Policies

HR 

From 1 March 2020, staff across NHSScotland have benefitted from a comprehensive set of refreshed Workforce policies which means no matter what Board you are in, the policies will be the same, and easily accessible on any device (mobile, laptop, desktop) at any time or via the HR connect portal.  

The intention is for the policies to be accessible, simplified and person-centred and applied consistently across NHSScotland using NHS Scotland’s values, ensuring all staff are treated fairly.  

The first set of policies to be published in Phase 1 were:   

  • Attendance 
  • Bullying and Harassment  
  • Capability 
  • Conduct  
  • Grievance  
  • Workforce Policy Investigation Process 

Phase 2 policies are now available and effective from 1st November 2023The 11 policies comprise:  

  • Flexible Work Pattern Policy (previously the Flexible Working Practices Policy) 
  • Flexible Work Location Policy (previously the Homeworking Policy) 
  • Retirement Policy  
  • Career Break Policy (now a standalone policy) 
  • Special Leave Policy 
  • Maternity Policy  
  • New Parent Support Policy (previously the Paternity Leave Policy) 
  • Parental Leave Policy 
  • Shared Maternity and Shared Adoption Policy (now a standalone policy) 
  • Breastfeeding Policy (now a standalone policy) 
  • Adoption, Fostering and Kinship Policy (now a standalone policy)  

You will be able to access the policies here: NHSScotland Workforce Policies 

Absence Reporting Link for Practice Trainees

Return to work Form for Practice Trainees 

Additional NES Resources 

Adverse Weather 

Annual Leave Policy 

Attendance 

Presentation Workforce Policies - Attendance Policy.pptx 

Explainer video https://vimeo.com/393444478 

Bullying and Harassment 

Presentation Workforce Policies - Bullying & Harassment Policy.pptx 

Explainer video https://vimeo.com/393444370 

Capability 

Presentation Workforce Policies - Capability Policy.pptx 

Explainer video https://vimeo.com/393444279 

Code of Conduct 

Conduct 

Presentation Workforce Policies - Conduct Policy.pptx 

Explainer video https://vimeo.com/393443457 

Disability policy and procedures 

Equality and diversity in employment policy 

FairWarning 

Fixed term contract policy (use of) 

Incorporating flexi time working guidelines, compressed hours, reduced working year, part time work, job share, phased retiral, employment break 

Gender based violence policy 

Please see the manager's guide for the gender based violence policy. 

Grievance 

Presentation Workforce Policies - Grievance Policy.pptx 

Explainer video https://vimeo.com/393443345 

Guidance - Staff Undergoing Fertility Treatment 

Inclusive Education and Learning 

Inclusive education is an approach which recognises and values diversity so that the diverse learning needs and preferences of individual learners are identified and met. Inclusive education is an anticipatory approach which takes proactive steps to identifying and meeting the needs of learners, and anticipates those needs where possible. It also involves providing appropriate learning support so that all learners have the opportunity to maximise their learning outcomes. An inclusive approach to education means that each individual learner is valued and that they are treated with dignity and respect. 

Our Inclusive Education and Learning Policy sets out our commitment to making education and learning more inclusive. 

For more information about how to make your course or learning resource inclusive, visit the Inclusive education folder on NES Corp hub or the Equality, diversity and human rights hub. 

Induction policy   

Injury Allowance Procedure 

Learning and development policy

Maternity Policy Video 

Heather Blazejewski and Muriel Russell discuss the HR procedures for maternity leave:  https://vimeo.com/218962975

Menopause Guide for Managers

NHS Scotland Global Citizenship HR Guidance

Occupational health and wellbeing policy

Organisational Change Policy and Procedure 

Organisational Change Policy Update, as of April 2022. 

The refreshed Organisational Change Policy, along with Guiding Principles and a streamlined toolkit have been developed through a collaboration between HR, Staff Side and QI colleagues.  

The new addition of Guiding Principles aims to provide clarity on the types of changes that fall within the scope of the Organisational Change Policy.  

The Policy itself has not substantively changed, alongside the refreshed Toolkit and templates the aim is to make it easier to navigate and understand the process to enable change facilitated through a partnership approach ensuring consistency to providing support to staff through the change programme.  

Previous Organisational Change Policy included Redeployment Policy which is now a separate policy. 

This refreshed policy comes into effect 1 May 2022 and does not affect any current Organisation Change programmes. 

For further advice or guidance please contact HR via Workforce Service Desk  

Overtime and unsocial hours guidelines 

Pandemic flu/emergency planning HR policy and staffing plan 

Personal review and planning policy 

Recruitment and Pre and Post Employment Policy 

incorporating the provision of NES employment references procedure 

Redeployment policy 

Refreshed Redeployment Policy as of April 2022.  

The Redeployment Policy outlines the processes in NES to find any employee who has been displaced suitable alternative employment in the organisation. 

Previously the Redeployment policy was part of the Organisational Change Policy. This is now a stand alone policy.   

Relocation and Removal Expenses Policy 

Secondment policy 

Incorporating serious illness/bereavement, domestic emergencies, carer leave, other types of special leave 

Standard of Business conduct policy 

Suicide Awareness Guidelines 

Whistleblowing Standards 

Find  out more about whistleblowing in the Help me with section. 

Workforce Policy Investigation Process 

Presentation Workforce Policies - Investigation Policy.pptx 

Explainer video https://vimeo.com/393442831