Workforce Development: The Vision

Working for Health, the Workforce Development Action Plan for NHSScotland, recognises the challenges involved in delivering reformed health services for better patient care. The Action Plan proposes a more co-ordinated approach to the development of the NHSScotland workforce, involving new resources and structures at local, regional and national level. As well as putting forward new arrangements for integrating workforce planning with service planning and redesign, the Plan draws particular attention to improving workforce information - good analysis and plans need to be based on sound data. Effective workforce development strategies will also seek to break down the barriers between different employment sectors in the Scottish healthcare system, and involve the social care, voluntary and private sectors - workforce development needs to be put in the context of the whole healthcare labour market.

Working Time Regulations (WTR)- Achieving Compliance
Alongside the workforce development agenda, the National Workforce Unit is responsible for policy on Working Time issues, including implementing the Working Time Directive across NHSScotland and also the New Deal for Junior Doctors. The New Deal is supported by the Implementation Support Group, a joint initiative with the BMA and the NHS, whose regional support teams offer support and guidance to Boards on compliance issues. Doctors in training were excluded from the WTR, but amendment regulations made in 2003 mean that the provisions of the WTR apply to them progressively from 1 August 2004. Since 1998, all other NHS employees have been subject to the Regulations, which limit hours of work, lay down rest and other requirements and are intended to ensure safe working conditions and provide the highest standards of patient care.

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