Voluntary redundancy scheme – information for the public

Published: 28 April 2026

Like NHS organisations across Devon and the country, we are operating in a very challenging financial environment. We have been open with our colleagues, governors and the public about the significant financial pressures facing Devon’s NHS and the difficult decisions required to live within the funding available while continuing to provide safe, high quality care.

Over the past three years, we have taken substantial steps to improve efficiency and reduce costs while protecting patient care. This includes working collaboratively with partners to share services and reduce duplication, introducing new ways of working, improving urgent and emergency care and investing in technology such as our new electronic patient record. Despite this progress, further savings are required to return to financial balance.

As with other NHS trusts, the majority of our funding is spent on staffing. For this reason, our Board has agreed to open a time limited voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme, in common with other providers locally and nationally.

The scheme is entirely voluntary, has been approved by NHS England and is designed to offer choice where it is safe and practical for roles to reduce or change. There is no obligation for anyone to apply and we are not setting targets for numbers of people to leave. Applying for voluntary redundancy does not automatically mean a request will be agreed and applying does not commit either the individual or the organisation to completing the process.

Each application is carefully assessed on a case by case basis. No application will be approved if it would create an unmanageable risk to patient safety or service delivery, or compromise the care we provide to our communities. Patient safety and quality of care remain our absolute priorities.

We recognise that decisions about voluntary redundancy are deeply personal and may feel unsettling. Support is available to all colleagues, including access to line managers, trade union representatives, wellbeing services and the Employee Assistance Programme and colleagues are encouraged to take time and seek advice before making any decisions.

The voluntary redundancy scheme is one part of a wider programme of work to ensure Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is financially sustainable and able to continue providing safe, compassionate hospital, community and adult social care services across Torbay and South Devon. The scheme does not change our commitment to maintaining essential local services, now and in the future.