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Pay and Conditions of Service

Agenda for Change

Pay Journey Tool

Details regarding the Agenda for Change Pay Reform (May 2019) can be found via the link below:

 STAC (Scottish Terms and Conditions) Committee Update on Agenda for Change pay reform (May 2019). 

TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) Update

As part of the three year Agenda for Change pay deal agreed in 2018, NHS Scotland Employers and Staff Side also agreed to develop guidance around the use the Time Off In Lieu (TOIL), further to the provision set out in Section 3 of the Agenda for Change Handbook.

Please find attached the following new NHS Scotland Circular:

All information regarding Agenda for Change is available on the below link:

Medical and Dental

Click the link below for access to the terms and conditions of service for the appropriate grades of doctor/dentist. These links take you to the Management Steering Group’s website, where information on nationally agreed payscales, terms and conditions is regularly updated

Management Steering Group
SAS Doctors Contractual Reform Scotland
Contract Variation

Letter template used to confirm details of any variation of contract:

Contract Variation Template

Please contact the HR Support & Advice Unit should you wish to clarify any aspects of applying this template.

Executive and Senior Managers

Click the link below for access to the terms and conditions of service for senior and executive managers. These links take you to the Management Steering Group’s website, where information on nationally agreed payscales, terms and conditions is regularly updated.

Job Evaluation
NHSGGC Job Evaluation Information
Scottish Public Pensions Agency

Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) administers pensions on behalf of the Scottish Government for employees of the National Health Service in Scotland as well as Teachers, the Police and Firefighters.

If you would like further information on your pension please contact SPPA directly on 01896 893 000 or alternatively their website provides extensive guidance (link above).

Recent Updates

Scottish Public Pensions Agency – Changes to our Retirement Application Forms February 2022

Based on feedback from you, we have made some changes to our retirement forms, modifying the NHS RET form into two separate forms, one for Practitioner members called the PRAC:RET and one for all other NHS workers called the NHS:RET.

This process will make things simpler for you, allowing a smoother process from application to calculation.

PRAC:RET Form

The new Practitioner retirement form should be used by any member that has held Practitioner service at any time during their career.

The PRAC:RET form has undergone cosmetic changes and the priority of the Practitioner elements have been re-ordered. Further explanations have been added regarding Practitioner terminology, to make filling in the form easier.

NHS Scotland Staff Pension Policy on Recycling Employers Contribution (REC)

The Scottish Government has introduced a new Policy to introduce an option for employees who are current or deferred members of the NHS Pension Scheme. The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland recognise that a number of employees are disproportionately impacted by additional tax charges and may find their future benefits are affected.  This is because employees are or may be affected by the Annual Allowance (AA).

In light of this, this new Policy allows a flexible approach through the introduction of a Recycling Employers Contributions (REC Payment) scheme that will allow those employees who believe they may be impacted by the AA tax charge an alternative option to their current NHS pension arrangement. The scheme is time limited until 31st March 2023 and applications should be submitted no later than 28th February 2023.

To apply to the Scheme you should complete the application at the link below, and submit this with all required documentation to RECPayment@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. If you have any specific queries in relation to this, please contact us through this email address.

Neither NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nor SPPA can provide financial advice, therefore employees who believe they may be impacted by the AA tax charge are encouraged to seek independent financial advice prior to applying for the REC payment. 

NHS Pension Scheme – 2015 Remedy (McCloud Sargeant)

The 2015 Remedy is the term used for the pension scheme changes announced by the UK government. This was in response to the 2018 Court of Appeal ruling that found the pension scheme reforms introduced on 1 April 2015 discriminated against younger members of the legacy schemes.

As part of your personal retirement planning you may have considered how the 2015 Remedy affects you. To provide clarity on this area, NHS Staff Benefits have produced a short information video outlining the 2015 Pension Reforms and addressing questions regarding tax free sums and pension information post April 2022. Supporting the video are 2015 Remedy Scheme Frequently Asked Questions which can be found on the Scottish Public Pensions Agency website.

Links to the resources can be found below:

SPPA NHS Pensions Scheme – Quick Links

Returning to work in NHSGGC after voluntary retirement

If you wish to keep working with NHSGGC after retirement on a part or full time basis you can find NHSGGC guidance here: Guidance on Voluntary Retirement and Re-Employment.

Advice can be discussed by contacting the NHSGGC HR Support and Advice Enquiry Team on 0141 278 2700 option 2.

Planning to retire

Full information on the NHS Pensions Schemes is available on the SPPA Web Page. This page provides links to information on:

  • About NHS Pensions
  • Your memebrship
  • Retiring from the NHS
  • Receiving your pension
  • Scheme governance and legislation
  • NHS Factors
  • NHS Forms
  • Pensions Tax Lesgislation
  • 2015 Remedy and NHS FAQs

You can find quick links below to selected areas on the SPPA web page. This follows feedback from NHSGGC staff identifying the most frequently requested information.

About  NHS Pensions:

Your Pension Scheme Membership

This section covers information on the following areas and can be accessed by going to Government Pensions Information webpage.

  • Scheme Overview
  • Joining the Scheme
  • Your Contributions
  • Special Class Members and Mental Health Officers
  • Medical and Dental Practitioners
  • Part-time Employees
  • Divorce
  • Industrial Action
  • Parental Leave
  • Career Break
  • Ill Health
  • Full and Tapered Protection
  • Opting-out or Leaving the NHS
  • Rejoining the Scheme
  • NHS Injury Benefits
  • Death and Family Benefits
  • Protection of Pay and Voluntary Protection of Pay

Pension calculators; This sections provides the following calculators which can be assessed from the page link here. 

 All calculators are based on Microsoft Office Excel:

  • NHS Pension Calculator
  • Pension Lump Sum Calculator
  • Additional Pension Calculator
  • Preserved Benefits Estimate Calculator

Pension estimates and annual benefit statements; Your annual benefit statement estimates your pension benefits accrued up to the end of the most recent financial year based on your pensionable service and / or salary details as confirmed by your employer. Information on how to access to your statement and other information can be found here. 

Please note that not all information on the SSPA NHS Pensions Scheme page is included in this quick links page. Full information can be found by navigating from the SSPA home page to ensure you have all the information your require for your unique pension circumstances.

Working and Retirement Options under the NHS Pension 1995 Scheme

You may be a member of the NHS Superannuation Scheme approaching a point in your career where you are unsure of the financial options available to you regarding the continuation of work or making a decision to retire.

By registering on a Pre-Retirement Financial Awareness event you can receive information relating to scheme decisions and relevant Independent Financial Advice. For information and access to an even, please visit Pre-retirement Financial Awareness – NHSGGC

The pre-retirement financial awareness event has been designed to equip you with information and tools prior to submitting your forms to SPPA via your line manager and payroll. During the course we will discuss wider retirement related topics with a focus on financial issues. The workshop provides the opportunity to seek free independent financial advice from Poise Financial Planning Ltd (no obligation consultation on request)*

*Disclaimer: NHS Staff Benefits in association with Poise Financial Planning Ltd are responsible for financial advice not your employer, in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulations. Your employer cannot recommend Poise Financial Planning Ltd but we can confirm they are registered with and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to give independent financial advice.

Changes to Disclosure Scotland (April 2025)

From April 2025, the law around the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is changing. These changes mean that more roles will now be legally classed as “regulated work.” As a result, some staff who haven’t needed PVG membership before will now need to join the scheme.

Why this matters
The PVG scheme helps ensure people working with vulnerable groups (protected adults and/or children) don’t have a known history of harmful behaviour. The changes are part of wider updates to disclosure legislation being rolled out by Disclosure Scotland.

What happens next

  • If you’re affected, you’ll be contacted by the Recruitment Service – either directly or through your line manager – over the coming weeks.
  • You’ll be given guidance on how to apply.
  • You must complete your PVG application by 30 June 2025.

Next steps

  • No immediate action is needed from you unless you’ve been contacted.
  • If you’re unsure about whether this applies to you, wait to hear from your manager or the Recruitment Service.
  • Further updates will be shared on this webpage as the rollout continues.

More information
You can read more about the PVG changes on the Disclosure Scotland website.

Information webinars

A series of 30-minute webinars have been scheduled for line managers throughout April. These sessions will provide an overview of the changes being made to the PVG Scheme and to allow line managers to ask any additional questions. Each of the webinars will contain the same information, therefore line managers only need to attend one of the sessions. Although the webinar sessions will be aimed at line managers, all staff are welcome to attend.

Register for an information webinar using the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions

The series of Frequently Asked Questions will be expanded as further common questions arise.

If you are unable to find the answer to your question, you can contact the HR Support & Advice Unit or your Staff Side representative for further guidance and support.

How do I know if I am working in a ‘Regulated Role’

The Recruitment Service will write to all staff who will be affected by these changes.

Disclosure Scotland have produced an online guidance tool which NHSGGC will use to help us determine if a role needs PVG Scheme membership. If we are unsure, we will contact Disclosure Scotland for further guidance.

In summary, ‘regulated roles’ within NHSGGC predominantly fall into one of the following categories:

  • Individuals providing direct care to vulnerable groups.
  • Individuals who have contact* with vulnerable groups.
  • Individuals who work in a hospital,** and have the opportunity for unsupervised contact* with vulnerable groups.
  • Individuals who are managers or supervisors of somebody working in a regulated role.

Definitions

* Contact refers to: physical contact; visual communication; written communication; verbal communication; or having power and influence over an individual (i.e. making operational or strategic decisions that could impact a number of children or protected adults).

** Hospital refers to: clinics; health centres; GP surgeries; treatment centres; care facilities; mental health units; community hospitals; and ‘any other premises used for the reception, treatment or care of persons suffering from illness, or for preventive medicine or medical research’.

I am already a PVG Scheme member connected with NHSGGC, do I need to do another one?

Disclosure Scotland provides NHSGGC with a list of individuals whose PVG Scheme membership is connected to NHSGGC (known as an ‘interested party’). HR will review this list and contact you if further action is required.

I am already a PVG Scheme member with another organisation, do I have to do another one?

Some individuals may already be a PVG Scheme member with another organisation. However you will need to undertake a further application to allow NHSGGC to become an ‘interested party’ in your PVG membership .

How do I apply for PVG when I’m contacted?

You’ll receive clear instructions from the Recruitment Service, including how to complete your application and what ID to provide.

Do I have to pay for PVG Scheme membership

No. The cost of your PVG membership will be paid by NHSGGC. This applies if you are joining the PVG Scheme for the first time, or if you are applying for NHSGGC to be listed as an interested party in your membership.

What happens when my PVG certificate is shared with NHSGGC

Disclosure Scotland will decide what information to share with NHSGGC.

  • If your PVG Scheme membership is returned with no information recorded on it, the details of your certificate will be logged on the HR system and there will be no further action required.
  • If your PVG Scheme membership is returned with details of your criminal history recorded on it, your certificate will be reviewed and risk-assessed by a small panel consisting of HR, staff side and management. The panel will consider multiple factors including:
    • the nature of the conviction(s)
    • when the conviction(s) occurred
    • the impact on your role(s) within NHSGGC
I am concerned what my criminal history will show.

If you have a criminal record, it doesn’t automatically mean you can’t work in a role that requires PVG membership. Disclosure Scotland will assess whether any information on your record is relevant to the type of work you do. Many people with past convictions are still able to work with vulnerable groups.

Only certain types of offences will affect PVG membership. Disclosure Scotland considers:

  • The nature and seriousness of the offence
  • How long ago it happened
  • Whether it’s relevant to the role
  • Whether there’s a pattern of behaviour

If your application raises concerns, Disclosure Scotland will contact you and give you a chance to respond before any final decision is made.

If you’re worried, you can speak in confidence with HR or your staff side representative.

What if I don’t want to join the PVG scheme?

If your role legally requires PVG membership and you choose not to join, you may not be able to continue in your post from 01 July 2025.

What if I do not submit my PVG application by 30 June 2025

The law makes it clear that individuals must have submitted their PVG Scheme application by 30 June 2025. If your role legally requires PVG membership and you have not submitted your application by 30 June 2025, you may not be able to continue in your post from 01 July 2025.

Will my employment be affected by something on my criminal record?

Not necessarily. Many people with previous convictions can still work in regulated roles. Disclosure Scotland assesses the relevance and seriousness of any information before deciding. If there are concerns, you’ll be contacted and given a chance to respond.

What ID do I have to send to the NHSGGC Recruitment Service

You must provide ID which confirms your full name, date of birth and current address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Passport (any current and valid passport)
  • Biometric residence permit
  • Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional)
  • Birth certificate
  • Adoption certificate (issued within UK and Channel Islands)
  • Marriage/civil partnership certificate (issued within UK and Channel Islands)
  • Immigration document, visa, or work permit
  • HM Forces ID card
  • Firearms licence
  • Mortgage statement (issued in last 12 months)
  • Bank or building society statement (issued in last 3 months)
  • Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter (issued in last 3 months)
  • Credit card statement (issued in last 3 months)
  • Financial statement, for example pension or endowment (issued in last 12 months)
  • P45 or P60 statement (issued in last 12 months)
  • Council Tax statement (issued in last 12 months)
  • Utility bill (not mobile telephone bill) (issued in last 3 months)
  • Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension (issued in last 3 months)
  • Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC (issued in last 3 months)
  • Irish Passport Card
  • Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo (must still be valid)
  • Letter from head teacher or college principal (for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education – only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided)