NHS Board projected staff in post changes for 2019-2020

2. Explanatory notes

The following should be considered when interpreting the data:

• All data shown in the tables have been provided directly by NHS boards. Baseline data at 31 March 2018 may differ from ISD Scotland's "NHSScotland Workforce National Statistics" publication. This may be, for example, due to inconsistencies in how these data are recorded within each NHS board, or data being extracted at different points in time from live systems.
• Projections may include proposed substantive vacancy posts expected to be recruited to over the year. Projected increases therefore may be dependent on vacant posts being successfully filled, and does not necessarily imply a change in board establishment.
• The introduction of the Lead Employment model for Doctors in Training (see full explanation below) has led to inconsistencies in the way baseline and projection figures for the Medical job family have been submitted by boards. While the projections for each board are consistent with the baseline data presented, they are not always comparable to national statistics.
• The NHSScotland total should be used with caution, due to the lead employer model affecting the Medical figures and, therefore, the total baseline and projection figures.

Lead Employment Model

From 01 August 2018, employment arrangements for Scotland's junior doctors were simplified. Under the new arrangements, trainees will carry on working where they are, but for administrative purposes, the 22 health board employers are being reduced to four, with trainees benefitting from having one employer for the duration of their training programme. More information about the lead employment model is available from NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

The arrangements to introduce the lead employment model for Dentists in Training are expected to be implemented in 2020.

The official statistics published by ISD Scotland allocate junior doctors to their board of placement, rather than their board of employment. Some health boards have reported that they are not able to report them in the same way, as they are not included in their workforce systems when employed by another board.

Future projections will include clear guidance to NHS boards regarding recording of workforce information for Doctors and Dentists in Training.