NHS Band 8 + (non-clinical) - what's it like?

[tvod2244]

I am currently NHS Band 7 (non-clinical) and have always been aspirational. I've heard "mixed reviews" from a range of people who are Band 8a, b, c, d and upwards as to what going up the Bands is really like, in terms of workload, responsibility and what is expected of you.

On the whole they have all alluded to it being expected that they totally commit themselves and their spare time to the job. They will be on meetings and doing emails all hours of the day and night and at weekends.

I guess really what I'm asking is if the remuneration of these posts are worth the cost? What are the pro's and cons of working to this level?

Thanks in advance xx

Hi there, I can only speak from my experience and those around me and yes the hours are long without additional pay (10-12 hours a day). Mostly stressful and frustrating and very political at times. Other times very rewarding in terms of writing strategy and making sure it’s implemented properly. I have a lot of mummy guilt and I am leaving my current role in the hope that the next NHS organisation can offer more in the way of work life balance. If not I’ll be looking at b7 roles for better quality of life, whilst a single parent and every penny helps, I’m not prepared to continue to flog myself to death, be exhausted all the time and not enjoy my daughter

I’m an 8b and about to apply for an 8c

said goodbye to overtime a while ago but I am on call and do get paid for that.

It is consuming and I have to work very hard but not stupid hours.

certainly don’t need to give up my weekends, that starts around 8d and upwards and only then if there’s a situation that needs dealing with

I am currently B6 NHS, but have experience of B7 post and have “Acted Up” for a B8b. A new role of B8b has come up in a different area but thinking of going for it. The role is directorate manager. I hold all of the requirements bar budget management as it’s just not needed in my department - any advice on what I can do to familiarise myself with this?

I have recently started a B7 (non clinical) role with NHS. formerly a B6 (non clinical).
Not much different between these roles from what I can gather, just more accountability.
I think the real difference is when you get into 8a + territory where you are accountable for services and performance. Eventually I would like an 8A role but not whilst I have young children. I already have awful mum guilt working full time at B6 and B7 level, and don't want to sacrifice my limited family time more than i am already.

Thought I’d come back to this thread and update

i am now an 8c and it is a challenge!

being out of my comfort zone means I am learning lots and am working longer hours.

have you taken part in any nhs leadership courses wingbingo? Any top tips that you’d be willing to share? I’m currently a B7.

Really not worth the money

Just realise that the more hours you work, the less you're getting paid.

Also the more work outside of your contract you do the more it covers up the fact that too much work is expected for the post, regardless of pay.

Used to be an 8a non clinical role, it was the worst job I've ever had, the people have their head in the clouds, it is not the real world.

i am now 8 weeks in to my B7 role (from being B6) both non-clinical management roles.... it is certainly challenging but i think the dept i have moved too is quite behind in the times, and resistant to change. I'm not sure the structure is right either i think they've done the typical "throw another 8a and 7 in" rather than investing in the B5-B6 leadership roles that can really drive change and improvement within the teams and services, and linking in with over-arching higher management (8a) who has general oversight.

but i'm not going to say anything and talk myself out of a job! just keeping my eyes out for another 7 in another area.

Don't worry just nod at everyone and say I'll get back to you constantly whilst clinical staff you manage burn on the nhs pyre. That's what my band 8 and up managers do.

Correct

I'm a band 8c non clinical role and my job is amazing. Very specialised and took a lot of training but it's now pretty great. Flexible, interesting, challenging and in my view, well paid for what I do. It goes through periods of being very full on and busy depending on what's happening but much of the time it's business as usual and not too stressful. So not every role at that level involves selling your soul!

I'm about to take a band 7 role, coming from outside of the NHS, it will be my first experience of working in a health board. This is a huge leap for me career wise. Any tips or words or wisdom?

8c here, having worked in clinical roles from band 2 - 8b and non-clinical from 8a - 8c. It varies massively depending on role and department. Non-clinical operational roles (SM/GM) can be hugely demanding, evening and weekend work expected, highly stressful and to be honest really underappreciated in comparison to clinical roles. You have to get used to being regarded as overpaid and underworked even though really the opposite is true along with the rest of the NHS! On the other hand less operational roles have a much better work life balance, eg. QI, strategy etc. Then within different organisations and even different services within the same organisation you can again have completely varied experiences. But every role I've had I've learned something and it's been entirely expected and even encouraged that I would move on every 18-24 months, so even if it's not for you then you can try something else. Good luck!