REFERENCE NUMBER: PHA/RIE/2014/15/060
JOB TITLE: Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
GRADE: BAND 7
LOCATION: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
HOURS: 37.5
CONTRACT DURATION: Permanent
CLOSING DATE: 8th October 2014
SALARY SCALE: £31,072- £40,964 per annum
Apply on-line www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
**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.
NHS Lothian University Hospitals Division
Department of Pharmacy
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
Liver Transplant and General Surgery
Band 7 – 1.0wte – 37.5hrs/week
An enthusiastic pharmacist is required to join the clinical pharmacy team at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to
contribute to the provision of the clinical pharmacy service to patients within GI, Renal, Liver, Transplant,
Vascular (GIRLTV) and General Surgery. This post covers liver transplant and general surgery but may be
required to provide services to other specialities under redesign of services. The post holder would be
expected to provide support and deputise for lead pharmacists and undertake supervision of less
experienced pharmacists, technicians and students and will possess excellent communication, organisational
and time management skills. You will have demonstrable clinical pharmacy experience and will have
completed the Scottish Hospital Vocational Training scheme or equivalent. A Clinical Pharmacy diploma/MSc
is desirable.
The aim of the Pharmacy Service is to assure quality of patient care in the provision of treatment with
medicines. The Royal Infirmary is a major teaching hospital on the outskirts of Scotland’s capital city
providing 24 hour services with a wide range of specialities including A&E and Assessment units, Transplant,
General, Orthopaedic and Cardiothoracic surgery, Acute medicine, Medicine of the Elderly, Obstetrics and
Gynaecology, Cardiac and Respiratory medicine.
For further information please contact Sarah MacInnes on 0131 536 1000 Bleep 8006 (Wed – Fri).
Application forms and Job Description can be obtained from:
NHS LOTHIAN
Post: Specialist Pharmacist, Liver Transplant and General Surgery
(L-GEN-HSS-P-SP)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
In order to be shortlisted you must demonstrate you meet all the essential criteria and as much of the desirable
as possible. When a large volume of applications are received for a vacancy and most applicants meet the
essential criteria then the desirable criteria is used to produce the shortlist.
Criteria
Personal Traits
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Qualifications and 
Training
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Experience and
Knowledge
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Skills and/or Abilities
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Specific Job
Requirements
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Essential
Enthusiastic, motivated
Flexible
Team player
Masters degree in pharmacy or
equivalent
Membership of the General
Pharmaceutical Council of Great
Britain
Completion of the Scottish Hospital
Pharmacists Vocational Training
(stage II) or documented evidence
of equivalent competency
Post registration hospital clinical
pharmacy practice experience:
Teaching and training
Service planning and development
Staff management experience
Committed to continuing
professional development
Desirable
How assessed
Innovative
A&I
A
A&I
A&C
 Post graduate qualification in
clinical pharmacy
A&C
 Independent Prescribing
qualification
A&C
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Experience in liver
transplant and general
surgery
Experience in renal
replacement therapy
(RRT) and/or TPN
provision
Good ability to communicate
(verbally, written and formal
presentations)
Good interpersonal skills
Good numeracy skills
General computer skills
Personal organisational abilities
Able to work to deadlines
Ability to plan, deliver and report
audit and research projects
Experience of planning, delivering
and assessing teaching, eg
mentoring
Ability to be flexible to work
out with core normal working
hours
A = Application form
C = Copies of certificates
P = Presentation
Key – how assessed
I = Interview
T= Test or exercise
R = References
A&I
A, I & C
A, I & C
A&I
A, I & P
A, I & R
R
A&P
A ,I & R
A,I&R
A&I
A&I
I
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Specialist Pharmacist, Liver Transplant and General
Surgery
Responsible to (insert job title):
Lead Pharmacist, GIRLTV
Department(s):
Pharmacy NHS Lothian
Directorate:
Pharmacy
Operating Division:
Corporate
Job Reference:
L-GEN-HSS-PA-SP
No of Job Holders:
1
Last Update (insert date):[NB: please do not use an auto-update function]
September 2014
2. JOB PURPOSE
To deliver a specialist clinical pharmacy service within the agreed standard of pharmaceutical care for
the identified patient population, safely, effectively and within the defined limits of responsibility,
resources and activity.
To provide prescribing and professional advice to medical, nursing and other healthcare staff and
contribute to good clinical governance in the use of medicines.
To participate in the planning, organising and development of the clinical pharmacy service to the
directorate in line with established guidelines and standards.
To provide highly specialist pharmaceutical care to liver, transplant and general surgery patients
3. DIMENSIONS
Day to day supervision of Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technical staff within the specialist
area. This role will include specified human resource functions e.g. participation in recruitment and
selection, PDP review.
Deputise for Lead Pharmacist in managing rotational pharmacists
Providing expert advice on medicine use within the clinical area and provide written financial reports to
the relevant members of the management team
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Site Lead
Pharmacist
Specialist Clinical
Pharmacist
Liver/Gen Surg
THIS POST
Specialist Clinical
Pharmacist
Renal Medicine
Lead Pharmacist
GIRLTV
Dispensary
Manager
Aseptic Services
Manager
Specialist Clinical
Pharmacist
Renal Transplant
One-stop
technicians
Rotational
Pharmacists
Head of
Procurement/
Distribution
Pharmacy
Administrator
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The aim of the Pharmacy Service is to assure quality of patient care in the provision of treatment with
medicines. To this end the objectives are:
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to provide pharmaceutical care to individual patients by meeting their particular needs while
maximising efficiency in the use of resources.
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to provide medicines through systems of quality control which ensure safe, effective and economic
use.
Clinical Pharmacy Services supports the achievement of the above objectives.
The Pharmacy Department has a major role in the teaching and professional development of
pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and other healthcare staff.
The Pharmacy Department participates in and supports the division’s clinical effectiveness programme
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical
1. To undertake clinical pharmacy activities when delivering a specialist pharmacy service, including,
establishing and resolving individual patient pharmaceutical care issues and providing specialist
pharmacy advice with the aim of ensuring safe and effective use of medicines e.g.
 Systematic approach to individual patient care: - Take account of patient and medication risk
factors when assessing the patient to confirm pharmaceutical needs, and to identify, assess
and prioritise pharmaceutical care issues. Medication history taking, medicines reconciliation,
prescription monitoring, consulting case notes and liaising with patients, carers and other
healthcare professionals will all contribute to the process of assessment.
 Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM): - For patients prescribed medicines with a narrow
therapeutic index assess their individual dosage needs and monitor treatment. Advise on
dosage adjustment when required.
 Adverse drug reactions (ADR): -Monitor patients for adverse reactions or unexpected events
related to their medication. Investigate and report suspected adverse effects to the MHRA.
Ensure that details of any ADR and hypersensitivity reactions are documented under the
hypersensitivity section of the case notes, the prescription and administration record and
immediate discharge letter. Discuss the findings of the investigation and any necessary future
avoidance with the patient.
2. To participate in discharge planning by reviewing patients prior to discharge for pharmaceutical
care related issues. Promoting efficient patient flow within the specialist area. Factors to be
considered include patient education, adherence to medication regimen; seamless care; discharge
prescription checking; review of patients own medicines for return to patient or destruction; named
patient medication.
3. Through participation in multidisciplinary working groups develop and implement protocols,
guidelines, patient group directions and train relevant staff in their use.
Resource Management
1. To be responsible for the provision of specialist advice on medicine use and formulary
management within the specialist area, including adherence to local prescribing policies and
medicines governance framework and provides written financial reports to the relevant members of
the multidisciplinary team every month, contributing to the control of the medicine budget and
promote economic use of medicines.
2. To lead on the introduction of new medicines into NHS Lothian in the specialist area by
participating in the agreed medicines governance processes (e.g. Unlicensed Medicine policy,
Non-Formulary policy).
3. Contribute to the identification and delivery of LRP schemes on prescribing efficiencies with
medicines.
4. To undertake effective medicines management, conducting regular ward stock list reviews, 3
monthly controlled drug checks and promoting the use of patients’ own drugs, where appropriate.
5. As part of the multi-disciplinary team be aware of and report on any changes/developments to
strategic and operational plans within specialist areas and their impact on the pharmacy service
and escalate issues as appropriate to senior management.
6. Supervise staff on a day to day basis, including workload allocation to ensure delivery of the
clinical pharmacy service within the specialist area in line with national standards and the service
specification.
Education and Research
1. To undertake and support research and audit within clinical speciality and report on findings both
at a local and national level.
2. To educate medical and nursing staff at ward level through the provision of specialist pharmacy
advice.
3. To contribute to the education and training of healthcare staff and students in a formal setting,
including workshops / teaching sessions.
4. To undertake continuing professional development to identify and address learning needs.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The following are examples of equipment which will be used when undertaking the role.
PC, telephone, fax, pager, isolators, laminar airflow cabinets, syringes and transfer devices.
Note: New equipment may be introduced as the organisation and technology develops, however
training will be provided.
7b. SYSTEMS
The following are examples of systems which will be used when undertaking the role:
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Software systems: Pharmacy stock control and dispensing system
Pharmacy management information reporting system
Microsoft Office for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, internet access
Medicines Information database
Patient administration system
Incident management system
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eKSF personal development and review system
Paper based systems: patient medical records, pharmaceutical care plans, workload collection
data, medicine information records.
Pharmacy Quality System (BS EN ISO 9001:2008)
Note: New systems may be introduced as the organisation and technology develops, however
training will be provided.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
Responsible for the provision of the specialist clinical pharmacy service and accountable for own
professional actions guided by local policies and procedures, and professional code of practice.
Workload is generated by the needs of the patient/service area and the postholder is responsible for
planning and organising own workload to meet agreed objectives.
Agrees objectives with relevant advanced or lead clinical pharmacist in line with NHS Lothian and
departmental objectives on an annual basis.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Interprets and analyses information about medicines and individual patients to advise on and promote
the safe and effective use of medicines.
Interprets and analyses clinical evidence about medicines to advise on and promote the safe and
effective use of medicines within the specialist area.
Manage and reconcile conflicting opinions of professionals to optimise use of medicines.
Uses financial data and critical appraisal skills to promote the use of evidence-based therapies.
Identify possible service developments, assessing impact and determine when to escalate to the
relevant advanced or lead pharmacist.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Developing and delivery of the specialist service within limited resources, and to effectively prioritise
the workload to meet the needs of the customers (patients/other multi-disciplinary
professionals/managers).
Ensuring that the delivery of individualised patient care is safe, effective and efficient.
Continually updating knowledge in a complex and varied patient group.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Liaises and communicates with other senior pharmacy and non-pharmacy staff to ensure that an
effective service is provided. Communication is either on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting, with
identified patients, relatives/carers and associated healthcare staff in order to identify and address
pharmaceutical issues. Communication, either verbal or written, takes place between community
pharmacists, GPs, Consultants and other healthcare professionals as appropriate to ensure continuity
of care and resolution of identified pharmaceutical care issues.
Communicates with other members of the profession to facilitate both service and professional
development, to ensure best possible pharmaceutical care for their patients.
Educate patients on any aspect of their medication that requires explanation, or discussion of the
relative risks and benefits of treatment options. Written information may be required to supplement
verbal instructions and empathy, re-assurance, persuasion and motivational skills may be needed to
optimise patient concordance.
Present research and audit both informally and formally to other pharmacists, multidisciplinary team
and at relevant conferences.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical
Standard keyboard skills.
Validated aseptic manipulation skills e.g. manipulate needles syringes and transfer devices to
reconstitute and measure doses of aseptically prepared medicines.
Light physical effort when undertaking pharmacy duties.
Mental
Requires a high level of concentration to check, dispense and prepare medicines accurately, to meet
deadlines, and subject to interruptions.
Clinical work requires a high level of concentration, characterised by assessment of information,
sometimes conflicting, from a variety of sources and forming a clinical opinion. Such work is often
conducted under time pressure and subject to frequent interruptions.
Emotional
Provides advice and guidance to patients on medication regimens that require explanation and
reassurance.
Frequent daily contact with patients and relative which can be emotionally demanding.
Performance appraisal for staff within managerial responsibility
Environmental
Risk of occasional exposure to violence and aggression.
Occasional exposure to cytotoxic agents and ionising radiation within a controlled aseptic
environment.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Qualifications and Knowledge
Masters degree in pharmacy or equivalent
Membership of the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
Post-registration hospital clinical pharmacy practice experience
Completion of the Scottish Hospital Pharmacists Vocational Training (stage II) or documented
evidence of equivalent competency
Skills and Experience
Good interpersonal skills
Good ability to communicate (verbally, written and formal presentations)
Good numeracy skills
General computer skills
Staff management
Ability to plan, deliver and report audit and research projects
Experience of planning delivering and assessing teaching.
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:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
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.

The vacancy reference number, job title and location can be obtained from the job advert.

The candidate number will be populated by Recruitment Admin once the application has been returned.
This is to ensure each application remains anonymous.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Please write your start date in month/year format MM/YYYY.
Role Purpose / Summary of Responsibilities

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

Please state all the jobs you have done previously in this section writing your start date in month/year
format MM/YYYY.
References

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.

Referees will be taken up after interview for the successful candidate only.
Disability

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

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

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.

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.