INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
POST OF:
Health Economist Band 7
BASE:
Afton House Ailsa Hospital
REF NO:
C/648/14
Thank you for applying for the above post with NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This information sheet
summarises the terms and conditions related to the post.
Please note if you provide us with an email address on your application form any future
correspondence regarding this post will be emailed to you. If you do not wish to receive this
correspondence by email then please contact us as soon as possible.
A job description and person specification for the post are attached.
This post is Permanent.
The salary for the post is based on the Band 7 salary scale which is currently £31,072 to
£40,964 per annum (pro rata for part time posts).
The hours for the post are 37.5 hours per week.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Conditions of Service - The conditions of service are those laid down and amended from
time to time by the appropriate negotiating bodies e.g. NHS Staff Council/NHS Pay
Negotiating Council.
Annual Leave – The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Annual leave entitlement
for full time staff on appointment is 202.5 hours (27 days), with 217.5 hours (29 days)
upon completion of 5 years NHS service and 247.50 hours (33 days) after 10 years NHS
service. Entitlements for part time will be pro rata.
Public Holidays – Public holiday entitlement for full time staff is 60 hours based on the 8
designated Public Holidays per annum, and on a 5 day week working 7.5 hours per day. The
60 hours entitlement is due to all whole time staff irrespective of work pattern. For part time
staff, this will be applied on a pro rata basis and also allocated in hours.
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KSF - The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) and development review is about
encouraging lifelong learning for all staff. It supports an ongoing cycle of annual
development review and personal development planning. This is known as Personal
Development Review or PDR. The KSF and PDR processes are designed to support you
so that you can be fully effective in your job.
Pensions - Employees are automatically opted into the NHS (Scotland) Superannuation
Scheme. Contributions are at the rate of 9.3%.
Employees may opt out by obtaining and completing the relevant Opt Out form from the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency website.
Disabled Applicants - A disability or health problem does not preclude full consideration for
the job and applications from people with disabilities are welcome. All information will be
treated as confidential. NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been approved, by the Employment
Services Department, as an Equal Opportunities employer with a positive policy towards
employment of disabled people. NHS Ayrshire & Arran guarantees to interview all applicants
with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
You will note on our application form we ask for relevant information with regards to your
disability. This is simply to ensure that we can assist you, if you are called for interview, to
have every opportunity to present your application in full. We may call you to discuss your
needs in more detail if you are selected for interview.
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and 2004 (Section 8) - The Asylum and Immigration Act
1996 and 2004 requires employment checks to ensure that all employees are legally
employed in the United Kingdom. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant original
documents prior to an offer of employment being made. Any offer of employment will only be
made when the organisation is satisfied that the candidate is the rightful holder of the
documents and is legally eligible for employment within the United Kingdom.
Relocation Expenses - Relocation expenses may be payable to the successful
candidate, in accordance with the Policy. This is available on request from the
Department of O&HR Development. Candidates who require to relocate to take up post,
should discuss this with the interview panel.
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Medical Examination - Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory
medical report from our Occupational Health Services. You may be offered employment
conditional on confirmation that you are medically fit for employment. A commencement
date for employment will only be agreed following this confirmation.
Policy Relating to Staff with Bloodborne Virus Infection - Candidates for posts which
involve exposure prone procedures will not be allowed to commence employment until
they have been assessed as fit to perform EPPs by Occupational Health. The preemployment screening must be completed prior to any job offer being made. Where a
candidate is not able to perform EPPs, Occupational Health will notify the appropriate
manager that the candidate is ‘fit with restrictions’ and is unable to perform EPPs. The
health status of the individual will not normally be notified to management. Where the
restrictions recommended by Occupational Health are unable to be accommodated due
to the clinical duties of any of the posts within the staff groups specified in the policy, an
offer of employment to the post will not be made.
Candidates who are not offered employment due to being deemed unfit to undertake
EPPs as an essential requirement for a post, may be offered the opportunity to apply for
another advertised vacant post and be considered with other applicants. The preemployment screening for EPP posts above do not apply to staff undertaking non-EPP
posts who could have direct contact with blood, bloodstained body fluids or patients’
tissue in the course of their work activities. These staff will be offered and strongly
advised to be immunised against Hepatitis B in line with the Immunisation Policy including
recall for boosters and further antibody checks.
References - Two satisfactory written references must be obtained prior to any offer of
employment being made. These should include current and previous employers as
requested in the job application form. This is in line with the Recruitment and Selection
Policy.
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YOUR APPLICATION:
Informal Enquiries - Informal enquiries are welcomed by Kirstin Dickson, Assistant
Director Strategic Planning & Performance who can be contacted on 01292 885836.
Closing Date - Your completed application form should be submitted by 21 January 2014 via
the online application form on the SHOW website. Alternatively your completed application
form can be returned to the address below or can be e-mailed to
Myra.Cameron@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk
Department of O&HR Development
63A Lister Street
University Hospital Crosshouse
KILMARNOCK
Ayrshire
KA2 0BE
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
LOCATION - AYRSHIRE
Situated in attractive south-west Scotland on the Firth of Clyde coastline is the glorious
countryside of Ayrshire which you’ll soon discover is a very special corner of Scotland.
Ayrshire roads are quiet, the countryside peaceful but even so its easy to get here by road,
rail, or air.
Local attractions include country parks, museums - there’s Robert Burns and 1000’s of years
of history and heritage to enjoy, sports - sailing, watersports, swimming, riding, golf to mention
but a few.
Starting in the North at the family resort of Largs the coastal route runs south through the
seaports of Ardrossan and Saltcoats to Irvine - Scotland’s only New Town by the sea. From
Irvine you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Ayrshire countryside - visit Kilmarnock
with its famous Dean Castle and Country Park then inland through the lace making towns of
Galston, Newmilns and Darvel. Further south and you are in Doon Valley - the heart of
Ayrshire’s industrial heritage. Back on the coastal route south of Irvine is Troon, another
popular resort and the start of Ayrshire’s famous Golf Coast. On this stretch of Ayrshire
Coast Ayr is the premier resort and is also the ideal base for exploring the Burns Heritage
Trail and visiting Burn’s birthplace in Alloway.
From Ayr the coastal route to Girvan includes the picturesque harbour village of Dunure and
the National Trust’s major attraction - Culzean Castle. Inland is the ancient capital of Carrick Maybole with its castle and tollbooth. Here in South Ayrshire the nearby Carrick forests and
hills offer superb walking country. The popular seaside town of Girvan would be your last port
of call or you could continue southwards to Ballantrae along a spectacular rugged coastline
notorious in the past as a haven for smugglers.
From North to South the countryside is very varied with something to suit everyone - we like
living and working here - and think you will too!
WITHIN EASY ACCESS TO GLASGOW
Most locations within Ayrshire are also within easy access of Glasgow by rail or road with all
the benefits and attractions found in a major city.
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TOBACCO POLICY
Fresh Air Policy - Please note that, in line with the national Tobacco Control Strategy (2013-2018),
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are working towards smoke free grounds by March 2015 (with the exception
of mental health facilities).
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
NHS Ayrshire & Arran operates an Alcohol and Drug Policy to protect the safety of all patients, visitors
and staff with the aim of promoting well being and reducing harm.
STAFF BENEFITS:
STAFF LOTTERY
The Board has set up a staff lottery and the cost of a chance in each monthly draw is
deducted directly from your wage/salary if you decide to enter the scheme. Half the proceeds
of the lottery are paid out as prizes and the remaining half is used to provide amenities,
facilities and services for both patients and staff.
During the year bumper prizes can be won and in the past these have included large cash
prizes, luxury holidays and cars.
STAFF DISCOUNTS
Information on Discounts given to staff by several local businesses will be available on taking
up employment.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Health Economist
Responsible to:
Head of Health Economics
Department(s):
Policy, Planning and Performance
Directorate:
Operating Division:
Corporate Departments
Job Reference:
C/648/14
No of Job Holders:
1
Last Update (insert date):
November 2009
2. JOB PURPOSE

As part of a small specialist team, the Health Economist provides professional economic expertise and
advice to support NHS Ayrshire & Arran decision making on resource utilisation.

The Health Economist is required to contribute to the formulation of complex, economic plans that
influence the strategic direction of NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

The Health Economist will provide and report on specialist, high quality, applied economic
interpretation and analyses of a range of resource utilisation issues that are highly complex and
sensitive in nature.

The Health Economist has day to day responsibility for the Trainee Health Economists.
3. DIMENSIONS
The Health Economist has day to day responsibility for the Trainee Health Economists.
The Health Economist is responsible for the local monitoring and disbursement of R&D monies for specific
projects from budgets held by the University of Edinburgh.
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4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Executive Director
Policy, Planning & Performance
Head of Health Economics
Secretarial Manager & Personal
Secretary to Head of Health
Economics & Assistant Directors
Postholder
Trainee Health Economist x 2
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5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
Ensuring that the overall planned direction of NHS Ayrshire and Arran is directed to improve wellbeing,
reduce inequalities and improve healthcare integrating health improvement with the Local Authority
Community Plans and ensuring coherence with the SOAs of our 3 LA partners so that they dovetail with
NHS plans and developments.
Lead the production of the Local Delivery Plan, liaising with key internal and external partners. Additionally,
manage the organisation’s Annual Review and ensure that both are delivered efficiently, to time and to a
high standard. This will entail being the conduit for all discussion with the Scottish Government Health
Directorates on policy, planning and performance at an organisation-wide level.
Provision of strategic co-ordination of clinical and service development policy so that NHS resources are
targeted effectively across the whole community.
Ensuring coherence between the NHS Board’s priorities, strategic planning, regional planning, operational
planning, workforce planning, capital planning and financial planning through agreement and operation of
robust systems with key internal and external partners.
Provision of a robust performance management system to the organisation to enable the Chief Executive,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran, to discharge accountable officer responsibilities for the whole system within a
devolved environment, as well as ensuring continuous improvement across the health system and in
partnership with other agencies.
Provision of specialist analytical and interpretative skills to the whole system in Health Economics to
underpin an evidence-based approach to planning, prioritisation and performance management in their
widest sense. Ensure these skills are targeted at the areas of greatest potential impact.
Provision of specialist advice on methods for resource allocation and the resulting implications across NHS
Ayrshire and Arran in collaboration with Finance colleagues
6. KEY RESULT AREAS

To provide specialist, high quality, applied economic interpretation and analyses of a range of resource
utilisation issues that are highly complex and sensitive in nature. The postholder analyses and
interprets situations where the outcome of this analysis can be a number of options and the
implications of each of these have to be considered.

The postholder is required to contribute to the formulation of complex, economic plans that impact
across NHS Ayrshire & Arran. The postholder contributes to local policy development and to the
application of national policy locally.

The postholder is required to contribute to the work of the Head of Health Economics in planning and
organising complex projects that have outcomes which impact across the work of NHS Ayrshire and
Arran as a whole. These projects involve several conflicting components and require the co-ordination
of input from other professionals and partner agencies.
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
To provide specialist economic advice to the NHS Board, Directors, Senior Managers and Staff to
ensure an evidence based approach to effective, rational, cost effective and equitable health care and
health improvement is delivered, which is fully aligned to the key principles outlined in policy directives
e.g. Better Health, Better Care.

The postholder provides lead input to the development of the Integrated Resource Framework (IRF)
within NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

The postholder is responsible for the supervision of trainee health economists and the work that trainee
health economists provide for NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

The postholder is also responsible for enabling best practice approaches to investment prioritisation
policy that explore the issues around opportunity cost for NHS Ayrshire & Arran. In addition, the
postholder provides specialist health economic tools and techniques that direct the implementation and
development of policy and services that are of particular importance locally and are relevant to the
strategic direction of Ayrshire and Arran.

The postholder is required to use computer software to provide detailed analysis and reports of their
work. The postholder is responsible for customising and designing health economics information
systems and models, for use in specific areas of analysis by the health economics team and other
members of staff.

The postholder will be expected to undertake research and development as a key component of their
post. In addition, the postholder is responsible for the identification of areas where economic research
is a necessary component of developing a robust evidence base for decision-making to enable service
development across the range of policy areas. The postholder will be expected to specify the
requirements, methodology and outputs required from the research and will assist the Head of Health
Economics to commission and deliver research and development work. R&D programmes undertaken
by the Health Economics team are income generating, quality research projects that are subject to
peer review.

The postholder has a budget monitoring responsibility for income from research and development
projects commissioned by the Health Economics Team and income generated from work completed by
the Health Economics Team for external organisations. Specifically, the postholder has ongoing
responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the spend for projects undertaken on behalf of the
University of Edinburgh and undertaking any local follow-up action as required.

The postholder is required to demonstrate current knowledge and skills in the profession of Health
Economics. As such the postholder is required to maintain their skills and experience through regular
training and peer group learning experiences. The postholder is expected to liaise with academic
colleagues to maintain knowledge of current developments in the discipline and enable peer review.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The postholder is required to utilise IT equipment. Demonstrate standard keyboard skills. Drive to and
from locations in Ayrshire and Scotland.
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7b. SYSTEMS
The postholder is responsible for designing bespoke information systems and models for use in specific
areas of analysis by members of the health economics team and other members of staff. The postholder
will use specialist statistical, modelling and analytical software such as: Stata, TreeAge, Simul8, SPSS and
MapInfo.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The post holder is expected to work in an autonomous role within a framework of agreed objectives, with
regular reporting on work plan and progress on assigned projects. The postholder is guided by health
economics principles and techniques in deciding how to deliver the agreed objectives. The post-holder
has a large degree of autonomy in relation to delivering the agreed objectives. Where there may be an
impact on successful delivery of a project, the postholder will be expected to actively explore and develop
solutions and use their discretion to address potential issues, with escalation to line managers or project
leads as appropriate.
The post holder will also be responsible for the day-today supervision of the trainee health economists
ensuring that work is reviewed and reported on. They will be responsible, jointly with the Head of Health
Economics, for setting and reviewing personal objectives for the trainee health economists.
Informal review takes place through discussion with the Head of Health Economics, through regular
department meetings, published reports and a range of professional meetings. Work produced by the
postholder is subject to formal annual review through a process of forward job planning, target setting,
performance appraisal and personal development planning.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The postholder is a professionally qualified specialist in the field of health economics and is required to
make judgements about complicated aspects of health and healthcare provision where obvious solutions
do not exist. The postholder makes judgements which involve a broad range of information and can
involve a variety of people, including NHS staff, partner agencies and the public. Where there are
conflicting views and opinions and where the information used is open to interpretation requiring
judgement skills to assess the potential impact on resulting decisions. The postholder analyses and
interprets these complicated situations considering the range of options and the implications of each of
these.
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10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
An ability to identify appropriate economic theory and adapt and interpret it for pragmatic use in decision
making and in developing policies and plans in NHS Ayrshire and Arran within necessary timescales.
Ensure effective communication of complicated analyses and information that must be in an appropriate
format for the audience to ensure understanding is achieved.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The postholder must communicate with NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff and partner agencies to synthesise and
assimilate a range of complex economic data and indicators.
The postholder must present complicated economic analysis to a range of stakeholders using sophisticated
communication and negotiation skills both during and beforehand to ensure common understanding and
commitment.
The postholder must undertake presentations to staff groups and the public conveying complicated, sensitive
or contentious economic analysis and conclusions in areas where there is likely to be significant resistance
to the conclusions and change, thus ensuring messages are clearly understood and accepted e.g. during
projects looking at major service change, disinvestment or the closure or relocation of a service.
The postholder will be expected to develop and maintain a wide range of key relationships. The
relationships are both internal and external to NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Outwith the organisation the
postholder is expected to maintain a professional relationship with NHS staff from other areas and personnel
from central and local government.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Demands:

The post requires a combination of sitting, standing and walking.
Mental Demands:

The postholder is required to conduct intricate and complex pieces of analysis and ensure that these
are understandable to a non-economist audience. There is a frequent requirement for concentration
to enable this level of analytical working with an occasional requirement for intense periods of
concentration.
Emotional Demands:

The postholder is occasionally required to work in an environment which can be antagonistic or
hostile both internally and with the public e.g. during projects looking at major service change,
disinvestment or the closure or relocation of a service. There is occasional exposure to verbal abuse
in meetings involving these groups.
Environmental Demands:

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The post is office based. There is a requirement to use a Visual Display Unit more or less
continuously on most days.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Factor
Qualifications and/or
experience
Knowledge
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Essential
Desirable

First degree in economics.


Postgraduate qualification in Health
Economics at a Masters Level i.e. MSc (1
year full-time course).
Record of relevant
publications in a peer
reviewed journals.

Record of securing
funding and conducting
high quality research for
recognised national or
international research
bodies.

Post graduate experience in a health
economics context in an NHS environment.

Demonstrable previous experience of
delivering economic analysis and advice,
which has been subject to peer review that
has aided decision making.

Experience of working in a complex political
environment and demonstrable skills in
managing this interface.

Proven experience of project management.

Demonstrable previous experience of
working in a range of environments,
including those with the public, which can be
hostile or where there may be resistance to
change.

Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.

Demonstrate an ability to maintain
knowledge of a range of economic theory,
techniques, analysis and evidence relevant
to: health and health care policy; health care
interventions; and health inequalities.

Understanding of NHS Scotland structures
relationships and policy direction.
Attributes

Creative and innovative approach to problem
solving.

Ability to think at a strategic and operational
level

Ability to establish productive working
relationships, challenge constructively and be
open to challenge.

Political tact and sensitivity

Highly developed interpersonal and
communication skills (both written and oral)
Training and
Development
Record of continuous professional development.
Other
Standard keyboard skills.
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Record of presenting work to peer review e.g.
conferences.
Membership of professional
body e.g. Health Economists'
Study group.
Driving licence.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran Person Specification & Interview Rating Form
Post Title
Health Economist
Post Reference Number C/648/14
Selection Factors
Criteria
(Person Specification)
QUALIFICATIONS &
TRAINING
Essential
Desirable
EXPERIENCE
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Essential

First degree in economics.

Postgraduate qualification in Health Economics at a Masters Level i.e. MSc (1 year fulltime course).

Post graduate experience in a health economics context in an NHS environment.

Demonstrable previous experience of delivering economic analysis and advice, which
has been subject to peer review that has aided decision making.

Experience of working in a complex political environment and demonstrable skills in
managing this interface.

Proven experience of project management.

Demonstrable previous experience of working in a range of environments, including
those with the public, which can be hostile or where there may be resistance to change.

Record of relevant publications in a peer reviewed journals.

Record of securing funding and conducting high quality research for recognised national
or international research bodies.
Desirable
KNOWLEDGE
Essential

Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.

Demonstrate an ability to maintain knowledge of a range of economic theory,
techniques, analysis and evidence relevant to: health and health care policy; health care
interventions; and health inequalities.

Understanding of NHS Scotland structures relationships and policy direction.

Creative and innovative approach to problem solving.

Ability to think at a strategic and operational level

Ability to establish productive working relationships, challenge constructively and be
open to challenge.

Political tact and sensitivity

Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral)
Desirable
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS
Essential
Desirable
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND
OTHER
Essential
Record of continuous professional development.
Record of presenting work to peer review e.g. conferences.
Standard keyboard skills.
Desirable
Membership of professional body e.g. Health Economists' Study group.
Driving licence.
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