Under new plans to boost patient safety, NHS managers who commit serious misconduct will not be able to take up other senior NHS roles.
New proposals from the Department of Health and Social Care will mean any leader who silences whistleblowers or behaves unacceptably will be banned from returning to a health service position.
There is currently no regulatory framework specifically for NHS managers, like there is for doctors and nurses.
The government has committed to introducing professional stands for and regulation of NHS managers, with legislation to be put forward to parliament next year.
Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, said: "I’m determined to create a culture of honesty and openness in the NHS where whistleblowers are protected, and that demands tough enforcement. If you silence whistleblowers, you will never work in the NHS again. We’ve got to create the conditions where staff are free to come forward and sound the alarm when things go wrong. Protecting the reputation of the NHS should never be put before protecting patient safety.
"I promised no more rewards for failure in the NHS, and these measures will deliver on it. Most NHS leaders are doing a fantastic job, but we need to stop the revolving door that allows managers sacked for misconduct or incompetence to be quietly moved to another well-paid role in another part of the NHS.
"The reforms we are making through our Plan for Change will slam the door in the face of unsuitable managers, while providing the training, support, and development to help NHS leaders thrive and lead the NHS into a brighter future."
Sam Allen, NHS national director for leadership and management, said: "The 10 Year Health Plan was clear about the huge importance of excellent leadership and management, both to the quality of patient care and staff experience now, and to how we deliver the plan’s ambitions for the future.
"Managers will welcome this new regulatory framework, as part of the broader package of actions set out in the Plan to attract, develop, and retain the best possible leaders for the NHS of today and tomorrow."
"Accountability is a crucial part of this, and can only boost trust with patients, the public and other professionals."
