Launch of Phase 2.2 Refreshed NHSScotland Workforce Policies – 6th August 2025
06 August 2025
Phase 2.2 of the Once for Scotland Workforce Policies officially launched on Wednesday 6 August 2025. This follows a soft launch period earlier in the year to assist NHS organisations in their preparations.
Developed under the “Once for Scotland” Workforce Policies Programme, the refreshed standardised policies are to be used across the NHS in Scotland and have already undergone full consultation in partnership, with the aim of delivering consistent, compassionate and values led employment practices. They provide clear guidance on process and procedure and are as follows:
- Gender-Based Violence
- Facilities Arrangements for Trade Unions and Professional Organisations
- Personal Development Planning and Performance Review (PDPPR)
- Employment Checks
- Fixed Term Contracts
- Secondment
- Redeployment
They are accompanied by the following guides:
- Racism
- Reasonable Adjustments
- Sexual Harassment
Please note that the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and the Gender Transitioning Guide continue to be paused to ensure full alignment to a revised Code of Practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission following an earlier Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex and gender, and will follow at a later date. In the meantime, the current NES Equality and Diversity Policy applies.
From 6 August 2025 onwards, any new cases or requests relating to these areas will be managed under the refreshed Phase 2.2 policies. Any staff currently engaged under one of the existing policies, will continue to be supported under the original policy and process until their case concludes.
The refreshed policies and supporting documentation can be accessed at NHSScotland Workforce Policies, and are also on the TURAS Hub.
Key themes include:
- Clear and succinct breakdown of roles and responsibilities of Manager, Employee and other stakeholders
- Clear definitions
- Similarly formatted, with supporting documentation
- Flowcharts
- Enhanced manager responsibilities clearly defined
This policy refresh adds to the earlier launches. Phase 1, rolled out in March 2020, included Attendance, Bullying and Harassment, Capability, Conduct, Grievance, Whistleblowing and Investigation.
Phase 2 policies to support Work Life Balance were launched in November 2023 and included Flexible Work Pattern Policy, Retirement Policy, Special Leave and a suite of family friendly supports.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or require any guidance, please contact the HR Trainee Services Service Desk. HR colleagues are here to support you through the transition of applying the new policies and will be able to assist with any queries.