The new 2003 contract applies to all consultants first appointed after 31 October 2003, as well as those who have chosen to transfer to it. Key documents related to the 2003 contract are set out below.
Consultant - Terms and Conditions of Service (England) (2003)
Terms and Conditions - Consultants (England) 2003 (version 8, September 2009)
This handbook sets out the terms and conditions of service for consultants on the 2003 contract. It incorporates all amendments, as at 1 September 2009.
Joint Negotiating Committee JNC(S) Main Points arising from the JNCS meeting of 24 April 2009
Record of amendments TCS - consultants (England) 2003 volume one
(19 January 2004 to 30 July 2007). Amendments are also notified to employers via a message in the NHS Workforce Bulletin. The changes are highlighted in the main document with superscript numbers.
Record of amendments TCS - consultants (England) 2003 volume two
(1 April 2008 to date). Amendments are also notified to employers via a message in the NHS Workforce Bulletin. The changes are highlighted in the main document with superscript numbers.
Consultant - Model Contract (England) (2003)
This model contract is intended for consultants in NHS facilities.
Record of amendments - Contract
This was updated on 1 April 2008 - amendments are also notified to employers via a message in the NHS Workforce Bulletin. The changes are highlighted in the main document with superscript numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A frequently asked questions document has been published to provide further advice and guidance on the consultant contract.
Contracting for extra sessions
The 2003 consultant contract established a standard full time working week of ten PAs. On this basis, a consultant's contract should be no more than 10 PAs and employers should only advertise posts on this basis. However, alongside the core contract, the Terms and Conditions, Consultants (England) 2003 provides flexibility for NHS organisations and consultants to agree to contract for additional PAs, for a variety of purposes.
Provision is made for two types of extra-contractual PAs which are outlined in this guidance. These can be used interchangeably.
A guide to contracting for additional/extra programmed activities
This guide outlines good practice for contractual arrangements for additional or extra Programmed Activities (PAs) for consultants. It includes example contracts for:
A frequently asked questions document has been published to provide further advice and guidance on the consultant contract.