The NHS Graduate Management Trainee Scheme supports trainees to develop the skills and capability to become leaders across the NHS. It is an intensive and challenging programme, combining high-value work, active learning and ongoing study – but you’ll also enjoy a rewarding start to your leadership career.
Pay and benefits have been carefully structured to give our trainees a great start to their NHS leadership journey. As well as a competitive starting salary, trainees enjoy a range of other benefits.
Pay and benefits
Competitive salary
You’ll receive a minimum starting salary of £30,277 on commencement, plus where applicable (dependant on the location of your placement) the NHS High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS).
This salary is calculated as 65% of the top spine point of a Band 6 salary as per the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates.
All trainees, subject to satisfactory probation evaluating the work placement and academic performance, will have the opportunity of a salary increase to £32,606 after 12 months.
Salary for current NHS employees
If you are currently an NHS employee earning more per annum than the starting salary stipulated above, you may be eligible to commence on a higher starting salary. Please note this and the annual 5% increases are up to a maximum 85% of the top spine point at band 6 salary, currently equating to £39,593 per annum on the 2025/26 pay rates.
Holiday
27 days annual leave increasing with length of NHS service (including reckonable NHS service if eligible), plus bank holidays.
Fully funded study package
Education is an important component of the NHS GMTS. You’ll study for at least one professional qualification during your time with us. There are no academic costs to trainees, the qualifications are fully funded.
Exceptional learning opportunities
Alongside the experience you’ll gain through your work placements and postgraduate academic study, you’ll also benefit from a rich programme of leadership and management training forming the basis of the Scheme education.
This includes three national leadership development conferences each year, where you’ll learn from NHS leaders, subject matter experts, and diverse voices from across the healthcare system.
You will also attend Action Learning Sets, to help you reflect on your work experiences in small groups.
Our education is co-designed with trainees, ensuring that learning is directly relevant to your placement experiences and the wider trainee journey. We’re committed to delivering development in innovative, engaging formats that support both your personal growth and your leadership potential.
“I think just seeing how many of us are all on the scheme together and how we could have such passionate and interesting conversations together in the talks and group discussions .. I think that highlighted how there is a great community on the GMTS (both past and present) who we can turn to, get advice from and also support which is really exciting going into the scheme.”
Tess, HA trainee
“I felt it gave a ‘fire in the belly’ for many trainees in the room to know that we can make a change and that the patient is at the forefront of everything.”
Emily, GM trainee
Network
A crucial benefit of the programme is the network you will be part of – not only with other trainees, but experts and leaders, HR and learning professionals as well as other key stakeholders in the programme. This provides a great opportunity to share insights and learn from each other, gaining knowledge about the wider organisation.
NHS Pension Scheme
We will automatically enrol you onto the highly regarded NHS Pension Scheme when you start with us in September. The amount you contribute to your pension is based on your pensionable earnings and you can opt-out of the scheme if you wish.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Programme is a 24 hours a day 7 days a week confidential service, which can support colleagues with a range of issues including relationships, stress, legal and financial concerns, bereavement and discrimination.
Access to Edenred
Edenred is part of the ‘mylifestyle’ portal. Mylifestyle gives you access to a wide range of discounts from holidays to restaurants and everyday brands. You will receive a link to the mylifestyle approximately eight weeks after joining.
Cycle to work
The Cycle2Work scheme is available through Halfords, Tredz and various independent retailers. It’s run via salary sacrifice, meaning you will pay less tax and National Insurance, allowing you to make savings of up to 47% on the cost of hiring a new bike and equipment. This is to the value of between £100 and £3,000. The scheme is available once you have completed your probation period.
Pay & Benefits FAQs
How much am I paid on the NHS GMTS?
You’ll receive a minimum starting salary of £30,277 on commencement, plus where applicable (dependant on the location of your placement) the NHS High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS).
If you are currently an NHS employee earning more per annum than the starting salary stipulated above, you may be eligible to commence on a higher starting salary. Please note this and the annual 5% increases are up to a maximum 85% of the top spine point at band 6 salary (currently equating to £39,593 per annum on the 25/26 Agenda for Change pay scale).
What salary can I expect to earn after the NHS GMTS?
The average salary earned by trainees in their first NHS role after completing the Scheme is around £44,000. This is an average figure and so some trainees earn more, some less dependant on the role they secure. You can expect possible future earnings of up to £90,000 as a Director or £100,000+ as an NHS Chief Executive.