East: £145,000 For New Ambulance Boss

15 January 2013, 15:03 | Updated: 15 January 2013, 15:10

The East of England Ambulance Service is looking for a new Chief Executive, and willing to pay them more than the Prime Minister.

The job at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust is being advertised with a salary of £145,000 per year.

Part of the advert reads: "The successful candidates will need to have credible NHS leadership experience (or related services), be politically aware with exceptional communication and influencing skills. 

We are seeking an outstanding candidate who has the ability to forge strong stakeholder relationships and can lead with the implementation of the 5 year strategy to deliver service improvements."

The GMB Union has criticised the salary.

GMB Regional Organiser Tony Hughes said: "£145,000 per year is a lot of money considering the economic conditions we are in.

It is more than the Prime Minister gets.

I believe the Ambulance Service should show some pay restraint, especially as most public sector workers are seeing pay cuts year on year."

A spokesperson for the Ambulance Service said: "The salary needs to reflect the expertise required for the post and to attract the strong leadership and experience necessary to oversee a progressive, quality service for patients while remaining financially stable in challenging times. 

It is in line with others in high level key similar roles in east of England public bodies and other ambulance CEOs nationally, is set by the Remuneration Committee and is regularly reviewed."