The NHS Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme, commonlyreferred to as MARS, offers employees an opportunity to leave theirorganisation on a voluntary basis with a financial payment. This approach canbe appealing to those who are already considering a career change, earlyretirement, or a move outside the public sector. However, it’s not a decisionto be taken lightly.

The MARS scheme is designed to offer a flexible andcost-effective way for NHS organisations to restructure their workforce. Itallows staff to apply for voluntary resignation in return for a one-offpayment, which is calculated based on length of service and annual salary.Importantly, this payment is discretionary, there’s no automatic right toreceive it simply by applying. Each NHS trust manages its own scheme and makesdecisions on a case-by-case basis. Not all applications are accepted, and anoffer, if made, is often final and non-negotiable.

One of the key aims of MARS is to provide an alternative tocompulsory redundancy and to support employees who are already planning toleave. The scheme can also create space for internal redeployment, giving otherstaff the chance to take on new roles or responsibilities. That said, it’s notsuitable for everyone. It is not a redundancy, and as such, it doesn’t carrythe same rights, protections, or compensation levels. Once you resign underMARS, your employment ends permanently and you cannot return to the sameorganisation for a defined period, typically six months. This is important forthose who might be thinking about returning on a locum or bank basis.

Before submitting a MARS application, it’s wise to reviewyour long-term goals. You’ll want to think about what comes next, whetherthat’s a new job, early retirement, or time out from work. The financialincentive can be helpful, but it may not stretch far, especially if your nextsteps are uncertain. There’s also the emotional aspect to consider: leaving theNHS, particularly after many years of service, can feel daunting.

If you are offered a resignation package under MARS, it’sessential to have the terms reviewed by someone legally qualified. While MARSdoesn’t require the same type of settlement agreement typically used inredundancy or dispute-based exits, many trusts still provide writtendocumentation outlining the conditions of your departure. You should precisely whatrights you’re giving up, whether there are any ongoing obligations, and howthis might affect future employment, particularly in the public sector.

Legal advice can often be arranged quickly andon a fixed-fee basis. At Pre-Law, we regularly work with NHS staff consideringMARS and similar schemes, providing a fast turnaround so you can make decisionsconfidently and meet any internal deadlines. The process usually involves areview of your documentation, a short consultation, and a formal letterconfirming you’ve received independent advice, where required.

For more information, contact us on 01524 907100, info@pre-law.co.uk or through our online enquiry form