We, the undersigned, are proud to be part of the NHS team and are writing to express our deep concern about the proposal to transfer estates and facilities staff into a wholly-owned subsidiary company (sub-co).

We believe this proposal would fragment the NHS team, weaken protections for staff, and risk the future of NHS pay, terms, and conditions. Experience from other trusts shows that while current staff may initially transfer with their existing contracts, these are not guaranteed in the long term — and new staff would be employed on inferior, non-NHS terms without access to the NHS Pension Scheme.

This is not just about jobs — it is about values. Estates and facilities staff are an integral part of the NHS, and removing them from direct NHS employment undermines the principle of a publicly funded, publicly provided health service.

We are also concerned that the financial case for the sub-co, particularly around VAT savings, is short-sighted and may lead to unintended costs to services, staff morale, and retention in the long run.

We urge the Trust Board to reconsider these plans and instead invest in and value the existing NHS workforce. Other local trusts have taken a clear stance against sub-cos, recognising the damage they do to staff cohesion and long-term stability. We ask Royal Devon to do the same.

We call on the Trust to:

• Withdraw the current proposal to create a sub-co for any NHS staff
• Engage in meaningful consultation with staff and trade unions about sustainable alternatives
• Commit to protecting the integrity of the NHS workforce and keeping all staff directly employed by the NHS

Together, we can protect our NHS – one team, one employer.

We, the undersigned staff and supporters, respectfully urge you to act.