What is the salary for NHS mental health Band 8 roles?

NHS Band 8 is divided into sub-bands under the 2026/27 pay scale: 8a (£57,528-£64,750), 8b (£66,582-£77,368), 8c (£79,504-£91,609), and 8d (£94,356-£108,814). The wide range reflects the span from experienced specialist to associate director level.

What jobs are available at NHS mental health Band 8?

Band 8 roles include matrons, consultant practitioners, service managers, heads of department, associate directors, and specialist leads. These are the most senior clinical and managerial positions.

What jobs are available in NHS mental health services?

NHS mental health services employ mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, social workers, support workers, and many other professionals. Roles span community teams, inpatient wards, and specialist services.

What qualifications do I need for NHS mental health roles?

Requirements vary by role. Mental health nurses need a nursing degree and NMC registration. Psychologists need a doctorate and HCPC registration. Support workers may enter with relevant experience and complete training on the job.

Band 8 Mental Health Jobs in the NHS

1 live vacancies at this grade · 1 NHS employers · salary £57,528 - £108,814

Open Positions

£66k - £73k

Salary Range

NHS Trust

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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 1 live band 8 mental health vacancies across 1 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 £66,274 to £73,496 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. Location pages help you compare local trusts, travel expectations, and live job counts before applying.

Employer mix

Recent listings include employers such as East London 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.

Band 8 Mental Health in London

Where Band 8 Mental Health Roles Are Hiring

London, London1 jobs

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Top NHS Employers

East London NHS Foundation Trust
1 job

Frequently Asked Questions

Band 8 Mental Health Jobs in the NHS

1 live vacancies at this grade · 1 NHS employers · salary £57,528 - £108,814

What to expect from Band 8 Mental Health roles

Recent salary data for band 8 mental health roles ranges from about £66,274 to £73,496 per year, depending on employer, setting, rota pattern, and high-cost area supplements.