NHS Jobs Supporting Information Examples (Bands 2-5)

The supporting information box on an NHS application is usually where shortlisting is decided. Below are NHS jobs supporting information examples for Band 2 to Band 5 roles, plus a simple method for matching each person specification criterion to evidence from your own experience.

The examples are illustrations, not scripts. Copying them word for word won't help, because shortlisters want to see your evidence. Use them to see the structure, then fill it with what you have actually done.

How NHS shortlisting usually works

Most NHS adverts on NHS Jobs come with a job description and a person specification. The person specification lists criteria, often split into essential and desirable, under headings such as qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge, and personal qualities.

Shortlisters typically score your application against those criteria. Exact processes vary between trusts, but the practical point is the same everywhere: if a criterion isn't clearly evidenced in your application, the person scoring it may not be able to give you credit for it, even if you meet it in real life.

That's why a general 'I am hardworking and passionate' statement tends to underperform. It doesn't map to anything on the scoring sheet.

Check the advert for:

• Any word or character limit on the supporting information box
• Whether the person spec says how each criterion is assessed (application, interview, test)
• Whether you're asked to address criteria in order or use specific headings

If the advert gives instructions, follow them over anything in this post.

Step 1: Build an evidence grid before you write

Open the person specification and make a simple table. One row per criterion, focusing first on anything marked 'application form' as the assessment method.

Criterion (from person spec)	Essential/Desirable	My evidence (what, where, when)	Result or outcome
Experience of working with the public	Essential	2 years at a pharmacy counter, Boots, 2022-2024	Handled queries and complaints, referred to pharmacist when needed
Good IT skills	Essential	Daily use of EPOS, Excel rotas, email	Built weekly staff rota spreadsheet
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent	Desirable	Not yet	Leave out or mention honestly if enrolled

Rules for the grid:

1. Use real examples only. If you don't have evidence for a criterion, don't invent it. Transferable experience from retail, care, hospitality, volunteering or caring for a family member is often relevant and fair to use.
2. Be specific. Name the setting, your role and roughly when.
3. Note the outcome. What changed because of what you did?

For more on pulling the right terms out of an advert, see how to find keywords in a job description.

Step 2: Write criterion by criterion

A structure that shortlisters can scan quickly:

• Heading using the criterion's wording (for example, 'Experience of working in a healthcare setting')
• One to three sentences of evidence in a mini STAR format: situation, what you did, result
• Link to the role in a short final line where it adds something

Mirroring the person spec's wording is fine and helpful, as long as the evidence underneath is true. Our guide on how to write a supporting statement covers opening and closing paragraphs in more detail.

NHS jobs supporting information examples by band

These examples are invented to show structure. Replace every detail with your own.

Band 2: Healthcare Support Worker or Domestic Assistant

Band 2 person specs often focus on communication, reliability, willingness to learn and personal qualities like compassion. Formal healthcare experience may not be essential.

Ability to communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds In my role as a cashier at a busy supermarket (2021-present), I speak with hundreds of customers each week, including older customers and people whose first language isn't English. When a customer is confused or upset, I slow down, check they've understood and ask a supervisor for help if needed. I would bring this patience to supporting patients and their families.

Willingness to undertake training I completed my employer's food hygiene and manual handling training in 2023 and am happy to complete the Care Certificate and any mandatory training required.

Notice the second example doesn't claim healthcare qualifications. It shows willingness with real evidence of past training.

Band 3: Administrator, Ward Clerk or Senior HCA

Band 3 criteria often add some relevant experience, organisational skills, IT and sometimes a Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience of maintaining accurate records As a receptionist at a GP practice (2022-2024), I booked appointments and updated patient contact details on the clinical system. I double-checked identity using two identifiers before making changes and flagged duplicate records to the practice manager, who arranged for them to be merged.

Understanding of confidentiality I followed the practice's information governance policy, completed annual data security training and made sure screens were locked and conversations about patients happened away from the waiting area.

Band 4: Assistant Practitioner, Medical Secretary or Team Administrator

Band 4 usually expects more independence: managing your own workload, supporting others and sometimes a foundation degree, Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience.

Ability to prioritise a varied workload with minimal supervision As a medical secretary for two consultants (2021-present), I manage clinic letters, typing and patient queries. Each morning I review urgent referrals first, then work through routine letters against our turnaround target. When leave left the team short, I agreed a temporary system with my manager so urgent letters were still sent the same day.

Experience of supporting or training colleagues (desirable) I have shown three new starters how to use the dictation system and wrote a one-page guide that the team still uses.

Band 5: Newly Qualified Nurse, AHP or Administration Officer

For registered roles, Band 5 criteria normally include professional registration (or eligibility for it), clinical knowledge, and evidence of reflective practice. For non-clinical Band 5 roles, expect more project, analysis or supervisory work.

Evidence of delivering person-centred care During my final placement on a respiratory ward, I cared for a patient anxious about going home on oxygen. With my practice assessor's support, I arranged for the family to attend a teaching session and gave written information in large print. The patient told staff they felt more confident about discharge.

Commitment to continuing professional development I keep a reflective log and have completed additional e-learning on sepsis recognition. I'm keen to complete the trust's preceptorship programme.

If you're newly qualified, placement and student evidence is valid. Say clearly that it was during training rather than implying independent practice.

Show the NHS values, with evidence

Many trusts assess values alongside skills. The NHS Constitution for England sets out values including working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives and everyone counts. Individual trusts often have their own versions too, so check the trust's website.

Don't just list values. Attach one to an example:

• Weak: 'I am compassionate and treat everyone with dignity.'
• Stronger: 'When a resident with dementia became distressed during personal care, I stopped, sat with her and waited until she was calm before continuing. I recorded what helped so colleagues could use the same approach.'

Common mistakes to avoid

• Pasting your CV into the box. Supporting information should map to criteria, not repeat your work history.
• Ignoring essential criteria. Address every essential criterion assessed at application, even briefly.
• Overclaiming. Saying you 'led' something you assisted with can unravel at interview or reference stage. See how to tailor a CV without lying for where the line sits.
• Generic copying. Reusing one statement for every trust rarely matches each person spec closely.
• Unexplained abbreviations. Write terms in full the first time.
• Gaps left hanging. If you have a career break, a short honest line is usually better than silence.

Before submitting, you can paste the person specification and your draft into the QuickApplyPilot CV checker to see which criteria terms are missing. Its score is our own estimate of keyword overlap, not the score an NHS shortlister or NHS Jobs gives you, so treat it as a prompt to check your evidence rather than a verdict.

Quick checklist before you submit

1. Every essential criterion assessed at application has a heading or clear sentence
2. Each claim has a setting, an action and, where possible, a result
3. Desirable criteria you genuinely meet are included
4. Nothing is exaggerated or invented
5. You're within any word or character limit
6. Spelling, grammar and the trust name are correct
7. You've saved a copy, because you'll want it for interview preparation

If you're shortlisted, the panel may ask about the examples you wrote. Practising them as fuller STAR answers with our interview preparation tool or out loud with a friend can help.

Notes for applicants outside England

• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: NHS Scotland, NHS Wales and Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland use their own recruitment sites and processes in places. The person specification approach is broadly similar, but read each advert's instructions.
• Nigeria and other international applicants: Overseas experience counts, so explain your setting clearly (for example, the type of hospital and patient numbers if you know them accurately). Professional roles may require UK registration, such as with the NMC or HCPC, and you may need a visa. Check the official Health and Care Worker visa guidance and the relevant regulator directly; this post is general information, not immigration advice.
• US, Canada and Australia: If you're used to resumes or selection criteria responses, the closest equivalent is the Australian public sector 'selection criteria' style. The NHS version is similar in spirit: evidence against stated criteria, in plain British English.

Good supporting information won't guarantee an interview, but matching each criterion to honest, specific evidence gives shortlisters what they need to score you fairly.