Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

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  1. Public health consultants and specialists

    Public health specialists and consultants help people and communities maximise their potential for a healthy, happy and productive life, so they can live healthier for longer. 

    The main entry route is to complete specialty training in public health. You’ll usually need a medical degree, an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 grade or higher, or a Master’s degree or PhD. Eligibility criteria are updated annually and can be found on Health Education England's specialty recruitment website. Training typically takes five years which usually includes one year on an academic course, and two years in specialty training posts.
    Hours of work are usually 37.5 per week, although you may also be asked to attend evening meetings or events. As a specialist working at consultant level in the NHS, your salary will be between £84,559 and £114,003. If you choose specialty training as a route to consultant level, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £39,467 during your training.
    You'll be flexible to cope with multiple and changing demands, meet tight deadlines and have a high level of intellectual skill. You'll have political awareness as well as an ability be tactful and diplomatic and be able to advise, challenge, advocate and influence. You'll be able to understand other cultures and work across organisational boundaries.
    You could specialise or conduct research in areas such as dental public health, infectious diseases and hazards (epidemiology) or health improvement, teach public health students or postgraduate students in training or progress to a strategic or leadership position.
  2. Hotel services management

    Hotel services managers are a vital part of the hospital team, ensuring the smooth running of the range of hotel services so that our patients' stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

    You could enter hotel services management by working your way up through a relevant apprenticeship (eg business administration), or with a level 3 qualification or relevant experience from another sector. Qualifications in hospitality and related topics are available from organisations including City and Guilds, Institute of Hospitality, Edexcel and BTEC. Foundation degrees, higher awards and degree programmes are offered by several universities.
    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. Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Your career in NHS hotel services management could start at AfC band 3 working in a supervisory role. Managerial positions could range from AfC band 5 upwards and the most senior roles rising to Band 7 for example, as a hotel services manager. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    To work in hotel services management, you’ll typically need effective business acumen, attention to detail, good communication skills, leadership skills , organisational skills, a willingness to work with others and respect their views, a good level of numeracy and computer literacy, 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 – in particular within operational and estates management.
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