitious” when assessing people’s potential to work and ensure employers make reasonable adjustments for employees.

He said the government will trial a system where "specialist work and health professionals" determine if a person requires a fit note, rather than doctors. His reform plan will require anyone working less than half the hours of a full-time work week to seek additional hours of work in return for benefits.

Sunak also said that anyone failing to comply with conditions outlined by a work coach, or accepting an available job, will lose their claim and have their welfare benefits “removed entirely.” 

He added that the government will crack down on fraud in the welfare system, and take a "more objective and rigorous approach" to Personal Independence Payments for those with mental ill health. 

How are experts reacting to Rishi Sunak’s welfare reform plans?

Sunak’s proposal invited swift criticism from medical bodies and professionals. Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of General Practitioners Committee England , the British Medical Association’s GP committee, said fit notes are “carefully considered” before they are issued, the Guardian reported citing PA Media. 

“We do recognise the health benefits of good work, and that most people do want to work, but when they are unwell, people need access to prompt care. With a waiting list of 7.5 million—not including for mental health problems—delays to diagnostics, and resulting pressures on GP practices, patients cannot get the treatment they need to be able to return to work,” Bramall-Stainer said. 

“So rather than pushing a hostile rhetoric on ‘sick note culture,’ perhaps the Prime Minister should focus on removing what is stopping patients from receiving the physical and mental healthcare they need, which in turn prevents them from going back to work.”

Meanwhile, James Taylor, the director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, described Sunak’s speech as “ a full scale assault on disabled people. ” 

In a series of posts shared on X, formerly Twitter, Taylor said: “Welfare is not 'lifestyle' choice. Supporting people who are long-term sick or [have a] disability financially, removing the threat of sanctions, and investing in public services is a choice. Think today the government is making the wrong choice.”

Taylor added that the charity has observed the inverse, with sick people returning to work too soon. “If [the government] is serious about economic inactivity then focus on building trust and voluntary support,” he argued.

How are politicians responding to Rishi Sunak’s welfare reforms?

Labour’s shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycook accused Rishi Sunak of seeking a “cheap headline” with his speech on sick note culture in an interview with Sky News . He said Britain’s National Health Service has been “on its knees after 14 years of Conservative government” leaving many on long-term sickness unable to get the treatment they need. 

“This announcement screams to me a government that, after 14 years, are out of ideas and out of time,” Pennycook said. “We’ve got to bring NHS waiting lists down. We got to do more on mental health support. We’ve also got to reform social security. We’ve got to make job centers work, provide people with real support, and make work pay.”

Meanwhile, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats party said Sunak’s plans marked “a desperate speech from a Prime Minister mired in sleaze and scandal,” the Guardian reported per PA Media. He added that Sunak is “attempting to blame the British people for his own government’s failures on the economy and the NHS, and it simply won’t wash.”

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Write to Armani Syed at [email protected]