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Once for Scotland Workforce Policies

NHS Scotland Workforce Policies Website


NHS Scotland Workforce Policies are single, standardised policies to be used consistently and seamlessly across the NHS in Scotland.

Each workforce policy comes with extensive support to ensure the consistent application of the policies across all of NHS Scotland. These supporting documents form part of the standard for workforce policies that apply to all NHS Scotland employees.

The Once for Scotland Workforce policies are person-centred and will be applied using the NHS Scotland values: 

  • care and compassion
  • dignity and respect
  • openness, honesty and responsibility
  • quality and teamwork. 
Phase 1 – Workforce Policies Programme

The seven policies below form phase 1 of the Workforce Policies Programme and apply to all NHS employees in Scotland. Further policies will become available in later phases. Areas not addressed by these policies, will continue to be covered by the current workforce policies within NHSGGC.

  • Attendance
  • Bullying and Harassment
  • Capability
  • Conduct
  • Grievance
  • Whistleblowing
  • Workforce Policies Investigation Process
Phase 2 – Workforce Policies Programme – live from 1st November 2023

On 29th June 2023, The Scottish Workforce and Staff Governance Committee (SWAG) formally approved the 11 policies refreshed under Supporting Work Life Balance. This comprises the following workforce policies which will be active from 1st November 2023 and replace any relevant existing NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde policies:

• Flexible Work Location

• Flexible Work Pattern

• Retirement

• Career Break

• Special Leave

• Maternity

• New Parent Support

• Shared Maternity and Shared Adoption

• Parental Leave

• Breastfeeding

• Adoption, Fostering and Kinship

Each of the above policy has been extensively reviewed and a summary of any key changes are detailed in OFS Phase 2 Key Changes

Drop in sessions have been arranged for anyone who has any questions regarding the Phase 2 policies. These will take place via MS Teams and can be accessed via the links below. We would encourage that managers review the policies initially and attend one of the sessions below if there are any questions.

Date:Time:MS Teams Link:
Thursday 9th November 202310.00am to 12noonClick here to join the meeting
Thursday 16th November 202310.00am to 12noonClick here to join the meeting