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Staff working in strategic level management posts will have gained knowledge and experience in one or more areas, for example, in financial planning/budgeting, human resource (HR) planning or measuring quality/performance of certain services. Whatever the sector of management, gaining management qualifications while on-the-job will improve your career prospects and performance greatly and is encouraged in most healthcare organisations. Training will vary for each level of management.

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Although you could work your way up from administrative and supervisory roles in between bands 3-6, working in a strategic management role in the NHS your salary would typically be between AfC bands 8 and 9. There would be opportunities at director level, some of which would be on the Very Senior Managers pay scales, typically in excess of £100,000 per year. Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

To work in strategic management, you’ll typically need an ability to think strategically, good communication skills, leadership skills, organisational skills, a willingness to work with others and respect their views, a good level of numeracy, negotiating skills, the ability to challenge the way things are and find better alternatives, honesty and fairness in dealing with other people and a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare.

With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further into more senior managerial roles at director level.