Resigning from your NHS job requires a few key steps to ensure a smooth and professional departure. You'll need to check your employment contract for your specific notice period, write a formal resignation letter to your line manager, and cooperate with a handover plan. Handling your resignation correctly helps you leave on positive terms, which is important in a close-knit sector like the NHS.
Before you hand in your notice
The decision to leave a job is a big one. Once you've made up your mind, a little preparation can make the process much less stressful. Before you take any action, take a moment to get your key information in order.
Check your contract and notice period
Your contract of employment is the first place you should look. It contains the legal details of your role, including your specific notice period. This is the amount of time you must continue to work between the day you resign and your final day of employment.
Notice periods vary across the NHS and depend on your role, band, and length of service. For many Agenda for Change (AfC) roles, it’s typically one month, but for senior clinical or managerial staff, it can be three months or even longer. Don't rely on what a colleague tells you; check your own contract to be certain.
Calculate your remaining annual leave
You will need to know how much annual leave you have left. If you have unused leave accrued, you have two options:
- Request to take it during your notice period.
- Receive payment for it in your final payslip.
Conversely, if you've taken more leave than you've accrued for the year so far, your employer may deduct the difference from your final pay. It’s wise to calculate this in advance to avoid any surprises. You can use our NHS annual leave calculator to get a clear picture of where you stand.
Secure your next role first
It’s almost always better to have a new job offer confirmed in writing before you resign from your current one. NHS pre-employment checks can be lengthy, often taking 6-12 weeks from interview to start date. These checks include references, a DBS check, occupational health clearance, and proof of your right to work.
Waiting until you have an unconditional offer or a confirmed start date provides security and avoids a potentially stressful gap between jobs.
How to write your NHS resignation letter
Your resignation letter is a formal document that officially notifies your employer you are leaving. It should be professional, concise, and positive. This isn’t the place to air grievances; that’s what an exit interview is for.
Even if you tell your manager in person, you must follow it up in writing. This creates a clear record of when you gave your notice and what your agreed final day will be.
What to include in your letter
Your letter only needs to contain a few key pieces of information:
- Your details (name, job title).
- The date you are writing the letter.
- The person you are addressing it to (usually your line manager).
- A clear, direct statement that you are resigning.
- Your intended last day of employment, based on your contractual notice period.
- A brief, polite closing statement. You could thank your manager for the opportunity or wish the team well.
- Your signature.
Keep it simple and to the point. There is no need to go into detail about why you are leaving unless you want to. A positive and gracious tone will help ensure you leave on good terms and receive a strong reference in the future.
NHS resignation letter templates
You can adapt these templates to suit your own circumstances. Remember to replace the bracketed information with your own details.
Template 1: Simple and formal
This template is perfect for a straightforward, professional resignation.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Your Manager's Name]
[Your Manager's Job Title]
[Your Trust/Organisation Name]
[Work Address]
Dear [Manager's Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Your Trust/Organisation Name].
As per my contract of employment, my notice period is [e.g., four weeks / one month]. My final day of employment will be [Your Last Day].
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work here for the past [Number] years. I wish you and the team all the best for the future.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 2: Warm and detailed
This template is a good choice if you have a strong relationship with your manager and want to leave a more personal note.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Your Manager's Name]
[Your Manager's Job Title]
[Your Trust/Organisation Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from the role of [Your Job Title]. My last day of employment will be [Your Last Day], in line with my contractual notice period of [Number] weeks.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at [Your Trust/Organisation Name] and I am very grateful for the opportunities you have given me. I have particularly valued [mention something specific, e.g., the chance to develop my skills in cardiology, the supportive team environment, the training I received].
I want to thank you for your support and guidance during my time here. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth and orderly handover of my responsibilities before I leave.
I wish you, the team, and the organisation every success in the future.
With best wishes,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Working your notice period
Once you've handed in your notice, your focus should be on finishing well. The NHS is a large employer, but it can feel like a small world. The reputation you build for being professional and reliable will follow you throughout your career.
The handover
Work with your manager to create a handover plan. This might involve:
- Finishing any urgent projects or tasks.
- Creating clear notes on your current work and responsibilities.
- Organising your files so they are easy for your successor to find.
- Training a colleague to cover your duties in the interim.
A thorough handover shows respect for your colleagues and a commitment to patient care, right up to your last day.
Taking annual leave during your notice
You can request to use your remaining annual leave during your notice period. However, your manager has the final say. They have to balance your request with the operational needs of the service, especially if it’s a busy period or your departure will leave the team short-staffed. If it isn't possible to take the leave, it must be paid to you in your final salary.
Here’s a worked example:
A Band 5 nurse working 30 hours a week has been in the NHS for six years. They have a notice period of four weeks and have 60 hours of annual leave remaining. They agree with their manager to take 30 hours (four 7.5-hour shifts) of leave during their notice period. The remaining 30 hours will be added to their final payslip.
Your final days and beyond
As your time comes to an end, there are a few final administrative tasks to complete.
The exit interview
Most NHS trusts will invite you to an exit interview, often with a member of the HR team. This is a confidential conversation where you can provide feedback on your experience working for the organisation. It's usually voluntary, but it’s a valuable opportunity to share constructive thoughts that could help improve the workplace for others. Be honest, but remain professional and avoid personal complaints.
Returning NHS property
Before you leave, you’ll need to return all company property. Make a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything. This typically includes:
- Your NHS ID badge and smartcard.
- Any laptops, mobile phones, or other electronic devices.
- Uniforms.
- Keys and access fobs.
- Parking permits.
Final pay and P45
Your final payslip may look different from your usual one. It will include your pay for your final working days, plus payment for any untaken, accrued annual leave. It may also include deductions if you've taken too much leave or have outstanding payments for things like a lease car scheme.
Check it carefully and contact your payroll department if you have any questions. You will also be issued with a P45 form after you leave, which you will need for your next employer.
Key takeaways
- Check your contract: Before you do anything else, confirm your contractual notice period.
- Write it down: Always submit a formal, written resignation letter, even if you first tell your manager verbally.
- Keep it professional: Your letter should be concise, positive, and to the point. Avoid negativity or lengthy explanations.
- Plan your leave: Calculate your remaining annual leave and agree with your manager whether you will take it or be paid for it.
- Work constructively: Use your notice period to ensure a smooth handover of your duties. Don't burn your bridges.
- Complete the admin: Participate in an exit interview, return all NHS property, and check your final payslip carefully.