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NHS new opportunity dilemma

8 replies

Workywork2 · 27/02/2023 10:42

Just want some advice on a current dilemma I have.
I am currently in a Band 5 administrative role within the NHS, I reach my first incremental next month.
I recently saw an advertisement for a Band 7 role within another Trust that encompasses a lot of what I currently do but isn't the support/administrative role that I currently do, there is a lot more scope for development.
I spoke to the person named on the advert last week who informed me they came from the same role I did and progressed into the role that is advertised.. she said the would very much welcome my application.
I have since applied and been shortlisted.
I know I am jumping the gun slightly but if I do get this job, there are a few things I do worry about.
In my current role I have a lot of flexibility as I am a single parent, I work flexibly with 3 on site and 2 at home and my daughter starts full time education this year which is where the flexibility will help.
Have been informed the new role is predominantly onsite but with some flexibility to wfh also.
I also have a current situation with my ex partner and family court/criminal proceedings which my current workplace is aware of and this allows some flexibility also.
The new role is almost double my salary which is where I am thinking "go for it"..
I just worry about having negotiate some of these things and wondered if I should just leave it?
I feel so bored in my current role, I feel I have reached the limit of the role and there is nowhere further for me to progress.

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MissHoneysHappyEnding · 27/02/2023 10:48

Hi! I would go for it. They'll expect of you for a 7 but it will be worth it. My trust is getting rid of home working for the majority but that might not be true for your trust. Could you ask for a compromise like one day at home? With the extra pay you could get some rock solid childcare like a nanny? Koru kids or similar have good candidates. Things will work out and if they don't then there is ALWAYS jobs in the NHS you can go back to. I've never seen so many band 5s go out to advert, when I started they were like gold dust.
Good luck and remember, every interview is good experience. Even if you don't get it, you can find out what you need to gain experience in to get the dream job.

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maxelly · 27/02/2023 10:58

Don't drop out! At least go for the interview and find out what flexibility there is and long-term the benefits of being in a role with more progression will more than outweigh any short term stresses. FWIW the vast majority of corporate B7 roles in the NHS have plenty of flexibility, I would have thought 2 days per week at home and some general flex around hours would be feasible - you might have to be prepared at least initially to be more flexible yourself e.g. to come on site more frequently but once you are settled in the role, if you have a good manager there's often a lot of trust to deliver the job in whatever hours and wherever you need to.

Also as per PP I would certainly mentally allocate at least some of the extra salary to additional childcare of some kind even if just to give you a bit more headspace for work in the short term, or to book her into after-school club when she starts regularly or similar?

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Workywork2 · 27/02/2023 11:32

Thank you for your comments :)
I do feel it would be a large step to what I am currently doing, but I did join the NHS from the private sector and have learnt very quickly.
I just don't want to do myself an injustice by thinking I can do a Band 7 role, but then I have been shortlisted so they must be interested!
Good idea re the additional childcare, my daughter does go to Nursery 5 days a week anyway so not a problem, I just pick up and drop off different times on WFH days.

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Napmum · 27/02/2023 11:46

If they offer you the role. You can negotiate some of this flexibility, such as two days WFH. Make sure you get in writing what they've agreed to before you formally accept the role.

Many managers are happy to give a bit of flexibility for the right person and the lower end of the salary range. You just have to ask and say what you definitely need and can not accept a role without.

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MissHoneysHappyEnding · 27/02/2023 12:31

I would consider both options. Should they offer you two days at home then that will be something. Although you're still going to need flexibility if you pick your child up from school in September, you will need childcare even if working from home.
If the role needs to be based in the office then you'll need to think about the commute and childcare.
Full disclosure, I was offered a band 5 in a different hospital. At present I work two afternoons from home to do school pick up. This role needed to be in the hospital Monday to Friday 9-5 and was further away. I just couldn't make it work. I couldn't find a breakfast club which started early enough. I'm sure you'll be fine, just be honest with yourself if you find it doesn't work for you or now isn't the right time. If you start now then you will be in an excellent position in autumn when you might need more flexibility.

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Chocolateyshakes · 27/02/2023 12:56

I'm in a B7 NHS role and very rarely go on site and there is lots of flexibility. They will be flexible for the right candidate.

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tealandteal · 27/02/2023 13:37

I would go for the interview, you may decide it’s not for you but it’s good experience and hopefully will give you that extra bit of confidence. No one knows what that specific Trust may want in terms of wfh so hopefully it will work out in your favour. Some Trusts are very pro wfh, some are not.

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Workywork2 · 27/02/2023 15:10

I think that's good idea, the experience to interview will be beneficial alone, let alone getting the job! so we'll see I guess.

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