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Staff Resources & Support

The Medical Education Team is dedicated to supporting doctors in training to stay happy and healthy at work and at home. Within this section of the website you will find information relating to different services, clubs and external organisations that operate in and around our NHSGGC Hospital sites.

Concerns & Feedback

If you have a concern about Patient Safety:

  • Discuss immediately with supervising consultant
  • Datix
  • Discuss with educational supervisor
  • Discuss with clinical director/line manager
  • If you have health or personal circumstances which you feel affect your ability to perform your job and there is a potential effect on either your personal safety or patient safety then you must discuss this with your clinical or educational supervisor immediately or if they are not available another consultant within the unit. The Clinical Director responsible for the department will be informed as part of this process.

If you have concerns about your training:

  • Discuss with your clinical supervisor
  • Make an appointment to discuss with your educational supervisor
  • Make an appointment to meet with Foundation Programme Director or Training Programme Director
  • Discuss with your sector ADME (see the meet the team (link) page for details)

Useful links:


Additional NHSGGC Health and Wellbeing Resources

Staff Relaxation & Recuperation (R&R) Hubs Space for staff to relax and recuperate away from their clinical work environments. The hubs are designed to offer Café space for eating & drinking and quiet space for reflection/relaxation. They are accessible 24/7 and are open to all members of staff.
 Acute Psychology Staff Support Service (APSSS)  Designed for hospital-based staff wishing to access psychological first aid as a result of their challenging work circumstances. Offering 30 minutes individual sessions that can be arranged using ‘Attend Anywhere’ technology via the COVID-19 Acute Care Line. The service also offers group/team wellbeing & resilience sessions that can be booked via application form with General Manager support 0141 277 7623 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm 
COVID-19 Staff Support Line Confidential Support line staffed by clinical psychologists and psychological therapists available for all staff  The service offers emotional and psychological support developed to respond to the emotional needs that staff may have at this time.  0141 303 8968 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm  www.nhsggc.org.uk/covid19/staffsupport 
Occupational Health Counselling Services Listening ear service – Providing support for staff that have queries about their physical and mental health in relation to their fitness to work  0141 201 0600 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm  
Spiritual Care Service Chaplaincy service now offer a 7 day telephone service for patients, relatives and staff 0141 887 9111 Weekdays: Monday – Friday, 9am – 10pm Most Chapels and Sanctuaries will remain open as normal and these spaces are available for everyone to use. Staff Listening Service is open to all staff and offer person centred, confidential, non-discriminatory sessions with a trained listener 0141 201 1100 Weekdays & Weekends 9am – 10pm 
HR Connect Staff Self Help: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/self-help-for-staff/ Useful Guides: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/staff-self-help-mh-quick-guides/ HR Support & Advice Unit: 0141 278 2700hr.support@ggc.scot.nhs.uk 
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction  (MBSR) Existing MBSR services are now available online, drop-in sessions are delivered by experienced mindfulness tutors using the Mindfulness Scotland Zoom account  
BME Staff Network The BME Network provide a safe, supportive and confidential forum for sharing experiences. BME Staff Network – NHSGGC If you would like to join our forum please contact: ggc.bmestaffnetwork@nhs.scot  
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  GGC information on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, forums, data and further contact details. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – NHSGGC  NHSGGC – Equalities in Health 

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The Scottish Cytology Training School (SCTS) is a National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) Accredited Training Centre. The SCTS provides training and continuing professional development (CPD) for relevant professional staff in cervical cytology screening and associated work areas as part of the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.

Scottish Cytology Training School Course Information

Please send completed application forms to: ggc.scts@nhs.scot

Scottish Cytology Training School Courses

Introductory Course in  Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®) – Minimum entry qualification

Trainee Cytoscreener – 4 GCSE’s

Trainee Biomedical Scientist – ‘A’ levels or equivalent to allow entry to a Health Profession Council (HPC) approved degree course or a recognised HPC/Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved degree.

Eligibility – All students must be employed in an NHSCSP Cytopathology department, as a trainee to undertake this course as part of the 2 year UK registration training.

Length of time in post: Learners should attend the introductory course ideally within the first 6 months of employment. Learners should spend a minimum of 6 weeks in the home laboratory learning how to set up as well as use a light microscope to visualise cells for interpretation and be familiar with normal cell morphology and basic infections.

NHSCSP – Registration: Prior to starting the introductory course pre-registration students must be registered by their employers with the NHSCSP Education office. The laboratory training officer (assessor) must also be registered prior to learners commencing their portfolio. This course is the first part of an intensive two year training plan for registration in Cytology which includes written portfolio work, slide logbook and attendance at compulsory courses at the training centre with a final one day external examination.

Follow –up Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)

Course for candidates who have previously attended the NHSCSP Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology. This normally takes place between 6 to 12 months after the Introductory Course. 

Pre-examination Course [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)

The introductory and follow up courses are supported by a pre-examination course. This normally takes places between 3 months and 3 weeks before the examination. 

Biomedical Scientist (BMS)/Cytoscreener One Day Update Course

Update course to refresh qualified screeners knowledge and inform them about developments in Cervical Cytology and the NHSCSP. 

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This section helps you get started, be more efficient with your computer or laptop, connect with patients, and use electronic patient records

Getting started
  • If you are new to using digital in NHSGGC you will find lots of useful information in the GGC eHealth sharepoint site
  • Whilst you will be trained on specific applications, consider a basic IT session to learn skills that span across applications such as file management, keyboard and mouse skills, and functions of Microsoft Windows.
  • NHS Scotland uses Microsoft 365 (M365) which allows access to many useful apps. Training and information is available on the M365 Skills Hub.
  • In particular, familiarise yourself with features of Outlook and Teams as the apps for communicating and collaborating.
  • You can even set up your Teams profile with a photo. It is a national resource with 1000s of users so it can help identify yourself and others more quickly. Follow the steps on how to do this.
  • Be sure to personalise your email and contact details in the global address list via eHelp ‘update contact details
Keeping safe
  • The NHSGGC Information Security: Acceptable Use Policy gives a important background in the safe use of email, social media and use of devices. See Cyber Awareness for further information on simple ways to keep our information safe.
  • Never share your logon details or passwords. Consider setting up Imprivata OneSign (Single Sign On) on your computer to help you to remember many of your passwords. It updates automatically each time you require to change a password.
  • Always lock your computer when you step away from it even in an office setting. Use Windows key + L to lock the screen quickly.
Problem solving digital issues
  • If an application is not working well, first consider if it is using an internet connection and if this connection is good. See Troubleshooting Network Problems. Most NHSGGC devices connect to ‘WPA2-MAIN’ in NHSGGC premises.
  • If it is a problem with logging into a system, search for the ‘Forgot your password?’ or similar function. Make sure your set-up any security questions for systems you use before you need to use them in anger!
  • Ask yourself what you expect the computer to be doing and what is now different?
  • Make use of help functions in most applications, often depicted by a ?.

    Also consider functions and settings often are in the ‘cog’, ellipsis (…), or other menu symbols. Remember that every symbol in an application means something, so hover over it with the mouse cursor, click it or right-click it to see what it does.
  • Consider asking ‘super-users’ in your team for tips and help.
  • Use eHelp if the above hasn’t managed to solve your problem.
  • Discuss the digital skills needed for you job in supervision, 1:1s and PDP&R just like you would for your clinical skills.
Home and agile working
  • To work from home successfully you require a NHSGGC provided device (e.g. laptop) and a stable internet signal.
  • To use M365 products such as Outlook and Teams, simply connect to your home Wi-Fi.
  • To access clinical systems such as EMISWeb, Clinical Portal, TrakCare and Staffnet, you need to have a ‘secure’ connection. This could be achieved in several ways:
    • By mobile connection where your device has a SIM card like you would have in a mobile phone. This is configured with some special settings that make the connection ‘secure’. This is the preferred option if you need access to these systems in a wide range of lcoations particularly patients’ homes.
    • By connecting to your home Wi-Fi and then using a ‘remote connection’ tool such as F5. This can be requested through eHelp. This is the preferred option if you work from home for prolonged periods and tend to have numerous applications open at a time.
Electronic health and care records (EHCR)

There are 3 ‘cornerstone’ systems used in NHSGGC:

  • TrakCare used mainly in acute settings;
  • EMISWeb used mainly in community settings; and
  • Clinical Portal used across all settings including social care for viewing clinical information. Also used across a variety of settings for documenting information.

The diagram below illustrates the NHSGGC strategic plan of how they integrate:

Diagram illustrating the core 'doing' EHCR systems feeding a standardised data set into Clinical Portal as the viewing system.
EHCR structure diagram

Training

Connecting with patients

Connecting with our patients remotely is easy with Near Me. Speak with you manager to see if it is available in your service.

A recent patient feedback survey showed over 90% of patients that had used the video call service would use it again if offered. It has many benefits both to the patient and the clinician.

The Telerehab Toolkit is an excellent resource to help you feel more confident with video calls as well as some other really useful info and links.

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NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) is the largest health board in Scotland, serving a diverse population across vibrant urban, suburban, and semi-rural communities. We offer a wide range of opportunities for GPs at all career stages. From newly qualified doctors to experienced GPs, in both traditional practice settings and innovative service models.

GP Registrar

GP Registrars, if you are completing your training, you should apply to join the NHS Primary Medical Services Performers List at least three months before CCT. 📩 Contact our team for advice and the application pack: ggc.gp.pcs@nhs.scot

Fully Qualified GP

There are fourteen Health Boards in Scotland, and you should apply to the board, where you intend to undertake the majority of your work for appraisal/revalidation purposes. If this is NHS GG&C,📩 Contact our team for advice and the application pack: ggc.gp.pcs@nhs.scot

Right to work check

You’ll need to prove your right to work in the UK to allow you to provide general medical services within Scotland.

Prove your right to work to an employer: get a share code – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk

The share code should be generated and sent along with your Performers List application.

Share Codes/ Sponsorship/Visas

Visa and immigration rules changed in 2022. In the past, workers on Tier 2 visas could work only for the sponsoring employer. Following the rule changes, skilled workers are now entitled to work either unlimited hours with their sponsoring employer, or to work up to 20 additional hours with another employer (or for the worker’s own business) as long as the worker is still being sponsored for the original job.

In addition to the sponsored job, a skilled worker GP could now work:

  • for another independent GP practice in the same Board area;
  • for a Board-run (2C) practice in the same Board area;
  • for a Board’s OOH service in the same area; or
  • for all of the variants above but in a different Board area, or perhaps in multiple Board areas.

The responsibility of any individual employer is only to monitor the hours done by the employee if they have employed the GP as a Partner or a Salaried and to report any breaches of the Regulations

The GP has personal obligations to ensure that they do not exceed the 20-hour additional work limit.

Application for Inclusion on the Performer’s List

Please find below a sample application form. Please note that this sample application form cannot be used to apply and is for information only.

NHS GG&C Performer’s List Application Form

  • In order to work as a GP in Scotland, you will need to be a member of the Disclosure Scotland, PVG Scheme, and to work in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, you will need to be on the NHS Primary Medical Services Performer’s list for Glasgow and Clyde. To obtain a copy of the application pack, please contact the FHS Team at ggc.gp.pcs@nhs.scot

Following your Inclusion in the Performers List

Once you have been approved on the Performer’s List you will be able to apply for jobs. The NHS Scotland GP Jobs Site advertises GP vacancies by region, and you will be able to find the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Vacancies : https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/ and/or Vacancies | Glasgow Local Medical Committee Ltd (glasgowlmc.co.uk) and NHS Scotland Jobs – Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Why Choose Greater Glasgow & Clyde?

Choosing to work in NHSGGC offers more than just a rewarding career, it’s also about the lifestyle:

• Vibrant City Life: Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for its friendly people, thriving cultural scene, world-class music, shopping, and dining.

• Affordable Living: Lower cost of living compared to many UK cities, with affordable housing and excellent public transport.

•Outdoor Access: Within 30 minutes, you can reach Loch Lomond, the Clyde coast, and the Scottish Highlands, perfect for walking, cycling, and outdoor adventures.

• Education and Family Life: Excellent schools, universities, and family-friendly communities make the area ideal for settling long term.

• Professional Support: Strong educational links, peer networks, and opportunities to develop specialist interests.

Additional Resources : Explore the new NHS Scotland GP Workforce Centre a national online hub offering tools, guidance, and examples of best practice to support GP recruitment, retention, and sustainability.

For an informal discussion about GP opportunities in NHSGGC, contact: ggc.gp.pcs@nhs.scot

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How does a Sessional GP get an NHS mail account?

Response from NSS – Any GP, including Sessional GPs, are entitled to an NHSmail account. The issue is whether they should be attached to the practice they work in or not. I would suggest that if they are likely to work in a practice for 3 months or more they should be attached to the practice and if they move to another practice they are marked as a leaver from that practice and then added to the next by the practice admins. This would need to be done by your local administrator. If they are only working for a week here or there, they should float within the Board (not attached to anything except GGC Board).

To get an NHS Mail account a Sessional GP should phone DAISY, the IT Company NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde use to support their systems, on 0344 863 1244 and log a call. The operator will take the GP through a series of questions, including which Health Board they are hosted by, take contact details, and then the account will be set up.

If a GP has an NHS Mail account from working in a practice can they retain it if they leave the practice to work as a Sessional GP?

Yes – When the GP is working for a Practice they will be attached to that practice, if they move to another practice they will be marked as a leaver from that practice and then added to the next by the practice admins. This would need to be done by your local administrator. If they are only working for a week here or there, they should float within the Board (not attached to anything except GGC Board).

What are the implications for a person’s PVG Scheme membership if they move from working in a practice to working sessionally, or if they come from another part of the UK?

PVG application is carried out as part of a new GP’s induction process, along with Performers List application, when they wish to practice as a GP. It is a national scheme and covers them wherever they work in Scotland, and whether they work as a Principal in a practice or sessionally. If a GP comes from another part of the UK they will have to complete the Scottish PVG process even if they are members of the scheme elsewhere in the UK

How would Sessional GPs access BNF online?

The BNF can be accessed from the Medicines Complete website at British National Formulary (BNF) | Pharmaceutical Press in order to access the site you must be working in a GP Practice, a member of NHS Scotland staff, student on NHS placements, or partner in local authorities and the voluntary health sector.

How would Sessional GPs Access the NHSGGC formulary?

You can access the GGC Formulary through Staffnet. If you are working in a practice the permissions on the PC should be sufficient. There are also smartphone apps that can be downloaded, however you need a SharePoint account in order to open either the online formulary or the app: GGC Clinical Info – Home (sharepoint.com)

How would Sessional GPs Access the online BNF?

Go to https://bnf.nice.org.uk/ and you can access the BNF on your device, either desktop or mobile.

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Please click on the links below to view the Medical (GP) Lists.

This information is updated quarterly.

Quarterly Medical Lists

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    GGC Medicines

    Clicking on the link below will take you to the GGC Medicines webpage which contains a link to the current GGC Drug Formulary and other useful information.

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    To find out more about Fellowships at Canniesburn, please visit the Clinical Placement with NHSGGC webpage for more information.

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    Jenny and the Bear

    Topic: Tobacco

    Description: The “Jenny and the Bear” story book and Name the Teddy competition, are part of a co-ordinated programme which aims to increase awareness of the effects of secondhand smoke on children and what parents/carers can do to ensure their children are not exposed to its harmful effects.

    The programme consists of a story being read to pupils by their class teacher, followed by a classroom activity to agree a name for the bear in the story.  The teddy bear names are then entered into a competition and the winners will be awarded a teddy mascot for their class (1 class from each local authority area in GG&C).  Letters are sent out to all primary schools in GG&C at the start of the school year with information on how to register for the programme.

    The story of the little girl and her teddy offers the opportunity to explore the themes of secondhand smoke, a favourite toy, rewarding positive behaviours and consideration for others. In addition, all children who take part in the programme will be given a booklet version of the story to take home. It is hoped that this will support parents/carers reading to their children and raising awareness of the issues of secondhand smoke within the wider family.

    Type: Lesson Plan, Online Resource, Film, Book

    Target group: Early

    IT/practical requirements: A video version of this story is available as a YouTube link for live streaming

    Implications for staff: None

    Cost attached: No

    Resource link: NHSGGC: Jenny and the Bear / Name the Teddy

    QA Tool: Jenny and the Bear QA Tool

    Choices for Life: Liam’s Story (Tobacco)

    Topic: Tobacco and Peer Pressure

    Description: Togther with PACE Theatre, Choices for Life have produced a series of dramas “Someday” which are all interlinked. They tell the story of Liam, Sophie and Scott as they experience peer pressure, smoking, drugs and alcohol for the first time.

    Liam’s story is about a young boy and his school ates who try to persuade him to smoke to fit in with the crowd and the consequences that follow (smoking, peer pressure, fitting in).  The film lasts approximately 15 minutes and can either be watched on its own or as part of the someday series covering other substance misuse topics.  

    Type: Online resource, Film

    Target group: Second Level

    IT/practical requirements: Access to the internet required 

    Implications for staff: None

    Cost attached: No

    Resource link: 

    QA Tool: Liam’s Story QA Tool

    Smokefree 4 Me

    Topic: Tobacco

    Description: The Smokefree 4 Me programme is a health education initiative which aims to prevent smoking uptake and encourage young people to make an informed choice to stay smoke free.  The Programme is open to all S1 and S2 classes across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

    Classes can take part in the programme in different ways depending on the interests and needs of the pupils as well as the amount of time available in class to undertake activities.  The programme is split into five themes:

    • Theme 1:  Health Effects of Smoking
    • Theme 2:  Peer Influence and Decision Making
    • Theme 3:  Smoking and the Law
    • Theme 4:  The Tobacco Industry, Advertising and Promotion
    • Theme 5:  Tobacco, Poverty and the Environment

    Each theme has an accompanying lesson plan with background information on the topic, suggested ideas for lesson development and a topical newsletter.

    Type: Lesson Plans, Online Resource, Pack

    Target group: Third

    IT/practical requirements: All secondary schools in Greater Glasgow and Clyde have previously received a hard copy of the pack but please follow the link below for the most recent version with up to date statistics. Some lessons may require IT access in class depending on activities chosen.

    Implications for staff: No training required but CPD sessions may be available in each local authority area via your local CPD calendar.

    Cost attached: No.

    Resource link: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Smokefree 4 Me is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

    QA Tool: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Smokefree 4 Me is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

    Trade Winds

    Topic: Tobacco

    Description: Trade Winds: Learning about Tobacco is an interdisciplinary resource for primary schools and is targeted at P5-P7 pupils (second level).  

    The pack covers all curriculum areas and is designed to enable children to extend their learning beyond the health impacts of tobacco to a consideration of broader tobacco issues.

     The pack is split into 7 topic areas:

    • Topic A – Setting the Scene
    • Topic B – History of Tobacco
    • Topic C – Health Effects of Smoking
    • Topic D – Secondhand Smoke
    • Topic E – Cost of Tobacco (Global and Local)
    • Topic F – Influences on Smoking (Media and Peer Pressure)
    • Topic G – Extending Children’s Learning Through the Arts

    Type: Lesson Plans, Online Resource, Pack

    Target group: Second

    IT/practical requirements: All primary schools in Greater Glasgow and Clyde have previously received a hard copy of the pack but please follow the link below for the most recent version with up to date statistics. Some lessons may require IT access in class depending on activities chosen.

    Implications for staff:  No training required but CPD sessions may be available in each local authority area via your local CPD calendar.

    Cost attached: No

    Resource link: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Trade Winds is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

    QA  Tool: Please note: this resource is currently unavailable. Trade Winds is under review by NHS GGC. A revised version will be linked here once available.

    Tobacco-free Secondary Schools

    Topic: Tobacco

    Description:

    By aspiring to be a smoke-free school, schools can support young people to make confident, responsible, effective decisions about their health and wellbeing. There are many different factors that lead young people to smoke and the extent to which smoking is prominent and accepted in the environment around them plays a crucial part. Consistency between what is experienced in the school environment and reinforcing smoke-free messages in the classroom is key.

    The pack includes a range of practical tools and resources and is arranged into 2 parts that can be used independently or together:

    Part 1 – Guide to becoming a Tobacco-free School

    This guide document is intended to support a school through the steps required in order to become a tobacco free school. It explains the background, why it is important and key issues.   This guide replaces the previous “Tobacco-free Schools – Helping You Achieve It” guide by Smokefree Services and Ash Scotland.

    The guide breaks down the process into 10 steps – and these are laid out in a very practical way that is easy to follow. There is a suite of templates available to guide the schools through the process – these can be found in Appendix 1 and are fully editable Microsoft Word documents. 

    Part 2 – Tobacco-free Schools Teaching Pack

    Secondary pack aligned to Curriculum for Excellence 3rd and 4th level (S1-S3) although reference is also made in the pack to the importance of continuing activity through Senior Phase, for which this material would be suitable.

    There are 23 different activities over 10 topic areas.   It is not necessary for all activities or topics to be used – teachers are free to “pick and mix”.

    Topics covered include:

    • introducing tobacco
    • benefits of being smokefree
    • smoking and health
    • dealing with peer pressure and building confidence
    • e-cigarettes and vaping
    • smoking and mental health
    • smoking and physical activity
    • money money money
    • towards a Smokefree Scotland
    • cigarettes, plastic and the environment

    Type: Lesson Plan(s), Online Resource

    Target group: Third, Fourth, Senior phase

    IT/practical requirements:

    Quit Your Way Smokefree Schools have 1 printed copy of the resource for every secondary school in Greater Glasgow & Clyde.  To request your free copy please email: Quityourway.smokefreeschools@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

    The pack is also available online:

    1. Visit https://www.ashscotlandmoodle.org.uk/
    2. Select the ‘tobacco-free secondary schools’ course
    3. Create a new account to get started.

    If there are any issues accessing the electronic version please contact eLearning@ashscotland.org.uk

    Implications for staff: none

    Cost attached: none

    Resource link: Tobacco-free Secondary Schools

    QA Tool: Tobacco-free Secondary Schools QA Tool

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    The West of Scotland Research Ethics Service forms part of the UK wide NHS research ethics service (https://www.hra.nhs.uk/) and applications can be reviewed from across the UK.  Applicants are free to apply to any suitably flagged REC in the UK although a local REC is advised.  The applicant should book a slot that they are able to attend.  The meetings are generally held remotely and instructions for joining the meeting are sent out ahead of time.

    The central West of Scotland office is manned by four Research Ethics Committee Managers and Assistants who cover the four West of Scotland Research Ethics Committees.

    A list of all contact details and the meeting and submission dates can be found here:   https://www.hra.nhs.uk/about-us/committees-and-services/res-and-recs/search-research-ethics-committees/

    In Scotland the REC Service is managed regionally across four Health Boards.  The Health Board is the appointing authority for each REC.  All NHS RECs in the UK work within the guidelines detailed in Governance Arrangements for Research Ethics Committees (20th July 2021)   https://www.hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-improving-research/policies-standards-legislation/governance-arrangement-research-ethics-committees/

    The role of RECs

    The Role of NHS Research Ethics Committees (RECs)

    NHS RECs safeguard the rights, safety, dignity and well-being of people participating in research in the National Health Service. They review applications for research and give an opinion about the proposed participant involvement and whether the research is ethical. NHS RECs are entirely independent of research sponsors (that is, the organisations funding and hosting the research) and investigators. This enables them to put participants at the centre of their research. Each year, NHS RECs review around 6,000 research applications. On average, they give an opinion in less than 30 days: well within the maximum allowance of 60 days. Proportionate Review studies are reviewed within a maximum of 21 days.

    REC Membership

    Each Research Ethics Committee (REC) consists of between seven and 18 volunteer members. At least one-third of the members must be ‘lay’. Lay members are people whose main personal or professional interest is not in a medical research area. The remainder of the committee are expert members, who are specialists including doctors, other healthcare professionals and academics.  Membership also includes a category known as ‘lay plus’. This category excludes anyone who has been involved in clinical research other than as a participant. REC members often have the sort of experience which will be useful in scrutinising the ethical aspects of a research proposal. For example, they might be patients, members of the public, nurses, GPs, hospital doctors, statisticians, pharmacists and academics, as well as people with specific ethical expertise gained through a legal, philosophical or theological background.

    Interested in becoming a member of an NHS REC?

    Please get in touch with us and we can send you further details and let you know of any local vacancies available. All NHS RECs are established by the UK Health Departments for the purpose of reviewing research applications that fall within our remit as set out in GAfREC.

    Different types of REC

    There are two main types of RECs:

    Recognised RECs

    These are recognised by the United Kingdom Ethics Committee Authority (UKECA) for the review of clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs), in accordance with The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations.  

    Authorised RECs

    Established under GAfREC but not recognised by UKECA.  Authorised RECs can review most research that is not a CTIMP.   

    Many RECs are fagged to look at particular types of research and these flags can be seen here;  https://www.hra.nhs.uk/about-us/committees-and-services/res-and-recs/search-research-ethics-committees/

    During the online booking process you will be directed to an appropriately flagged REC if this is required; https://www.hra.nhs.uk/about-us/committees-and-services/online-booking-service/

    In the West of Scotland we have one Recognised REC and three Authorised RECs 

     Information for applicants

    Information to help you define if your research project requires review by a Research Ethics Committee can be found here

    Research Application Submission

    All researchers wishing to undertake a piece of research within the NHS are required to complete an IRAS form. All guidance and information is contained within the site to allow completion of the IRAS form.

    Once the application is ready for submission i.e. complete with electronic authorisations etc.  Please follow the current guidance on online submission; https://www.hra.nhs.uk/about-us/committees-and-services/online-booking-service/

    Once you have uploaded all of the study documentation the REC Manager will check and validate the submission.  The REC Manager will then issue a validation letter indicating the date and time of the Ethics Meeting and inviting the investigator to attend.  The dates and times of all ethics meetings can be found here: https://www.hra.nhs.uk/about-us/committees-and-services/res-and-recs/search-research-ethics-committees/

    After the meeting the investigator will receive a letter within 10 working days stating the outcome which will be one of four possible decisions:

    • Final opinion – favourable or unfavourable
    • Provisional opinion – with request for further information, clarification or revision
    • No opinion – gone to referee for consultation before opinion given

    The national ethics service allows 60 days from the submission of the application to final opinion. Clear guidance is given within the IRAS website for researchers who wish to make an amendment to their application after approval or add extra sites.

    Contacts and committee details

    Contacts and committee details  (dates can vary due to public holidays always check on HRA website)

    Committee DetailsMeetsContacts
    West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1 WoSREC 1 Recognised Type III Flags: CTIMPs Paediatrics Phase I Patients1st Tuesday of the month 9am-12pm
    WestofScotland.ResearchEthicsCommittee1@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
    West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 3 WoSREC3 Authorised Flags: QualitativeResearch 4th Thursday of the month, 2-5pm WestofScotland.ResearchEthicsCommittee3@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
    West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 4 WoSREC4 Authorised Flags: Device Trials, Tissue Banks, Research Databases & Paediatrics1st Friday of each month 12-3pm WestofScotland.ResearchEthicsCommittee4@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
    West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 5 WoSREC5 Authorised Flags: Paediatrics 3rd Wednesday of each month 2-5pm WestofScotland.ResearchEthicsCommittee5@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

    Any queries regarding the service or whether an application requires ethical review should be directed to the Scientific Officer / Ethics Manager – Dr Judith Godden 

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