« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
ANNEX B
Current Recruitment Process For Consultants To NHSScotland
The Current System
The National Health Service (Appointment of Consultants) (Scotland) Regulations 1993 provide for members of the National Panel of Specialists to sit on Advisory Appointment Committees ( AACs).
The National Panel consists of 350 members holding consultant posts. National Panellists from the specialty or nearest appropriate specialty for which individuals are being recruited are called upon to sit on AACs. National Panellists are appointed for 4 years and can be re-appointed when their term of office has been completed.
AACs are convened each time a medical or dental consultant is being recruited. NHS Boards should draft the job description in consultation with a member of the National Panel (although this need not be the national panellist that sits on the AAC). Once a National Panellist has been secured to participate in the AAC they will be involved in short listing, giving advice on whether candidates have sufficient training and experience to do the job, and will provide general advice on the suitability of each candidate. There are similar non-statutory arrangements in place for other senior medial and dental appointments.
The role of the AAC is to recommend applicants that are considered suitable for appointment, together with any comments deemed appropriate, in a report to the employing body. The decision to appoint to a consultant post is taken by the employing NHS Board.
The role of the National Panellists is pivotal when their opinion differs from the recommendation by the rest of the AAC. Under such circumstances their opinion must be reported to the employing Board so that the Board can judge the professional advice accordingly and come to a decision about the appointment.
The AAC must consist of the following representatives:
- From the employing body, at least four members of whom:
one shall act as Chairman;
at least two must be registered medical or dental practitioners;
and one shall be the Chief Executive or designated senior manager.
- From the National Panel of Specialists:
Two members in the appropriate or most appropriate speciality and one member must not be employed by the Board making the appointment.
- From the University (only if the post involves undergraduate teaching duties)
Two members nominated by the University concerned (or four members if the teaching commitment is significant.
There are also non statutory Appointments Committees ( ACs) and representation from the National Panel of Specialists is also recommended on these.
- When recruiting to University appointments for honorary consultants two National Panellists are required.
- When recruiting to Associate Specialists, Staff Grades, Hospital Practitioners, Clinical Scientists and Senior Non-Consultant Dental Officers one National Panellist is required.
Appointment of Consultants in England and Wales
In England and Wales the regulations were amended in 2003 to reduce the number of national panellists from two to one. NHS Employers now manage the implementation of the revised regulations on behalf of the Department of Health Royal English Colleges identify National Panellists on behalf of Trusts who are the NHS employers in England.
Appointment of Consultants in Northern Ireland
Consultant appointments are made by the employing authorities on the advice of an Advisory Appointments Committee ( AAC), a legally constituted committee established by the employing authority. An appointment cannot be made unless the candidate has been interviewed by the ACC and has been assessed by a majority as suitable. The composition of the AAC is in accordance with the Appointment of Consultant Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996. Good Practice Guidance was also issued in 1996. The Regulations and guidance set out the provisions governing the membership of AACs for different types of appointment, and typically would include, a consultant, the chief officer and the medical or dental director of the employing authority, a lay member and an external assessor. A nominee of the Faculty of Medicine of the Queen's University of Belfast would also be included in the case of joint appointments with the University.
The current system in Northern Ireland is currently coming under pressure for change from employers. Reflecting the experience of NHSScotland, the current regulations governing AACs are considered a substantial policy restraint on the appointment of consultants.
Appointment of consultants by the Independent Sector
In contrast to NHSScotland the independent sector are not required to appoint consultants through the AAC process now governed by regulation. Independent employers are able to determine their own recruitment process.
BUPA provide one example of how this has enabled the recruitment process to develop. In order to practice as a consultant with BUPA doctors are assessed on evidence of their previous practice and competence. This assessment includes a review of a range of data on clinical indicators as well as patient satisfaction including:
- mortality and readmission statistics;
- patient perceptions, assessed through the number of complaints and customer satisfaction levels;
- the volume of cases handled, as a proxy to indicate clinical experience.
The assessment of these data sets is undertaken by a Speciality Manager providing consistency and assurance of their recruitment process.
« Previous | Contents | Next »