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Written by: Nidhishree Banagere Nagaraja
Reviewed by a Medico-Legal Expert
Last Reviewed:
November 2025
Job planning is one of the most important processes for NHS doctors and dentists. A job plan sets out your duties, responsibilities and agreed objectives. It is the framework that defines your working week, clarifies expectations and ensures that both you and your employer understand how your time will be used.
A well written job plan protects patient care and also allows you to balance clinical work with teaching, research, professional development and rest.
At times you may feel that your current job plan does not reflect the reality of your work, or that it needs to change to better suit your responsibilities and wellbeing. Requesting a change can feel daunting, but if you approach the process with preparation and professionalism you are much more likely to achieve a positive outcome.
The first step is to understand the purpose of job planning. The NHS makes clear that job planning is a joint process designed to ensure fairness, transparency and balance between the needs of the organisation and the individual doctor or dentist. It should always be based on evidence and mutual agreement rather than on assumption (NHS Employers, Consultant Job Planning). Keeping this in mind helps you frame your request in a constructive way rather than as a personal demand.
Collect evidence about your actual workload. This could include clinic numbers, theatre sessions, on call duties, research activities, teaching commitments and additional responsibilities. If your job plan does not reflect the hours you are really working, keeping a record of extra sessions or additional pressures will help demonstrate the gap between what is in the plan and what you are actually doing. Evidence gives credibility and provides your manager with a clear picture to work with.
Once you have prepared your case, arrange a meeting with your Clinical or Educational Supervisor or line manager. Approach this meeting with a professional and open attitude. The NHS describes job planning as a partnership and emphasises that both sides should come to the table seeking solutions that work for everyone (NHS Employers, Consultant Job Planning). Present your evidence clearly and explain why the current job plan is not sustainable. Show how your proposed changes would not only support your own wellbeing but also improve patient care and service delivery.
When negotiating changes, be willing to compromise. It is important to explain your perspective but also to listen carefully to your manager’s concerns. For example, if the service is under pressure, explore practical adjustments that ease your workload while still meeting patient needs. A collaborative approach helps build trust and makes it more likely that you will reach agreement.
There are some practical do’s and don’ts that can guide you through the process.
Following up in the right way after the meeting is also important.
It is also important to remember that job planning is not a one-time event. NHS guidance states that job plans should be reviewed annually and adjusted when circumstances change (NHS Employers, Consultant Job Planning). This means that even if you do not achieve every change you want straight away, there are regular opportunities to revisit the discussion. Keeping a dialogue open ensures your job plan evolves alongside your role and the needs of the service.
Job planning should be a fair negotiation that recognises the importance of rest, supporting roles and professional development alongside clinical duties.
Requesting a change to your job plan is a vital part of managing your NHS career, but despite preparation and familiarity with the process, some discussions can be difficult. If you feel unsure about how to present your case, or if negotiations are not progressing fairly, support is available.
At MDS we regularly help our members prepare for meetings, review their job plans and advise on how best to approach their employer. Having expert guidance can give you confidence and ensure you are not navigating the process alone.
MDS offers memberships for a large number of healthcare professionals. Check our membership page to see if we have a plan for you! Do you have more questions about the services we offer as an Medical Defence Organisation? Get in touch with our membership team, call us on 0300 30 32 442 to speak to a member of our team, or email us at [email protected]
