New research has revealed that more than half (59%) of those in the NHS joined the service to make a positive difference to the lives of others and 47% have been involved in their local community since they started their career.
The survey, carried out by Opinion Matters and commissioned by public sector and civil service membership club Boundless, painted a picture of public service workers as not only serving the country with distinction but also being the cornerstone of communities.
The survey also revealed that the challenges everyone faced since March 2020 have brought communities together and made Britain feel more united as a society. Nearly a third of us (28%) think the effect of the pandemic has seen a sense of community grow.
And it was the UK’s healthcare professionals, police officers and teachers who helped the nation through the difficult times.
Other statistics included:
- 22% of those in the NHS have looked after their neighbours during their career
- More a third (31%) of NHS workers say their workplace gives them a sense of community spirit
Darren Milton at Boundless said: “Community spirit is clearly alive and well and growing across the country with our healthcare workers and other public servants at the very heart of it.
“People in public service roles routinely go the extra mile. In fact, the survey also revealed that more than half, 59%, of NHS workers joined up specifically because they wanted to make a positive difference to the lives of others.”
That community spirit carries over into their personal lives, too, with 47% of those from across the NHS working voluntarily, helping neighbours and devoting time to charitable initiatives – a revelation that makes Public Service Day on Thursday 23 June even more poignant.
Public Service Day was officially launched by the United Nations in 2003. Boundless began campaigning in 2019 for more national recognition and support for those working in the sector.
For more information on Public Service Day, plus inspirational stories and tips on how to get involved, please visit www.boundless.co.uk/psd and engage on social media with @bemoreboundless using the hashtags #ExtraordinaryPeople and #PublicServiceDay.
