What we do

NHS Employers is the employers’ organisation for the NHS in England. We help employers to develop a sustainable workforce, improve staff experience and be the best employers they can be.   

Our practical resources and expert insights help make sense of current and emerging healthcare issues, to keep employers up to date with the latest thinking and ensure they are informed and equipped to support the NHS workforce.   

We generate opportunities to network and share knowledge and we actively seek the views of workforce leaders to make sure their voice is front and centre of health policy and practice.  

We also lead the national collective relationships with trade unions on behalf of the NHS and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The image below highlights how we divide our work internally into three areas and identifies which of our work programmes fall under each one.

Employment relations and reward

We provide employers with the latest information, guidance and practical resources on national NHS pay and pensions, including advice on how to implement and communicate a focused and effective total reward approach. We manage the negotiations between the government and unions that underpin the pay and terms and conditions of all NHS staff.

Development and employment

We provide support to the NHS across all aspects of employment to help improve the effectiveness and assurance of the workforce. We promote patient care through effectiveness organisational development, employment practice and staff experience.

National engagement service

We connect HR directors through our regional networks to share learning, local developments and best practice and provide a national perspective across healthcare.

We highlight opportunities where the HRD community can influence and shape national policy, and we also support the regional Social Partnership Forums, where we bring together system leaders, employers and trade unions to discuss the implications of policy on the NHS workforce.