Band 8 Mental Health Jobs in the NHS
Band 8 covers four sub-bands (8a through 8d) ranging from experienced specialists and small team leads to heads of department and associate directors. Applications at this level need a clear track record of impact: service improvement, governance, budget management, or advanced clinical expertise.
160 live vacancies at this grade · 77 NHS employers · salary £57,528 - £108,814
160
Open Positions
£36k - £98k
Salary Range
77
NHS Trusts
59
New This Week
What to expect from Band 8 Mental Health roles
Band 8 covers four sub-bands (8a through 8d) ranging from experienced specialists and small team leads to heads of department and associate directors. Applications at this level need a clear track record of impact: service improvement, governance, budget management, or advanced clinical expertise. For mental health candidates, this usually means matching the advertised responsibilities to your evidence before applying: the same band can cover different service settings, rota patterns, and levels of supervision across NHS employers.
Job Clerk is currently tracking 160 live band 8 mental health vacancies across 77 NHS employers. Use this page to compare the broad market, then narrow into a city page when you need local salary expectations, employers, and closing-date pressure.
Recent salary data for band 8 mental health roles ranges from about £35,879 to £97,746 per year, depending on employer, setting, rota pattern, and high-cost area supplements.
Band expectations
- Professional registration and advanced qualifications
- Extensive experience in specialist area
- Proven leadership and management track record
- Master's degree or equivalent (often required)
Role evidence to prepare
- Risk assessment, safety planning, and safeguarding decisions
- Care coordination and CPA (Care Programme Approach) management
- Delivering or supporting specific therapeutic interventions (CBT, DBT, family work)
- Mental Health Act assessments and knowledge (for approved roles)
Typical requirements
- Professional registration relevant to the role (NMC for nurses, HCPC for psychologists/OTs, Social Work England for social workers)
- Post-qualification experience in a mental health setting
- Specialist training relevant to the team or service (e.g. CBT, AMHP, approved clinician)
- Enhanced DBS with barred list check
Hiring locations
Current band 8 mental health demand is visible in London, London, Bedford, Manchester, and Exeter. Location pages help you compare local trusts, travel expectations, and live job counts before applying.
Employer mix
Recent listings include employers such as Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, East London NHS Foundation Trust, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Review each advert for the person specification, application method, and whether the post closes early after enough applications.
Band 8 Mental Health Jobs by City
Browse band 8 mental health jobs in the UK's biggest NHS hubs.
Where Band 8 Mental Health Roles Are Hiring
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Top NHS Employers
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust8 jobs
- Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust7 jobs
- East London NHS Foundation Trust7 jobs
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust6 jobs
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust5 jobs
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust5 jobs
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust4 jobs
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust4 jobs