NHS Scotland Agenda for Change staff - working week reduction: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
A Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment has been prepared in regard to the reduction in the working week for Agenda for Change staff in NHS Scotland as there has been a revision to existing policies.
Aims and Expected Outcomes
Background
As part of the 2023/24 pay deal, Scottish Government committed to a review of Agenda for Change (AfC). The review was conducted on collaboration with Scottish Government, Health Trade Unions (Staff Side) and NHS Scotland Employers.
This work has been taken forward in partnership by a series of Working Groups created under the aegis of STAC.
Principles for the Review of AfC
Prior to the commencement of the review, the Cabinet Secretary set out the following principles for the review of AfC as agreed as part of this pay deal:
- Make NHS Scotland an employer of choice for health and other staff;
- Recognise the value of staff and professional roles;
- Improve outcomes for the public;
- Develop a modern and responsive pay, progression and reward system that meets the needs of NHS Scotland and its staff;
- Ensure no financial detriment to staff, and;
- The remit and timescales will be fully agreed to ensure the work is undertaken and completed by an agreed date.
The review must deliver in the context of NHS Scotland principles around sustainability and value and be evidence-based. The review ensures that solutions address staff shortages through positive change that is fit for purpose, demonstrates good practice, is equality proofed and all staff are treated fairly and consistently.
Whilst there is a focus on addressing staff shortages across the AfC workforce, the review must deliver a positive change which will be:
- Fit for purpose;
- Exemplar;
- Equality proofed, and;
- Available to all.
Aim
Of the four initiatives developed for the Review of AfC, only the reduction in the working week resulted in a change to terms and conditions.
The aim of the reduction in the working week was to get to a 36-hour working week for NHS Scotland AfC staff without the loss of earnings within an agreed timescale taking account of matters including, but not limited to, service provision, safe staffing levels, patient safety, staff wellbeing and costs.
The reduction in the working week presents an opportunity for NHS Boards to modernise how AfC staff are rostered and work, ensuring that NHS Scotland is a leader in flexible and family friendly working practices, and that it remains an employer of choice for health care staff.
A healthy work life balance for is essential for our NHS AfC staff who provide high quality of care to the people of Scotland.
Consultation
The Staff Side cohort that engaged in the review was comprised of representatives from seven Health Unions that represent approximately 95,000 members, an estimated 55% of the total AfC workforce in Scotland (ANNEX A). Together these unions represent ambulance workers, nurses, cleaners, medical secretaries, Allied Health Professionals, porters and a host of other NHS staff within the AfC workforce. As Staff Side representatives regularly engage with their membership, they are acutely aware of key priorities and concerns and ensure members views are accurately reflected during the review process.
NHS Scotland Employers fully engaged in the review, representing 14 regional NHS Boards, seven Special NHS Boards and one public health body. All NHS Boards are accountable to Scottish Ministers, supported by the Scottish Government.