REFERENCE NUMBER: CM/WEST/249/14
JOB TITLE: Clinical Associate Applied Psychology
GRADE: BAND 7
LOCATION: Various, Community
HOURS: 30
CONTRACT DURATION: Fixed Term, (2 years)
CLOSING DATE: 26th September 2014
SALARY SCALE: £31,072- £40,964 per annum (pro-rata)
Apply on-line www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
Clinical Associate (Applied Psychology) Band 7, 0.8WTE, CHANGES Community Mental Health Project,
Musselburgh, East Lothian: 2 years Fixed Term from start of employment.
This exciting fixed term post will involve work within CHANGES Community Health Project. CHANGES
supports people to achieve healthier and less stressful lives through the provision of groups and courses,
counselling, CBT, peer support and Healthy Living activities. The post holder will bring a psychological
perspective to the work of the project and will undertake individual clinical work and be involved in group
interventions. The post holder will be operationally managed within CHANGES and professionally managed
by the AMH Psychology Service within East Lothian. Informal Enquiries welcome. Please contact Elaine
Johnston, Coordinator, CHANGES on 0131 653 3977 or Norman Frazer, Consultant Clinical Psychologist on
0131 536 8962
**Please note – the e-mail address you provide on the application form will be used to communicate
any further correspondence relating to this vacancy**
This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/ record. If the post holder is
not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an
application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can
begin in post.
NHS LOTHIAN
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
This information package has been compiled to provide prospective candidates with details of the post
advertised.
The contents of this package are as follows:
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Person Specification and Job Description
Working Time Regulations Form (please complete and return with application form)
Guidance on completion of Application Form
Agenda for Change Terms & Conditions
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
Please note that any personal information obtained from you throughout the recruitment process will be
collected, stored and used in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. Information will be available to the
recruiting manager and to the Human Resource staff.
NHS Lothian is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end will use the information
you have provided on your application form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It will also share this
information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. More
detail on this responsibility is on NHS Lothian’s intranet (Counter-Fraud and Theft page) and further
information is available at http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php.
All jobs are only offered following receipt of two satisfactory written references. At least one reference must
be from your current/most recent employer, or your course tutor if you are currently a student. If you have
not been employed or have been out of employment for a considerable period of time, you may give the
name of someone who knows you well enough to confirm information given and to comment on your ability
to do the job.
Where a Disclosure or Protection of Vulnerable Groups Check is deemed necessary for a post, the
successful candidate will be required to undergo an appropriate check. Further details on the Recruitment of
Ex-Offenders is available from the Recruitment Centre.
If you require a Work Permit, please seek further guidance on current immigration rules which can be found
on the Home Office website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Overseas Registration and Qualifications - NHS Lothian will check you have the necessary professional
registration, where appropriate. If you require a qualification for this role but are not regulated by a
professional body (e.g. NMC, GMC, HPC etc), you will need to provide an official translation, notarised by a
solicitor, of your overseas qualifications to be checked by the recruiting manager. Please ensure that this is
available before applying for this post.
When returning your completed application and any associated enclosures by Royal Mail, please ensure that
the correct postage is paid. Underpaid mail will be retained by the Post Office which will result in applications
not being returned until after the closing date and not being included for shortlisting.
I would ask you to note that if you do not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, I regret to say that
you will have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
As a Disability Symbol user we recognise the contribution that all individuals can make to the organisation
regardless of their abilities. As part of our ongoing commitment to extending employment opportunities, all
applicants who are disabled and who meet the minimum criteria expressed in the job description will be
guaranteed an interview.
Working in Edinburgh and the Lothians
NHS Lothian offers excellent career prospects and a wide range of job opportunities for potential employees.
It employs approximately 24,000 staff and offers training and development opportunities as well as excellent
staff benefits.
The information provided below aims to help support and guide both prospective applicants and new
employees unfamiliar with Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Edinburgh and the Lothians
NHS Lothian serves a population of approximately 800,000 people living in and around Edinburgh,
Scotland’s historic capital city. The geographical area known as Lothian region covers 700 square miles,
comprising the City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian.
It is a region of exceptional beauty and contrast, from the splendour of Edinburgh to the beauty and variety of
the hills, countryside and coastline. The nearest major town outside of Edinburgh is Livingston, a thriving
location in the heart of West Lothian. As well as many sites of historic interest, the region boasts a host of
recreational activities for all ages.
Useful Contacts
For useful guidance on relocating to Scotland visit: www.scotlandistheplace.com
For a comprehensive list of services to help moving to the City of Edinburgh, please visit the City of
Edinburgh Council Website at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk
NHS Lothian
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WORKING TIME REGULATIONS
RECRUITMENT PRO-FORMA
In accordance with Working Time Regulations, no individual should knowingly be
contracted to work for more than an average of 48 hours per week.
For Completion by Applicant (to be submitted along with application form)
- Do you intend on holding any other employment (either NHS or non-NHS)
YES / NO
If yes please complete the details below:
Name and address of additional employer(s)
Average number of hours worked for this employer per week
Signed
Name
For Completion by Appointment Panel
- Would the offer of this post put the applicant in a position whereby they would
exceed the 48-hour working limit?
YES/NO
Signed
Please Note - It is the responsibility of the appointment panel to ascertain whether the
prospective employee intends to retain any other post held in addition to the one for
which they are applying.
Refer to the Recruitment Guidance Pack for further information regarding working
time regulations.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post: Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP)
WL-CMS-PPSH-PSYA-010
Personal Traits
Essential
Ability to work independently
and as a member of team(s).
Ability to work autonomously
whilst having awareness of
limits of competence and make
appropriate use of supervision
and line-management.
Strong communication skills.
Desirable
Qualification and
Training
Postgraduate Masters level
degree (or equivalent) in
Psychological Therapy
2.Honours degree in
Psychology
Additional post qualification
training
Experience &
Knowledge
Experience of working in Adult
Mental Health (primary care).
Skills/Abilities
CBT
Experience of group work.
Experience of multidisciplinary work.
Other models of intervention
Experience of supervising
Specific Job
Requirements
Ability to travel to different
sites.
Occasional requirement to work
in evenings
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology.
Responsible to: CHANGES Community Health Project (CCHP) Coordinator
Department(s): Local
Directorate: Local
Operating Division: Local
Job Reference: Local
No of Job Holders: Local
Last Update (insert date): 24/06/13
2. JOB PURPOSE
To work within CHANGES Community Health Project (or equivalent) providing evidence-based treatments
for individuals with mild to moderate psychological disorders. This will involve a mix of individual clinical
work and involvement in the provision of group interventions.
To bring a psychological perspective to the work of the CCHP.
To contribute to service delivery and to participate in service evaluation and development within the area
as directed.
To provide Psychological therapies to adults with a wide range of mental health problems including anxiety
and depressive disorders
To manage own caseload within speciality area using specialist techniques and maintain clinical related
records.
3. DIMENSIONS
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To liaise with GP practices and the extended Primary Care team, local voluntary services, day care
services, and the CMHTs as required/applicable within each distinct post throughout NHSScotland.
 This role will provide appropriate case/client/service experience (supervised) to enhance the learning
achieved at MSc Applied Psychology level.
 Postholders manage own work and caseload autonomously.
 The postholder will work under the direct clinical supervision* of a designated clinical /counselling
psychologist (as per guidelines for all professional staff) within a multidisciplinary Psychological
Therapies team or equivalent.
(*where supervision is termed in the Job Description, this equates to professional clinical supervision)
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
CHANGES
Community Health
Project Coordinator
(Operational Manager)
CLINICAL /Counselling
PSYCHOLOGIST
(Professional Manager)
THIS ROLE
5. ROLE OF CHANGES Community Health Project
Based in Musselburgh and covering all East Lothian, CHANGES is a community mental health project,
offering a non-medicalised approach to mental health. CHANGES’ identity is of a dynamic voluntary
organisation that facilitates and enables personal development towards positive mental health and
wellbeing. CHANGES engages with people on a self-referral basis for short to longer term meaningful
learning so that people feel more able to move forward in their life having made changes in the way that
they think about themselves and their situation, and feel better equipped to maintain positive mental
health. CHANGES interventions are aimed at people experiencing mild to moderate mental health
problems.
CHANGES has developed a range of tried and tested self-help courses and groups based on cognitive
behavioural therapy and a person centred approach. The project also offers one to one appointments,
short to medium term counselling, offers outreach to people’s homes and has a volunteer peer support
project. In addition to this the project offers a programme of well-being walks and has developed a
comprehensive Self-help Resource lending library open to the public.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
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To provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations for complex clinical disorders.
To provide a range of assessment measures and procedures that are compatible with patient
presenting problems.
To carry a full specialist case-load of patients within level 2 services.
To be able to assess the pre-disposing and precipitating factors that give rise to patient presenting
problems.
Assessment measures will include established psychometric measures, systematic observation
and measurement of emotional state, cognitions and behaviour in a variety of settings. In addition
assessment will include self-motivating strategies for clients.
Assessments will be undertaken on an individual, one-to-one basis with clients, their carers and
also in group settings.
On the basis of information collated during assessment to be able to provide a formulation for
presenting problems that describes their aetiology, maintenance and appropriate methods of
intervention.
In cases of complicated presentation and/or formulations, consultation with appropriate supervisor
to be undertaken prior to commencement of intervention.
To be able to provide a range of individual and group interventions that are evidence based and are
clearly conceptualised within the formulation network.
To provide evaluation of therapeutic interventions in relation to change over treatment time that
might involve a number of dimensions such as behaviour change, cognitive and emotional change.
Practitioners are required to evaluate their own clinical practice whilst working with individuals or
groups and to participate in regular supervision with designated Clinical/Counselling Psychologist.
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To communicate through written reports and/or verbal feedback, the formulation and psychological
understanding of a patient’s disorder to referrers, patients and other involved disciplines or
agencies.
To provide training and teaching to other healthcare professional, carers’ groups and other
agencies as appropriate.
To contribute to service development via innovative clinical practice and participation in the multidisciplinary environment (bringing new ideas forward)
Ensure that their work complies with professional standards, Scottish Benchmark Statements, the
policies of NHS [board] and the Psychological Therapies service
To keep management well informed about the needs of the service and relevant psychological
matters concerning adult mental health within level 2 services.
To initiate and carry out research and audit with the agreement of the designated Clinical/
Counselling Psychologist
To maintain a good record keeping system and to comply with requirements for reports and returns
as part of departmental policy
Collate regular statistical returns regarding service delivery as required.
Fulfilment of the aims and objectives in the PDP agreed with the designated Clinical/ Counselling
Psychologist at annual appraisal.
To maintain and contribute to CPD in the Department.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
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Computer/lap top/PowerPoint projector for database, research, e-mail, Internet, presentations.
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Computerised and Audio-visual recording equipment for use in assessment and specialist
treatment programmes
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Maintain a high level of proficiency in the use of psychological assessment tools and protocols,
apply these appropriately and relevantly in clinical case management and incorporate
developments in these as they are introduced to clinical practice.
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Expected to have knowledge of manual handling and other equipment within the area.
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Potential car use for clinical travel
7b. SYSTEMS
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Have a working knowledge of computer-based technology including word processing, e-mail and
internet.
Conform to the Department's systems of information management for patient records, activity data,
and mileage and expenses information.
Participate in the speciality service on-going audit processes for clinical effectiveness of
interventions.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
Clinical work is agreed and reviewed by the clinical supervisor on a fortnightly basis. On a day to day
basis post holders work autonomously and independently within set guidelines, referring as necessary to
their clinical supervisor.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post-holder must:
 Be capable of making judgements about the needs of individuals, the identification of potential
risks, and the possible requirement for more specialist assessment and treatment
 Be capable of weighing conflicting components pertaining to a complex problem or situation
 Monitor one’s own effectiveness with each patient and/or the presenting problem, to determine
whether consultation or supervision from a colleague is required
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Ensure referral to designated supervisor is promptly made when case complexity falls out with
range of competency.
Be capable of monitoring a situation or intervention by some formal means of evaluation, and be
able to modify the plan, treatment or intervention to obtain a better outcome.
Be capable of balancing the welfare rights of the individual against the duty of care to the wider
community where the behaviour of a patient is likely to pose a significant risk to themselves and
others
Participate in the clinical governance activity of the team
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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Working with patients who are in an emotionally distressed, aggressive or suicidal state
Dealing with patients exhibiting high levels of distress and describing in detail harrowing and
traumatic life events
Competent at applying the skills required to establish a working therapeutic relationship in a limited
time frame.
Multi-tasking: this involves listening, assessment, planning, feedback and working in a highly
demanding situation
Being required to use initiative, within context of supervision, during sessions with patients
Maintaining up to date clinical awareness and knowledge of treatment strategies across the very
broad spectrum of diverse mental health problems and disorders.
Managing a wide diversity of needs in the population and balancing the demands of referrers with
available resources.
Developing and maintaining flexible methods of working to meet waiting list targets.
Tackling barriers to understanding, either in clients, families, carers or colleagues in other
disciplines
Time management: balancing the demands of clinical work, administrative duties, supervision,
attendance at meetings, and CPD
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post-holder must:
 Communicate effectively, clearly, professionally and empathetically with patients, their relatives and
carers
 Communicate effectively, promptly, clearly and sensitively with referral agents and colleagues in
compliance with the team’s quality standards
 Ensure a presence or written report at important decision-making meetings concerning clients with
whom the post-holder is involved to ensure the passage of relevant information to colleagues
 Be experienced and skilled in developing a therapeutic alliance with patients whilst maintaining a
professional and ethical standing.
 Communicating effectively where there are barriers to understanding, eg to clients/patients or
colleagues in other disciplines.
 Communicate sensitive and complex ideas within therapy whilst paying attention to the changing
needs of the patient.
 Participate in regular supervisory meetings with designated supervisors
 Ensure that contemporary standards of confidentiality are observed in the communication and
storage of clinical information.
 Ensure that requirements for informed consent are observed when communicating about a patient
with a third party or when soliciting their participation in research.
 Develop and maintain good relationships with voluntary and carer organisations supporting adults
with mental health difficulties in the community as appropriate
 Develop effective relationships within professional group and in a multi-professional setting and
maintaining team relationships. Effective networking with colleagues and professionals.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical
The post-holder must:
 Undertake travel to clinic sites as required
 Be able to cope with unpleasant behaviour including physical and verbal aggression and
occasionally to work in conditions sub-optimal for clinical activity.
 Utilise standard keyboard/IT skills
 Be able to sit in confined spaces and to concentrate for long periods whilst undertaking clinical
sessions with patients.
This involves multi-tasking, observational skills and concurrent
intellectual analysis under pressure of time.
Mental effort
 Sustain concentration for long periods of time on information from a number of sources, such as
clinical sessions with clients, clinical meetings, service planning meetings, telephone consultation
with staff and other professionals
 Lengthy and frequent concentration periods involve observational and multi-tasking skills with
concurrent intellectual analysis under pressure of time.
 Required to switch concentration from one subject to another without notice
 The use of good time management skills, requirement to change subject focus frequently and
without prior notice.
 Workload can be unpredictable e.g. attendance at meetings is often required at short notice and
at times, clients or staff may need to be seen urgently.
Emotional
 Frequently required to deal with highly distressing, chronic and /or deteriorating conditions,
where progress may be very slow and require long term commitment.
 Deal with clients and families distressed by the effects of severe physical or mental health
problems
 Deal with patients exhibiting high levels of distress and describing in detail harrowing and
traumatic life events.
 Deal with Psychological problems in patients experiencing adverse life experiences irresolvable
life circumstances and intractable life problems.
 Access appropriate support to ensure that the effects of any such exposures are not detrimental
to an effective clinical role.
 Required to help other professionals, care staff and relatives deal with highly distressing situations.
Environmental
 The post holder should expect some exposure to hazards such as verbal and face to face physical
aggression.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
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The post holder must have an honours degree in psychology (eligible for GBR) and a postgraduate Masters level (or equivalent) degree in Psychological Therapy.
Relevant clinical experience
Have knowledge of relevant national and professional guidelines for optimal standards of clinical
care.
Have some knowledge of Psychiatry and other related professions in order to understand complex
clinical presentation.
Excellent communication skills
Be aware of the limits of one's competence and expertise and work within those boundaries
(particularly in the initial postgraduate year).
Work in a sensitive manner with respect for diversity in gender, ethnic, culture and philosophical
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issues with a wide range of individuals
Commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development
Attend in-house and external courses pertaining to computer training, moving and handling,
management of aggression and violence, lone worker guidelines etc.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom
the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
Guidance on how to complete the NHS Scotland application form
The purpose of an application form is to help evidence that the applicant has all the requirements applicable
to carry out the job applied for.
Once in receipt of the application pack it is essential to read both the job description and person specification
to gain a full understanding of what the job entails and the minimum criteria required.
Please note for equal opportunity purposes NHS Lothian do not accept CV’s as a form of application.
General guidance
There are currently three ways of applying for vacancies within NHS Lothian:
- On-Line – www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
- Telephone (hard copy) – 0131 536 3030
- Email – recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
If you are applying by ‘hard copy’ please use black ink and write clearly in block capitals.
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The vacancy reference number, job title and location can be obtained from the job advert.
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The candidate number will be populated by Recruitment Admin once the application has been returned.
This is to ensure each application remains anonymous.
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Only part C of the application form will be sent for short listing. The application form will be identified by
the candidate number only to ensure that no applicant will be unfairly discriminated against.

Please complete all sections of the application form. Those sections that are not relevant please indicate
‘not applicable’, do not leave blank.
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Please feel free to use additional paper if required. Please do not add your name to any additional
information provided; secure it to the relevant section and Recruitment Admin will add a candidate
number.
For general help and advise on how to complete an application form visit www.careersscotland.gov.uk (click
on how to apply > how to complete an application form.
The application form
Personal Details
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In this section you are required to provide your contact details including telephone number and email
address if applicable. Please note it is essential that this section is completed as fully as possible to
ensure you can be contacted if required.
Work Permit / Working in the UK
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NHS Lothian must ensure that all potential employees are legally entitled to work in the UK therefore it is
essential that this section is completed.
For further information visit: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Declarations
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All convictions and cautions regardless of how long ago the offence may have occurred must be
disclosed. Convictions from other countries must also be notified.
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Declaring a conviction will not automatically disqualify you from being considered for the post. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the particular post in question. However, if
you are appointed, and it is found that you did not disclose a previous conviction your employment may
be terminated.
Qualifications
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Please provide all qualifications gained.
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Remember to write down any ‘non formal’ qualifications or certificates that you think are relevant to the
job you are applying for.
Membership of Professional or Regulatory Bodies
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All professional staff employed by NHS Lothian requiring registration must be registered with the
appropriate body. Those that fail to register with the relevant body will not be employed by the
organisation to practise their profession.
Present (or most recent) Post
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Please provide details of your present or most recent post. If you work on the NHS Lothian Staff Bank
enter the details here.
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Please write your start date in month/year format MM/YYYY.
Role Purpose / Summary of Responsibilities
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Tell us briefly about your duties (what you do or did in your job). You could tell us your role, the main
tasks, and any responsibilities.
Employment History
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Please state all the jobs you have done previously in this section writing your start date in month/year
format MM/YYYY.
References
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Please give the full names and addresses of 2 referees, one of whom must be your present or most
recent employer and can confirm your job details. Please note your reference history must date back at
least 3 years.
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Referees will be taken up after interview for the successful candidate only.
Disability
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NHS Lothian is “Positive about Disabled People” and as part of our continued commitment to extend job
opportunities for people with disabilities we operate a Job Interview Guarantee Scheme (JIG). This
means that all candidates that indicate that they have a disability and meet the minimum criteria of the
job description are guaranteed an interview.
Driving Licence
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You only need to complete this section if the job requires you to drive. Please check the job description
or person specification.
Statement in Support of your Application

This is the most important part of the application form. In this section you must say why it is you want this
job describing your skills and abilities that you think help to match you against the job description / person
specification.
Where did you see the advert?

Please try to remember where you heard about this job, and tick the relevant box. The information you
give will help us find out how effective our advertising is.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
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Please note that all details on this section (Part D) will remain totally anonymous. It will be detached from
the rest of the form as soon as it is received and will remain anonymous.
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As a major employer, NHS Lothian is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and the
elimination of discrimination.
Please return completed application forms to:
The Recruitment Centre
St John’s Hospital
Howden Road West
Livingston
EH54 6PP
Email: recruitment@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Please note that if you do not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, I regret to say that you will
have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Travel Expenses
Travel expenses are not normally reimbursed for interviews, if you are selected for interview and wish to
enquire about the possibility of being reimbursed then the request should be directed to the recruiting
manager or interview panel chair.
Terms & Conditions
General Overview
The NHS has recently undergone one of the most significant changes in relation to staff grading, pay
and terms and conditions of service, known as Agenda for Change (AFC). Agenda for Change
introduces harmonised NHS Terms and Conditions of Service based on the principle of equal pay for
work of equal value, to ensure a fair system of pay for all NHS employees whilst supporting modernised
working practices.
For further information visit - www.paymodernisation.scot.nhs.uk
It is important to note that some contractual conditions of service remain under review and may change
subject to final agreement.
Pay / Policies
Pay
Pay progression through AFC salary band is by annual increment subject to performance review.
Within each pay band there are 2 gateways: the foundation gateway and the second gateway. The
foundation gateway is applicable to new or promoted staff and applies no later than twelve months after
appointment to the pay band regardless of the pay point to which the person is appointed. The second
gateway follows the foundation gateway and the point at which it applies will vary between pay bands.
Annual Leave & Public Holiday Entitlement
All NHS Lothian employees receive an entitlement to annual leave and public holidays, combined this
gives a total leave entitlement. An employee’s leave is based on their length of service and hours
worked per week.
Annual Leave + Public Holidays = Total Leave Entitlement
On Appointment – 27 days per annum plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)
After 5 Years Service – 29 days per annum plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)
After 10 Years Service – 33 days per annum plus 8 public holidays (pro rata)
NB: previous NHS service will count towards entitlement.
NHS Pension Scheme
The NHS provides an occupational pension scheme. New entrants to NHS Lothian who are aged
sixteen but under seventy five will be enrolled automatically into membership of the NHS Pension
Scheme.
Our pension scheme is provided by Scottish Public Pensions Agency. This scheme is a qualifying
pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds the government’s new standards. All benefits
including life insurance and family benefits are explained on the SPPA website http://www.sppa.gov.uk/
Workforce Equality Monitoring
NHS Lothian is committed to supporting and promoting dignity at work by creating an inclusive working
environment. We believe that all staff should be able to fulfil their potential in a workplace free from
discrimination and harassment where diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued.
In order to measure and monitor our performance as an equal opportunities employer, it is important that we
collect, store and analyse data about staff. Personal, confidential information will be collected and used to
help us to understand the make-up of our workforce which will enable us to make comparisons locally,
regionally and nationally.
NHS Lothian
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
NHS Lothian considers that it has an important role to play as a major employer and provider of services in
Lothian and accepts its obligations both legal and moral by stating commitment to the promotion of equal
opportunities and elimination of discrimination.
The objectives of its policy are that no person or employee receives less favourable treatment on the
grounds of sex, disability, marital status, age, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin),
creed, sexuality, responsibility for dependants, political party or trade union membership or activity, HIV/AIDS
status or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Provision of Services
The organisational objective is to provide equality of access to provision of services through:
 consultation over services to ensure that groups concerned are consulted over existing services and
changes.
 epidemiological studies, patient satisfaction surveys and qualitative research to ensure that specific
reference is made to the needs of the groups covered by the policy.
Equal Opportunities in Employment
2.1 Recruitment and Selection
The organisation aims to ensure that:
 all sections of the community know about job opportunities within NHS Lothian
 where possible, under statutory rules, members of groups who are under-represented in the workforce
will be encouraged to apply for jobs through positive action programmes;
 everyone who applies or a job or promotion within the organisation will receive fair treatment and will be
considered solely on ability to do the job against justifiable selection criteria and unbiased personnel
specification;
 records are kept so that the organisation can monitor how the policy is working. To do this, applicants
and employees will be asked to provide information for their records. All information will be confidential;
 all procedures and practices used in recruitment and selection are reviewed, to ensure that there is no
unintended bias.
2.2 Training
The organisation intends that:
 all its employees, including part time staff, will be advised at induction and regular in-service training that
they have equal access to training and are encouraged to take advantage of such training;
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all managers and those responsible for appointing staff receive training in the organisational Equal
Opportunity Policy;
in-service staff are trained as trainers and external expertise identified in sufficient quantity, quality and
range to support induction, on-going and update training in Equal Opportunities for all staff;
the organisation will also work with medical schools and other training agencies to ensure that Equal
Opportunities training is integrated into courses for health workers.
2.3 Employment
The organisation intends that:
 all staff will be protected from discrimination or harassment because of their sex, disability, marital status,
age, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), creed, sexuality, responsibility for
dependants, political party or trade union membership or activity or HIV/AIDS status;
 staff who discriminate or harass employees on the grounds of any of those factors will face disciplinary
action;
 staff who, in good faith, have raised or intend to raise a grievance against alleged discrimination or who
give/intend to give evidence/information in connection with such grievance; must not be treated less
favourably than other employees;
 all grievances and complaints will be recorded, information on investigations and outcomes to
supplement monitoring.
2.4 Contractors
The organisation will require contractors to comply with its Equal Opportunities Policy and this will be a
condition of contract.
2.5 General
It should be noted that the organisation’s Equal Employment Opportunities Policy extends to groups which
are not specifically covered by anti-discrimination legislation. The policy intends that the elimination of
discrimination in the employment field be related to discriminatory actions or omissions which are unlawful,
unfair or inappropriate.
Guidance on unlawful discrimination or unfair discrimination for appointment panels is available from HR
Departments.
The organisational policy does not detract from individual rights.
This policy does not prevent an individual from pursuing contractual rights through the Grievance Procedure
or from pursuing statutory rights through any body which deals with the enforcement of the particular
legislation.