Agenda for Change, introduced 20 years ago, was supposed to put an end to inconsistency and unfairness in how NHS staff are paid. But staff shortages and tight budgets mean many staff are now graded below the level of the work they’re doing. It’s time to modernise the system, says Rhys McKenzie.

Being made redundant or looking for work in later life can be an unsettling experience. Lucy Standing, co-founder of older workers support network Brave Starts, gives her tips on how to explore your options and boost your chances of finding the job you want.

Doctor, comedian, broadcaster, writer, health campaigner and politician manqué, Dr Phil Hammond is now drawing up a manifesto to rescue the NHS and boost the nation’s health. On the eve of a watershed general election for the UK, he spoke to Healthcare Manager’s Matt Ross.

ELECTION 2024:We look at four looming trouble spots you won’t hear much about in the campaign.

ELECTION 2024:We look at what the experts say about six key challenges facing the NHS: waiting lists, workforce, social care, reform, buildings and technology. Do Labour or the Conservatives have the policies to meet them?

ELECTION 2024:As polling day nears, Jon Restell and Rhys McKenzie set out MiP’s agenda for the next government: supporting the workforce, stabilising the health and care system, boosting productivity and giving managers freedom to do their jobs.

Under pressure from political demands and relentless organisational change, many board-level NHS managers are feeling the effects of burnout and contemplating leaving the NHS, according to MiP’s ’Sounding Board’ of senior members and the union’s evidence to the pay review body.

With ambitious plans but little money to spend, a Labour government will need the skills, nerve and insight of managers to make its promise of a ‘decade of renewal’ in the NHS a reality.

Meet Your Reps: Prince Obike works at the forefront of change in the NHS while supporting MiP members as a union MiP rep and National Committee member. He talks to us about his incredibly varied career and the real value of management jobs.

With the relentless upheaval in the NHS, voluntary redundancy may seem like a chance to get out while the going’s good. But not all schemes offer a good deal and government rules and tax policy can eat into your settlement.