Working for PCN/No response to email

[MyJustLemonSheep]

Bit of a two-part question...

NHS Band 8a, been in the NHS 17 years. Currently off sick due to being expected to cover two full time roles for the past few months and it leading to massive burnout.

I've seen a role advertised that is the same grade and very similar to what I do now but not in my organisation. It is however working for a PCN - I know they can't employ people directly so unsure who the employer would be but also I don't know whether they normally adopt the same terms and conditions? It is advertised as an 8a role so would suggest they are using Agenda for Change.

Secondly, I emailed the person on the advert to ask some questions about the role including about the above. He initially had an out of office on but that's now been turned off yet I've had no response to my query. Bit stuck what to do really as his response will depend on me applying (maybe). Do I send a follow up or would that look pushy?

I say that but also not sure about taking the leap into a non-NHS organisation for peace of mind and less stress... worried about potentially losing my continuous service though! (Also not willing to lose leave, sick pay, etc. so that would be a dealbreaker)

Why not apply and ask the questions again if you get through to interview

I think I'll go ahead anyway but it's frustrating as I hate writing applications 😂

In my experience, PCN roles are usually employed by one 'host' GP practice or a GP Federation.

They are called ARRS roles (additional roles reimbursement scheme) and reflect agenda for change pay scales but don't always have the same T&Cs as AfC.

I don't think you will retain your length of service as Federations and Practices aren't under the banner of NHS employers.

Thanks - I'm familiar with ARRS roles (actually wrote a service evaluation of them last year) but hadn't realised this would also come under the umbrella. The guy I emailed seems to be the incumbent person in this role and his email came up as being hosted by a GP practice.

I guess it's a big risk to take re not having the continuous service but I can't carry on in my current role any longer. I know compulsory redundancy is pretty unlikely...

Apologies, I did make an assumption that it is an ARRS role - maybe it's not. Is it clinical?

I feel for you. I was recently made redundant from and NHS organisation and would have been screwed without my long service. I am now working for a GP federation and the relief is immense but it has only worked for me because of my redundancy payout.

I hope things work out - working in the NHS is never easy but it seems particularly bad at the moment 💐

@Woojihoon Thank you :) I've always been very resilient but it's been months of them reassuring me things will improve and then being told that actually nothing is going to change any time soon has pushed me over the edge!

It's a non-clinical managerial role, the job description mentions monitoring/managing ARRS related activities so whether this role is one I don't know.

My Trust doesn't have compulsory redundancy right now, only voluntary, but well aware that could change and I'd rather have 8.5 months of pay than 1 or none!