Time to value nursing

So, with the news that the band 5 nursing roles review process went live this week, I would urge each and every band 5 within NHS Scotland to keep an eye on your inbox for an email coming soon from your employer with details of how to begin the process.

We fought hard to secure this opportunity during last year's pay negotiations and, with the RCN here to support you throughout the process, I would encourage all of you who are currently band 5s to grasp the opportunity and ensure that your contribution and expertise are recognised and valued.

Your Scotland Board and the RCN staff team have worked closely to develop a suite of additional resources to compliment the review guidance, ensuring you are supported to complete the application process. Please make use of the guidance and, if you feel like you need more support, then contact the RCN.

Although this specific review is only for band 5 nursing roles, job evaluation is open to everyone. If you feel like your role, responsibilities and clinical skills have changed significantly since you began, then you can ask for a job evaluation and the RCN can support you with that too.

Alongside the announcement of the implementation of the recommendations of the Agenda for Change review, I, like many of you, have been awaiting an announcement of the timetable for the 2024/25 NHS Scotland pay negotiations.

While much later than expected, following pressure and campaigning by RCN Scotland and partners from the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC), the Cabinet Secretary, Neil Gray, has finally confirmed the timetable for the 2024-25 pay negotiations which will begin on 31 July.

While beginning the negotiations four months into the financial year is not an ideal starting position, I assure every one of you who works in Scotland’s NHS that the RCN will be using the collective voice of our members to ensure Scottish government understand that the nursing profession must be valued if we are to attract and retain people to the profession.

As the negotiations progress, it’s important the RCN can contact you to keep you updated and involved in the process, so I ask you to log in to MyRCN and make sure your contact details are up to date.

We’d also recommend reading:

• Band 5 nursing roles review guidance
• Agenda for Change review information
• Our Fair Pay for Nursing page