New job (wage question, responsibility and request for flexible working)

[Amaterasux]

I was made redundant from a London Living Wage job in October (can't really work in the field I trained in due to disability).

I have been offered a new job in excess of 60k. The roles are pretty similar but I have lived experienced of what the new role is about.

However, is there going to be a huge increase in responsibilities though? I accept there will be some but I am just trying to visualise how much the increase would be. Can anyone give me some ideas please?

Also - is it fair to ask for flexible working before I even start? I did mention in the application that it was my preferred working method.

I think you need to talk us a bit more about the job and the difference in responsibilities before we can answer your first question.

As to the second question, is it a role that lends itself to b flexible working? Why didn't you bring that up at the interview stage?

Have you actually accepted the job offer? Because it seems a bit late to be thinking about these things if you have.

No, I haven't accepted - hence the questions.

Old job was looking after the professional registration for one of the Medical Colleges and redeveloping systems associated with professional registration.

New job is working to redevelop systems associated with reducing A and E attendance of frequent attenders

Oh, I was really nervous in the interview (I have a mental health condition hence the question on responsibilities). I don't want to end up drowning myself in work but I really love the look of the job.

Have a look at the JD closely and read between the lines. What are the key elements? What does being successful look like? I'm guessing the responsibility will be being judged on achieving metrics i.e. reduction in numbers over time, so setting out your realistic timescale for acheiving that in the beginning (and making sure seniors are on board).

My general opinion is that as long as you didn’t lie on your application, or during the interview, then they obviously think you are capable of doing the job.

It is unusual to have such a large jump in salary, but obviously we don’t know your history or qualifications so hard to comment really on that.

The job description really should tell you what the responsibilities will be, but for that salary you will be reasonably senior and so yes, I would expect the responsibilities to be greater than a minimum wage job.

However, that doesn’t mean flexible working would be rejected so you should definitely discuss this with them. It of course all depends on what kind of flexibility you would like.

Good luck in your new role- they obviously believe you can do it :)

Assuming the new job is nhs. That's like going from an NHS Band 3/4 to a Band 8a/b, I think (I'm not London so not entirely sure on London salary scales). That's a huge, and unusual, jump in responsibility (and pressure). But they've interviewed you, know your skills/strengths and decided you're the best person for the job

I do a similar role but in planned care, not unscheduled. Making and sustaining any kind of change in complex systems needs close collaboration with clinical teams who are basically just trying to keep their heads above water right now. You can't just develop a new system and expect them to implement it (done that, been there, got the scars!)

I think you need an open conversation with the appointing manager on the expectations of the role. Flexibility is usually pretty good in these type of roles but again. you need to discuss with the appointing officer.

Good luck in your new role!

Thank you very much everyone - I've looked through the job role again. I was a senior manager in the civil service, however, out of work stuff caused a huge deterioration in mental health and I ended up leaving.

It's just so hard to be able to try and calculate whether MH is going to be OK. I never want to be back where I was, but it's very, very unlikely the circumstances would happen again.

I need the flexible working to attend therapy two afternoons per week - perhaps I should point out that is why I am requesting it; but appreciate it has be business needs first.

There’s got to be more to this job than what you’re describing as the role you’ve mentioned doesn’t sound like a £60k a year role. (If it is then please can you put in a word with your new line manager??!!) It’s very difficult to advise without knowing the full job description.

Definitely a 60k role (just over).

It's Agenda for Change role if that makes any difference (still trying to work out what it all means)

Agenda for Change just means that anyone on a certain band doing whatever job will get the same pay (with London weighting if applicable) eg. I’m a top band 5 OT but I’ll get the same as a top band 5 business officer. Some people get narked off as they think that roles aren’t really comparable but it’s not them who make the rules, it’s those right up top. I’d guess you’re around 8B/8c? Just enjoy it, you’ve earned it.

The advert says it's a Band 8B position - however, it is below the salary listed here for that grade:

www.nhsemployers.org/publications/hcas-pay-scales-202021

Should I raise this? I am also not sure if it includes the London Inner Living Wage or not.

Thank you so much for all the help - I have a few days to make the decision.

We’ve just been given a pay award of 3% so does the amount you’ve been offered correlate with that? If not, then I would just speak to whoever offered you the position.

Anyone external normally starts at the bottom of the pay scale.

thanks again @BananaMilkshakeWithCream - Yes I am happy starting at the bottom of the payscale. It may be the 3% - I'll calculate now and see. Do they do bonuses too? I know Civil Service did pay rise and often a bonus but I cannot quite remember which circumstances we were awarded what.

Trying to get all my questions into one email so I am not going backwards and forwards.

I’d say it’s unlikely you’d receive a bonus unless you get to director level and even then I don’t really know to be honest. At my place, we get excited if the manager brings in some ice lollies when it’s boiling hot 🥵 ☀️ 😆 Last time I had a bonus was in the Civil Service before I went to uni.