BDA support: Closure of NHS England
The Government has confirmed the abolition of NHS England and a reduction in its central workforce. As your trade union, we are here to support any member affected by these changes.
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What we know so far
On 13 March 2025, the Government announced the abolition of NHS England (NHSE). There are very few details about how this reform is going to play out at this stage. It appears that NHS England’s functions will be merged into the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), with a loss of NHS England staff as this process happens. It has been indicated that this may involve a 50% reduction in the numbers currently employed by NHS England and the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). It is possible that there will be staffing reductions in the DHSC as well.
What we are doing
NHS England roles
There are few details about how the abolition of NHS England is going to play out at this stage. We are seeking information about how those in roles in the deaneries, regions and ICBs may be affected, and will keep members updated.
We will continue to engage in Local and National NHS England Partnership Forums throughout this process to ensure the interests of our members are represented.
Dental public health
We have warned officials that the announcement to reduce the size of NHS England's central workforce by 50% could critically undermine an already fragile dental public health function.
We’ve been clear that a thriving dental public health consultant workforce is essential for the delivery of the Government’s agenda for oral health, and that the capacity of the workforce is at breaking point following relentless successions of organisational change processes.
We will continue to seek guarantees that our workforce will be protected from headcount reductions throughout this process.
What you can do
Tell us about your situation
If you have any information about how your area of NHS England is impacted then please let us know via our NHSE webform.
If you work in dental public health and have local updates please let us know via our public health webform.
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Advice and confidential support
Members who are employed by NHS England have access to online advice as well as 121 support via email and/or phone to our Employment Relations team.
Self-employed? Essential members have access to online advice, Extra and Expert members can contact our Employment Law team for bespoke advice.
All members can access additional support via Health Assured or contact the BDA Benevolent Fund.
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