The guidance on the handling of Trainees is predicated on the following text, which reflects the thinking at the time that Annex U of the NHS terms and conditions of service handbook covering the application of Agenda for Change to trainees was developed.
Section 2(i) was envisaged as covering circumstances in which the period of traineeship could be covered by a single profile (where it exists) or the post could be job evaluated. This would be consistent with the length of the traineeship being relatively short typically usually less than two years.
Section 2(ii) was envisaged as covering circumstances in which the post requires on the job training, usually less than 12 months, and therefore should be job evaluated as part of the normal post. Typically, these staff enter whilst already in possession of the basic skills and knowledge to undertake the role. This type of trainee can also be evaluated using the NHS Job Evaluation Scheme. If profiles for this role exist, it is expected that the lowest banded profile will be appropriate. During the period of traineeship the post holder should not move through the KSF foundation gateway. An example of this type of trainee is a trainee secretary.
Section 2(iii) was envisaged as covering circumstances in which the period of traineeship could not be covered by a single profile. This would be demonstrated by significant differences in the role undertaken at the beginning of the training period as opposed to the role at the end of the training period. This would be consistent with the length of the traineeship being over a longer period typically of three years or more. It is thought likely that a profile would be needed for each year of training/wide variation.
The percentages referred to in section 3 are only applicable to posts covered by 2(iii). They are not applicable to 2(i) or 2(ii).
In relation to trainees who are in effect secondees - both pre and post registration – for example where a healthcare assistant is working towards becoming a qualified nurse, standard arrangements apply as now.
Clinical scientist trainees
A new Clinical Scientist Trainee profile (Band 6) has been published. Previously these trainees were regarded as a group for whom a single profile was not appropriate and as such they were covered by paragraph 2 (iii) of Annex U. The publication of the profile means that Annex U will not apply to new entrant Clinical Scientist Trainees. Consequently the examples of how to deal with these posts have been removed from the tables attached to this guidance.
Local partnerships will now need to decide how they will harmonise existing arrangements for these trainees with the national profile.
Public health trainees
Arrangements for the remuneration of specialist trainees under Agenda for Change have been agreed by the NHS Staff Council. These were issued under cover of Pay Circular (AforC) 1/2007.
This revised guidance has been jointly approved by the NHS Staff Council
February 2007