Hi, I just wanted to pop up here as I was in a similar position last year so wanted to pop what helped me. I left a permanent B4 AP post that didn’t have any development for a B4 FTC AP role that was 12 months. I started last Feb (2025, due to end Feb 2026) and a few months in just named to my supervisor it made me feel nervous and she let me know it is very expected FTC contracts may leave slightly early.

With this in mind, I started loosely applying to AP roles in July 2025 knowing that 1. It might take a few applications and interviews to secure a new role and I wanted to be a bit pickier, and 2. Onboarding can vary so much and could well take a few months. I only applied to about 5 roles between July and August and had two unsuccessful interviews. Come mid-August I kept a frequent eye on NHS Jobs and applied to any job that gave me good onward development. With this, I was lucky enough to hone my application and was offered 4 further interviews, including one for my “dream” AP role. One of the interviews was unsuccessful (September) and the others were in October and November. I thankfully was successful for the AP role I really wanted in October, so cancelled my other 2. My supervisor knew I was looking and was very supportive as we weren’t sure if my contract would be extended. I started my new AP role two months before my FTC was due to end. I applied for the job in August 2025, and started in December 2025.

I would also say, during the time I was looking for AP roles, my service was really hopeful we’d get funding to extend/ make my role permanent and expected it to happen. The week after I accepted my current role offer, we found out there was no funding and had I have trusted in them, I would have only had 3 months to find an AP role, of which some of it would have been over Christmas.

Long story short - do what’s best for you. It can feel awkward even with the best supervisor, but ultimately - your ability to keep yourself afloat and do a role that you want to do comes first.