NHS Band 8a interview

[NorthAngel]

Hi,

I have a band 8a assessment and interview coming up next week so after a bit of info if anyone knows anything. Are band 8a interview questions more managerial based rather than technical or does it tend to be a bit of both? And, has anyone been through an assessment before? I have to go to an assessment centre first and I have no idea what to expect (it wasn’t in the job advert)?

It is a role back within my own profession so I’m keen to get it. I’ve worked at band 7 level before in the profession with many years as a band 6. I ended up leaving due to a complication of the pandemic as I’d taken on a job far away (with the intention of moving) but plans went crazy when the kids were out of school and my marriage deteriorated. My current role is a 7 but we have an inadequate band 8 who does very little and was put on gardener’s leave for 6 months recently. I checked the band 8a job description and it is almost exactly what my current band 7 role is as far as a management role goes.

Anyone a band 8 who could give me some tips?

Anyone?

I don’t think there’s much difference between a band 7 or 8a. 8a may have more technical skills for example or a bigger budget to manage and a more strategic role whereas band 7 is more day to day operational.

Is it a clinical post?

It’s a pathology post.

I’m an 8a but not in a clinical post. My questions were quite focused on strategic thinking, management style and leadership and that is the bulk of my job.

I manage 7s who each have their own teams. The other part of my job is providing expertise/guidance to others but I work more at the political interface of the NHS.