Clinical Scientist Trainee Funding – Update for Supervisors

We would like to make supervisors and training centres aware of a change to the way funded Clinical Scientist trainee salary costs are transferred to NHS Boards.

Previously, trainee salary costs were recovered through cross-charging arrangements. This has now been replaced by automatic monthly transfers through the POB system, with funding transferred at the end of each month based on the information held by PSD Scotland.

As these transfers are processed automatically, it is important that we hold accurate and up-to-date information about each trainee's working arrangements and anticipated training completion date.

We would therefore ask supervisors to notify us as soon as they become aware of any changes that may affect trainee salary costs or funding requirements. This includes changes to working hours or whole-time equivalent (WTE), periods of absence affecting salary payments, and any circumstances that may affect a trainee's ability to complete their training within the agreed funded period.

Extensions to funded training are not automatic and will only be considered on an individual basis where there are extenuating circumstances, subject to review and approval. Supervisors are encouraged to contact us at the earliest opportunity if they anticipate that a trainee may be unable to complete within their agreed training period.

Please email HCS@nes.scot.nhs.uk with details of any changes, including the effective date, expected duration (where applicable) and any revised anticipated completion date.

Providing this information promptly will help ensure that the correct funding is transferred to NHS Boards, avoid the need for retrospective adjustments and allow any implications for training extensions to be considered in good time.