When it’s time to go, is there anywhere for me to go? By Sue Holden (23 August 2023)

Summary

Leadership within the NHS has never been more critical. The need to support staff, remain resilient to the ongoing operational challenges create space to develop services which are locally responsive and inclusive are all pre-requisites for organisational success. However, for every leader there is also the need to know when it is time to move on, and the system can make that easier (or harder) to recognise and to act on.

In this blog for BMJ Leader, Aqua’s Chief Executive Sue Holden looks at the issues facing senior NHS leaders who are having to function in ever-changing structures and a shifting culture. She asks whether innovative approaches to roles and contracts would allow the NHS to retain their skills and experience, while allowing new leaders to come through to senior positions.