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by Tasy Warn, Director of Employment Services, NHS Shared Business Services. |
The landscape of payroll in the NHS is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer confined to traditional processes, payroll has become a dynamic force—driven by innovation, agility, and a commitment to empowering the workforce.
At NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), we are at the forefront of this revolution, harnessing cutting-edge technologies and redefining how payroll serves the needs of a modern, evolving workforce.
This transformation is being shaped by several key factors, including the integration of AI and automation to enhance efficiency, the adoption of flexible payroll practices that adapt to rapid change, and empowering NHS staff with 24/7 access to self-serve payroll tools.
From reimagining traditional payroll cycles to offering career development opportunities for payroll professionals, NHS SBS is paving the way for a future where payroll is not just a back-office function, but a strategic enabler of innovation and empowerment across the NHS.
The Payroll Revolution in the NHS
Every month, NHS SBS processes 649,000 payslips—ensuring the people who care for us are paid accurately and on time. But payroll is evolving. The future isn’t just about numbers; it’s about innovation, agility, and empowering NHS staff with smarter, more efficient payroll solutions.
AI and Automation: Enhancing, Not Replacing
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) are no longer futuristic concepts; they are transforming payroll today. At NHS SBS, over 100 bots support our teams by handling repetitive tasks like email processing, freeing up our payroll professionals to focus on complex and strategic work. These technologies enhance accuracy, streamline processes, and ensure NHS staff get paid without delays.
Adapting to Rapid Change
Change is the only constant in payroll. Whether it’s legislative updates or evolving workforce needs, agility is crucial. With 76% of payroll professionals feeling pressure to implement changes faster than ever[1], we’re moving beyond rigid payroll cycles. The ‘anytime’ payroll service used by some of our customers replaces traditional mid-month payroll cut-off with a three-day request turnaround, ensuring that things like pay changes are actioned swiftly, rather than waiting up to six weeks as was previously the case.
Empowering NHS Staff with Self-Serve Payroll
Payroll isn’t just a back-office function—it’s a service. NHS staff increasingly expect 24/7 access to their payroll data. Digital self-serve tools allow employees to access payslips, update details, and raise queries with ease, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing the overall experience. Our investment in multi-channel, user-friendly payroll platforms – like our unique payroll App, MySBSPay – ensures NHS staff can manage their pay anytime, anywhere.
Payroll – your flexible friend
Gone are the days when white-collar occupations were paid monthly and blue-collar weekly. Increasingly, NHS organisations are giving their employees the choice of payment period, or even the freedom to flex between the two to suit their circumstances. With longstanding expertise in weekly payroll, that’s something NHS SBS can support.
Investing in Payroll Careers
Payroll professionals are becoming strategic advisors, not just administrators. 57% of organisations – including NHS SBS – now offer their teams payroll-related qualifications. At NHS SBS, we champion professional development, creating career pathways that equip payroll teams with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
Leveraging the power of the NHS
Organisations are looking to leverage the buying power of the NHS by joining forces to create efficient system-wide payroll solutions which protect local jobs and combine the convenience of an in-house payroll with the flexibility and resilience of an outsourced service. As our Sussex payroll hub shows, this model can work well.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Innovation
The future of NHS payroll is clear—smarter systems, empowered employees, and agile solutions that keep pace with change. We’re not just processing payroll; we’re shaping the future of workforce management in the NHS. Serving over 450,000 colleagues each month, NHS SBS is committed to making payroll more efficient, reliable, and accessible.
Let’s continue this conversation and drive innovation together.
[1] CIPP Future of Payroll Report 2024
