# Band 8 Mental Health Jobs in the NHS

> Band 8 mental health job landing page from Job Clerk.

## Canonical URLs

- **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/jobs/mental-health/band-8
- **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/jobs/mental-health/band-8.md

## Live Market Snapshot

- **Live vacancies:** 120
- **NHS employers:** 57
- **New vacancies this week:** 58
- **Filter scope:** Scoped to Band 8 and Mental Health.
- **Observed salary range:** GBP 26,509 to GBP 97,338

## Role Summary

Mental health nurse jobs make up the largest share of NHS mental health vacancies, spanning community teams, inpatient wards, crisis services, and specialist settings like forensic or eating disorder units. This page also covers psychologists, psychiatrists, OTs, social workers, support workers, and peer support staff working in mental health services. The profession and band determine entry requirements, pay, and scope.

## Typical Responsibilities

- 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)
- De-escalation, restraint reduction, and trauma-informed practice
- Caseload management and triage in community or crisis settings
- Supervision, reflective practice, and supporting team wellbeing

## 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

## Employers Hiring

- East London NHS Foundation Trust (6 jobs)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (6 jobs)
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (5 jobs)
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (5 jobs)
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (5 jobs)
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust (5 jobs)
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (5 jobs)
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (4 jobs)

## Locations Hiring

- London, London (12 jobs)
- Oxford, South East (3 jobs)
- Milton Keynes, London (3 jobs)
- Leeds, North East and Yorkshire (3 jobs)
- Welwyn Garden City, East of England (3 jobs)
- Birmingham, Midlands (3 jobs)
- Bedford, London (3 jobs)
- Exeter, South West (2 jobs)
- Stockport, North West (2 jobs)
- Fulbourn, Cambridge, East of England (2 jobs)
- Rochdale, North West (2 jobs)
- Plymouth, South West (2 jobs)

## Grade Context

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. Salary guidance: £57,528 - £108,814.

## Grade Requirements

Professional registration and advanced qualifications

Extensive experience in specialist area

Proven leadership and management track record

Master's degree or equivalent (often required)

Strategic thinking and service development experience

## FAQs

### What is the salary for NHS 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 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 is the difference between Band 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d?

Band 8a includes experienced specialists and small team leads. 8b covers larger team/service leads. 8c includes heads of department and senior specialists. 8d covers associate directors and most senior clinical roles.

### 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.

### How much do NHS mental health professionals earn?

Salaries vary by profession and band under the 2026/27 pay scale. Mental health nurses typically work at Band 5-7 (£32,000-£57,000). Psychologists work at Band 7-8 (£49,000-£109,000). Support workers work at Band 2-4 (£25,000-£31,000).

## Agent Notes

- This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk SEO landing-page data as the HTML page.
- Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references.
- Live job counts change as source NHS adverts open and close.