Trusts respond to new pay framework for NHS leaders

Isabel Lawicka, director of policy and strategy, NHS Providers, said:

“It is vital that the NHS can attract and retain talented leaders. Pay is an important enabler of that.

“Trust leaders go to work every day determined to do their very best for patients and their local communities but the barriers many face as they try to deliver care are significant.

“Stretched finances, major workforce shortages, crumbling buildings, soaring demand, and deep-rooted health inequalities all have an impact on trusts’ ability to provide the best care.

“It is right that NHS trust leaders are held accountable for delivery and that where there are issues regarding performance, that these are addressed.

“There is a risk, however, that withholding trust leaders’ pay rises could lead to unintended consequences. At a time when health leaders should be working together to deliver the NHS’ huge transformation agenda, the focus should be on supporting, retaining and recruiting talented leaders.

“There are some positives in today’s announcement.

“Salary increases for leaders who take up jobs in the most challenged trusts are welcome and long overdue. Plans to give leaders the breathing space they need to turn around performance in challenged trusts are also welcome.

“This is more vital than ever as the government looks to launch and implement the 10-year health plan.

“As ever, the devil will be in the detail. Today’s announcement raises a number of questions including how these complex new pay arrangements will be implemented, the decision to link financial turnover to pay and the crucial role of trust boards in this process."