What's Next? Navigating Your Career After NHS Restructure
If you've spent years in an NHS England corporate or administrative role—managing programmes, operations, governance, finance, or any of the countless functions that keep the health service running—you know the weight of that work. You've navigated complexity, supported change, and often gone unnoticed while doing it.
Now, with the current NHS England redundancy affecting thousands of corporate and administrative professionals, you might be facing redundancy, at-risk consultations, or simply wondering: what comes next?
This isn't just about finding another job. It's about understanding what real support looks like, recognizing the value you've built, and discovering pathways that honour both your expertise and your wellbeing after redundancy.
Understanding the Current NHS Landscape
The NHS England redundancy situation is significant. Up to 18,000 management and administrative roles are being affected as the health service undergoes major organisational change. If you work in Programme/Project Management, Operations, Governance, HR, Finance, Communications, Data/Analytics, Transformation, or Commissioning support, you're likely navigating this uncertainty right now.
What's Happening:
Voluntary Redundancy (VR) schemes are now open for NHSE and CSU staff, with applications closing and decisions expected by mid-March 2026
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are beginning their own consultation processes
Redundancy packages are available based on service length, with no clawback if you move into non-health government roles
Pension implications need careful review before any decisions
Stress after restructure is real—and support is available
The restructure is real, but so is the support available—if you know where to look.
Real Support Options Available to You
Financial & Legal Support
Voluntary Redundancy Packages
If you're eligible, VR payments are calculated based on your service length under Agenda for Change Section 16. Senior roles may receive packages up to £160,000. Before accepting any offer:
Request a pension estimate from NHSBSA to understand the long-term impact
Review settlement agreements carefully—they differ from standard NHS Terms and Conditions
Consult your trade union (RCN, MiP, Unison) for independent advice
Understand re-employment restrictions (6 months for all staff; 12 months for senior managers or payments over £100k)
Settlement Agreements
These outline your exit terms and are legally binding. Don't sign without understanding the implications. Unions and employment law specialists can review these at no cost to members.
Union & Collective Support
Your trade union is your strongest ally right now. They offer:
Scheme reviews to ensure terms are fair
Collective bargaining to protect your interests
Emotional and practical support during the transition
Legal opinions if something doesn't feel right
Peer networks connecting you with others in similar situations
Contact your union representative immediately if you haven't already.
Mental Health & Wellbeing During Redundancy
Here's what often gets overlooked: your wellbeing matters as much as your next job.
You've been carrying the weight of change—restructures, budget pressures, organisational uncertainty. That takes a toll. Mental health during redundancy is a serious consideration, and addressing it early makes everything else easier.
Understanding Stress After Restructure
Stress after restructure is completely normal. You may experience:
Anxiety about financial security
Grief over losing your role or identity
Uncertainty about your future direction
Imposter syndrome when considering new careers
Sleep disruption or physical symptoms of stress
These are all valid responses to significant change. You're not alone—thousands of NHS professionals are navigating this right now.
Accessing Mental Health Support
Work wellbeing programme UK options available to you:
NHS Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Most NHS trusts offer free, confidential counselling (usually 6–8 sessions). Access this while you're still employed if possible.
Your GP – They can refer you to NHS talking therapies or counselling services
Union support – Many unions offer mental health resources and peer support groups
Charity support – Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and other charities offer free resources
Private therapy – If you have redundancy funds, investing in therapy can be valuable
Building Resilience & Purpose
Beyond crisis support, consider:
Peer support groups – Connect with others facing similar transitions
Coaching or mentoring – A professional coach can help you process change and plan your next steps
Mindfulness or wellbeing practices – Yoga, meditation, or exercise can help manage stress
Purpose-driven work UK – Exploring roles aligned with your values can rebuild motivation
Many people find that leaving NHS England what next becomes easier when they've addressed the emotional side first.
A Supportive Employer After Redundancy: What to Look For
As you explore leaving NHS England what next, consider what kind of employer environment will support your wellbeing and growth:
Red Flags to Avoid
High staff turnover or frequent restructures
Unclear career progression or development opportunities
Poor work-life balance expectations
Lack of mental health or wellbeing support
Unstable financial situation
Green Flags to Seek
Supportive employer after redundancy characteristics:
Clear values aligned with yours
Investment in staff development and training
Flexible working options
Genuine work wellbeing programme UK standards
Transparent communication and stability
Mentoring or coaching support
Peer support networks
Many growing sectors—including care and social enterprise—actively seek experienced NHS professionals and offer the stability and values-alignment you may be seeking.
Exploring New Opportunities: Purpose-Driven Work in Care
If you're open to exploring new sectors, the domiciliary care industry is experiencing significant growth and offers unique opportunities for experienced professionals seeking purpose-driven work UK.
Care businesses—particularly franchises—need strong operational, governance, and project management expertise. If you've managed complex NHS systems, you understand:
Regulatory compliance and quality assurance
Workforce management and training
Financial planning and resource allocation
Stakeholder communication and change management
Supporting vulnerable populations with dignity
These skills are directly applicable to care franchising, where you could:
Build something meaningful while supporting vulnerable people
Leverage your expertise in a sector that values it
Maintain stability through structured business models
Create autonomy as a franchise owner or senior manager
Find purpose-driven work that aligns with your values
Sylvian Care Franchising is an example of a well-established care business supporting franchisees with training, systems, and ongoing support—the kind of structured, values-driven environment many NHS professionals seek after leaving NHS England what next.
Your Action Plan: Next Steps
This Week
Contact your trade union if you haven't already
Request a pension estimate from NHSBSA
Review any redundancy or exit scheme documentation
Identify one person you trust to talk this through with
Access your NHS EAP if you need mental health support
This Month
Meet with a union representative or employment law specialist
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile
Identify 3–5 career pathways that interest you
Research support programmes (Now Teach, coaching certifications, etc.)
Schedule a career coaching session or mentoring conversation
Next 3 Months
Take a skills assessment or career coaching session
Explore volunteering or part-time work in a new sector
Build your network in your chosen field
Make a decision about your next chapter with confidence
Prioritise your wellbeing throughout the process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if I don't want to take voluntary redundancy?
A: You're not obligated to apply. However, if your role is at risk, understand your options early. Speak with your union about redeployment possibilities or other support available. Stress after restructure is real whether you leave or stay—prioritise your wellbeing either way.
Q: How much will my redundancy package be?
A: VR payments are calculated based on your service length under Agenda for Change Section 16. Request a specific estimate from your HR department or NHSBSA. Senior roles may receive higher packages. Understanding this is crucial for planning your wellbeing after redundancy.
Q: Will I lose my pension if I take redundancy?
A: Not necessarily, but pension implications vary. Request an estimate from NHSBSA before deciding. Your union can help you understand the long-term impact on your financial security and wellbeing.
Q: Can I work for another NHS organisation after taking redundancy?
A: Yes, but there are re-employment restrictions. You cannot return to the same NHS employer for 6 months (12 months if you're a senior manager or received a payment over £100k). Non-health government roles have no clawback.
Q: What if I'm in an ICB and haven't heard about redundancy yet?
A: ICB consultations are beginning now. Stay in touch with your union and HR for updates. The timeline is similar to NHSE/CSU (decisions by mid-March 2026, exits from mid-March onwards).
Q: How do I know if my skills transfer to other sectors?
A: NHS admin skills—organisation, communication, compliance, project management, stakeholder engagement—are highly valuable across sectors. Consider a career change NHS admin assessment or coaching session to identify your transferable strengths.
Q: Where can I find support for mental health during redundancy?
A: Access your NHS EAP immediately, contact your GP, reach out to your union, or explore charities like Mind. Mental health during redundancy is a priority—don't wait until you're in crisis to seek help.
Q: What does a supportive employer look like after NHS redundancy?
A: A supportive employer after redundancy invests in staff wellbeing, offers clear development opportunities, maintains stability, and aligns with your values. Look for organisations with genuine work wellbeing programme UK standards and transparent communication.
Q: Is there a better career in the healthcare sector for NHS admin professionals?
A: Absolutely. Private healthcare, health tech, health charities, and commissioning support all value NHS experience. A better career in healthcare sector often means similar work with better work-life balance, clearer progression, and stronger values alignment.
Q: How do I find purpose-driven work UK after leaving the NHS?
A: Reflect on what matters most to you—supporting vulnerable people, building something new, autonomy, impact. Purpose-driven work UK exists across sectors: care, charities, social enterprise, education, and more. Career coaching can help clarify your values and find aligned opportunities.
Q: What's leaving NHS England what next really like?
A: It's a transition that many find liberating once they've processed the grief and uncertainty. Leaving NHS England what next often leads to better work-life balance, clearer purpose, and stronger wellbeing—especially when you choose your next chapter intentionally rather than reactively.
Your Wellbeing Matters: Final Thoughts
NHS England redundancy is happening. Stress after restructure is real. But so is your resilience, your value, and your ability to shape what comes next.
You've spent years supporting the NHS. Now it's time to support yourself.
Whether you're exploring career change NHS admin, seeking purpose-driven work UK, or simply trying to navigate mental health during redundancy, remember:
Your wellbeing comes first
Your skills are valuable
Your next chapter can be better than the last
You don't have to figure this out alone
Ready to Explore Your Next Chapter?
If you're considering a move into care franchising or want to explore how your NHS expertise could create meaningful impact in a growing sector, Sylvian Care Franchising supports experienced professionals in building sustainable, values-driven care businesses.
Or, if you need immediate support:
Contact your trade union for legal and emotional support
Access your NHS EAP for mental health resources
Speak with a career coach to clarify your next steps
Connect with peer support through union networks or online communities
Your next chapter is waiting. You've got this.