How NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme Transformed My Career as a Military Spouse

By Morven McAvoy

For military spouse Morven McAvoy, balancing family life with her career during her husband’s deployment seemed like an impossible task. But through NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme (AFTP), Morven discovered new opportunities that transformed her professional and personal life.

The Challenge of Balancing Work and Life as a Military Spouse

Balancing a career with the demands of military family life isn’t easy. As a military spouse, I’ve had to juggle childcare, running a household, and supporting my husband through his deployments. Working as a receptionist and administrative assistant in the NHS initially suited my needs, with school-hour shifts allowing me to care for my children.

However, as my husband’s deployment drew closer, I realised this routine would no longer work. The practicalities of commuting to an office, managing childcare, and maintaining our home alone seemed insurmountable. I needed a solution that would fit the unique challenges of my family life.

The answer came when I joined NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme (AFTP) as an ambassador.

Discovering Opportunities through NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme

At an AFTP meeting, I learned about the wealth of career opportunities available across NHS Scotland. For the first time, I considered broadening my job search beyond NHS Lothian, where I was based. I also discovered that many roles, including those in Public Health Scotland (PHS), offered hybrid and remote working options. This advice was a game changer.

Encouraged by the AFTP team, I began exploring remote roles and upskilling opportunities. Shortly after, I applied for a PA/Administrator position at Public Health Scotland. I was thrilled to secure the role, and it marked the start of a transformational journey for my career and personal life.

Working remotely in my new position allowed me to achieve a much-needed balance between professional fulfilment and supporting my family. For the first time, I could be present for my children and maintain a career while my husband was deployed.

How NHS Scotland Supports Career Growth and Flexibility

The Armed Forces Talent Programme didn’t just provide me with immediate support; it opened the door to long-term career progression. Inspired by my experiences, I began considering how I could develop further within the NHS. When I heard about an internship for a Project Coordinator role through the AFTP, I didn’t hesitate to apply.

“The flexibility offered by hybrid roles has completely changed how I approach my career.”

This internship is giving me new skills, broader experience, and the confidence to progress in my career. Thanks to the AFTP, I now see a clear path forward, with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally within the NHS.

Why Hybrid Work Matters to Military Families

For military families, frequent relocations and unpredictable deployments often make it difficult to maintain a stable career. Hybrid work has emerged as a lifeline, allowing military spouses to balance their professional aspirations with the unique demands of military life.

One of the greatest advantages of hybrid and remote roles is the ability for military spouses to continue working, even when they need to relocate due to their partner’s new assignment. This means spouses don’t have to repeatedly start over in their careers, ensuring continuity, stability, and personal fulfilment.

For employers like NHS Scotland, offering hybrid opportunities is equally transformative. By embracing flexible working arrangements, organisations retain talented, qualified, and experienced employees who might otherwise have had to leave due to relocation. This not only saves the cost and time of recruiting and training new staff but also helps employers retain great employees who bring valuable skills and dedication to their roles.

NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme is a shining example of how forces-friendly employers can support military families while also building a resilient, loyal, and skilled workforce. It’s a win-win approach that empowers individuals and strengthens organisations alike.

Why NHS Scotland Stands Out as a Forces-Friendly Employer

NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme has made an incredible difference in my life. It’s not just a recruitment initiative; it’s a tailored support system that understands the unique needs of military families. From hybrid working opportunities to advice on career progression, the programme empowers military spouses like me to thrive in roles that work for us.

If you’re a military spouse searching for a supportive, flexible employer, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring what NHS Scotland has to offer. The AFTP gave me the tools and guidance I needed to transform my career—and it could do the same for you.

Want to learn more?

Want to learn how NHS Scotland can support military families like Morven’s? Explore NHS Scotland’s opportunities through the Armed Forces Talent Programme today.