All employees are able to access online learning and development opportunities. You can find out more at the links below, or speak to your Team Leader for more information if you are unsure about which you should sign up for.
We have a range of courses available for enrolment. Please speak with your Team Leader for more information and to find the right course for you.
Staff Bursary Scheme 2025/26 to open on 1 April 2025
The 2025/2026 Staff Bursary will be opening 9.00am Tuesday 1 April 2025 and run until 23:59pm on Sunday 27 April 2025.
The Staff Bursary Scheme is available to NHSGGC employees from all grades and service areas to support them to gain educational qualifications and undertake courses of study relevant to their role and personal development. The bursary will cover course fees only, and does not cover cost of living, travel, accommodation or materials.
The Staff Bursary will support applications from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026 (all courses must start between these dates).
If you wish to be added to our mailing list to get a reminder nearer the live dates then please contact the Staff Bursary team at: staff.bursary@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Any enquiries please contact the bursary team on staff.bursary@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or LE Support 0141 278 2700 (option 3).
Upcoming Induction Dates
All staff within Facilities complete a three day induction programme prior to starting in their sites, to ensure that all basic training is covered. This induction includes completing their REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene training. The dates for the next induction sessions are as follows:
Wednesday, 05th March 2025 – 3 days
Wednesday, 19th March 2025 – 3 days
Wednesday, 02nd April 2025 – 3 days
Wednesday, 30th April 2025 – 3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to enrol in a course?
Many of the courses on offer can are offered on a first come, first served basis, and while some are available to certain roles only, there are a wide range of training opportunities that are open to everyone. Please speak to your supervisor if you aren’t sure whether a course is available for you, or if it will fit your needs.
How do I apply for a course?
Most courses will need you to apply online, usually via a Form. You may need an email address to receive confirmation or to access a course. Your supervisor can help if you’re unsure.
Can I take the course during work hours?
All staff have some time available within their working hours for training and development. Sometimes we can’t have all staff off the floor at any one time, so please check with your supervisor or manager if you are unsure.
Will I need to sign a learning agreement?
It will depend on each individual course whether this is required or not. The majority of our courses won’t need you to sign an agreement, but if your course is funded or accredited, it’s likely that you will have to sign a learning agreement.
What happens if I fail or don’t complete the course?
We encourage participants to fully complete any course they commit to, and to try to pass the test, if there is one, at the end. For some specific training courses, you will need to pass the test before progressing further in your career. Any courses, including those hosted online, come at a significant cost to the organisation. Drop-outs from courses therefore costs the organisation money, and we’d rather invest that money in your development, so we ask all staff to do their utmost to finish the course. If you have specific circumstances that prevent this, please discuss them with your line manager first.
Can I enrol in more than one course at a time?
It depends. Some courses have long waiting lists, and if you apply for multiple courses these may be offered at the same time. We want to ensure that all staff have the opportunity to develop, so please ensure that you only apply for relevant courses and if you are offered a place on different ones at the same time, especially if it impacts on your working hours or ability to complete them, please discuss with your supervisor.
Will I need to report my progress during the course?
It depends. If you’re attending college and completing a course that takes a significant period of time, it would be good practice to have regular discussions with your manager about your progress, and any challenges you might be facing. If you are completing some online learning, it might be useful to discuss how you got on with it when you complete it. Speak to your supervisor for more advice.
Many staff groups continue to be affected by the cost of living pressures we face. You can find various support services and useful links that may be able to help below.
Access To Payslip
As part of Self Service you will be able to view, print and/or save an electronic copy of your payslip. Access your payslip
Please note, only staff who currently have access to e-payslips can use this function. We are working to expand access to e-payslip to more staff in the coming months.
Credit Union
NHS Credit Union are here to help and care for the financial health and well being of members across our NHS common bond, from Shetland to Sheffield. Currently 24,000 strong and growing.
NHS Pension Scheme
Access to a high quality occupational NHS Pension Scheme is an important and valuable benefit for all NHS Scotland staff. As a scheme member, you get an excellent package of pension benefits which are index linked and guaranteed by the Government.
All About Money
Would you like help to manage your money better? Is Money a worry for you? It’s All About Money
Benefits
Benefits – GOV.UK includes eligibility, appeals, tax credits and Universal Credit.
Money Helper
Need more help?
Contact Money Helper for money guidance that’s impartial and free to use, whether that’s online or over the phone. Whatever your query we’re here to help. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll point you in the right direction of someone who does.
Citizens Advice Scotland
Looking for advice?
Advice provided by Citizens Advice Scotland is free, independent, confidential, impartial and available to everyone.
Home Energy Scotland
Home Energy Scotland are here to offer free advice and support to help you make your home warmer, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Our service is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust. We are committed to positively impacting the lives of people throughout Scotland.
Staff Hub is the place to find important information, updates, and resources for all staff. Stay up to date with the latest news and access everything you need to support your work.
I am Tom Steele, and it is with great pride that I lead such an outstanding team across our healthcare and administrative facilities. I joined NHSGGC in October 2018 and prior to that I worked in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Forth Valley and NHS National Services Scotland. My early career started in February 1986 and I had no idea at that time that I would effectively spend the rest of my career in NHS healthcare.
My first role, “Works Services Technician”, equivalent to Band 2 nowadays was working in the hospital estates team involved with maintenance activity and small improvement projects. This experience stood me in good stead for on the job learning and I was also fortunate to have the support of the organisation to attend further education colleges for a few years. I was always keen to learn from anyone who would listen, so my advice to anyone would be to ask inquiring questions, and keep doing so – every day is a learning day. My job roles changed throughout the years and I was again fortunate to attend university and gain further educational qualifications, albeit I was probably 30+ years old by this time, so it’s never too late to go to university.
Our Directorate plays a vital role in supporting and enabling clinical services across NHSGGC and we are tasked with the crucial responsibility of ensuring that all facilities are functioning optimally. Our Directorate operates at strategic and operational levels, which not only manages the upkeep of our existing facilities, but also plans for future developments, adhering to legal and environmental standards. Our services are delivered 24/7,365 days a year to all departments to ensure patient and workplace safety, efficiency, and sustainability which are integral to organisational success.
Our contribution to patient safety and their satisfaction can only be delivered through our staff, all of whom play an equal role, and our continued desire to improve is testament to a progressive and customer focussed team.
Current Briefs and Updates
Estates and Facilities Directorate Team Brief
Get the latest updates and insights from this month’s team for Estates & Facilities brief.
Core Brief is our regular employee update and provides important updates across a variety of topics, ranging from operational and site specific information, through to messages for our staff from our Chief Executive.
Team Talk
As part of our ongoing commitment to listening to and engaging with our staff, we have launched a new communications platform – Team Talk.
Team Talk aims to distil the four most important pieces of information we’d like all staff to be aware of and engaged with each month.
Vacancies
Looking for your first job or planning your next career move? Discover exciting opportunities across various departments.
Project Search is recruiting again for the start of our thirteenth year in August 2025. Project Search is a full time one-year intensive work experience programme for young people between 18 – 29 years who have a learning disability and / or autistic spectrum condition and who want paid employment. The programme is based within Glasgow Royal Infirmary and while most placements will be in the hospital some may be in the wider community and with other employers.
There is an Information Session in Glasgow City Chambers Satinwood Suite on Wednesday 26th March at 3pm. However, there are lots of opportunities out with this event to talk to staff and hear more about the programme. This short video was made to celebrate the ten-year anniversary.
Staff all across the Estates and Facilities Directorate are working hard and doing great things every day. Please submit your teams’ Good News or Success Stories to us and we will share them here.
In the Staff Support page you can find links to a variety of resources that are designed to help staff understand their role and how NHSGGC operates.
See more at the links below.
Staff Support
NHS Workforce Policies
NHS Workforce Policies developed nationally in partnership with NHSScotland employers, trade unions and the Scottish Government, these policies and associated supporting documents set the standard for employment practice all our Boards follow.
Self-Referral and Counselling
All NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde employees can access Self Referrals and Counselling through the Occupational Health Service to receive a wide range of support services.
Civility Saves Lives
Civility Saves Lives are healthcare professionals aiming to raise awareness of the power of civility in patient care and the impacts of incivility on teamwork and patient outcomes.
Healthy Working Lives
Healthy Working Lives is a support and referral service for NHS staff absent – or at risk of absence – from work due to health conditions.
Peer Support
We know that when people feel supported and heard, it has a positive impact on their wellbeing and resilience through Peer Support Network
Popular Links
Annual Leave Calculator
Annual leave calculator is a helpful tool to help employees calculate their annual leave entitlement in hours.
Flexible Work Pattern
Flexible Work Pattern Policy is a framework to support employees when they request, or managers propose options for flexible work patterns.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy aims to encourage and support employee attendance, where health impacts their ability to be at work.
Additional Support and Resources
Mental Health
Mental health will help to identify, treat and manage mental health problems and disorders.
Breathing Space
Sometimes our thoughts and feelings can overwhelm us. It helps to get some Breathing Space.
Bereavement Support
Grief can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone as Bereavement Support is here to help.
If your enquiry is urgent or you would prefer to talk to one of the HR Assistants please contact us by telephone0141 278 2700 option 2. The team are available at the following times:
Monday – 9.00am until 4.00pm
Tuesday – 9.00am until 4.00pm
Wednesday – 9.00am until 4.00pm
Thursday – 12.00pm until 4.00pm
Friday – 9.00am until 4.00pm
Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) bring together local partners including health boards, local authorities, police and voluntary agencies. Based on an assessment of local needs the ADPs are responsible for commissioning and developing local strategies to reduce the use of and harm from alcohol and drugs alongside promoting recovery.
Across Greater Glasgow and Clyde there are 6 ADPs, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA) – GCA (Glasgow Council on Alcohol) is a charity offering Alcohol Counselling, Group Work and Alcohol Brief Interventions in Glasgow & surrounding areas.
With You – We provide free and confidential support to adults and young people facing challenges with alcohol, drugs and mental health.
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA is a mutual support organisation for those who have a desire to stop drinking.
With You – With You provides brief interventions, advice, referrals and emotional support.
Know the Score Know the score is a website that provides information and support on drugs including a free helpline and webchat.
The Thistle – Glasgow’s Safer Drug Consumption Facility is a supervised healthcare setting where you can consume your own drugs, obtained elsewhere, under the supervision of trained health and social care professionals, in clean, hygienic and safe environments reducing the risk of overdose.
Young People
Routes – SFAD – Routes is a youth work programme delivered in East and West Dunbartonshire by Scottish families affected by alcohol and Drugs (SFAD). The service supports young people aged 12-26 years affected by alcohol and drugs within their family.
Glasgow City Youth Health Service – NHSGGC – Glasgow City Youth Health Service (YHS) offers support for young people across 9 locations in Glasgow. The Multiple Risk programme, which is a 12 week programme will address individual risks, this includes drugs and alcohol.
With You – With You provides brief interventions, advice and emotional support via a Webchat service. Webchat is an accessible, free and anonymous service for anyone over the age of 13 who is in need of drug, alcohol or mental health support.
Families
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs – Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is a national charity that supports anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland.
Family Addiction Support Service (FASS) – FASS offers free confidential support, advice and information to family members across Glasgow who have been affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol use.
Harm Reduction
LGBTQ+
LGBT Youth Scotland – support young people aged 13-25 in all aspects of their lives through the provision of amazing youth work, and we support them to use their voice to create change in equality and human rights.
Kinder Stronger Better – A website developed for and by members of the Glasgow LGBTQ+ community and professionals to provide information and advice to LGBTQ+ people about alcohol and drugs, as well as where to get help and support in Glasgow (and beyond).
LGBT Health and Wellbeing – Scotland’s health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ adults. Working to improve the physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ adults (16+) in Scotland.
Justice
Families Outside – Help, Information and support for families affected by imprisonment.
Sacro – Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation which works to deliver life-changing services that empower people, give hope and protection, and help to build safe communities.
The Croft – Providing practical and emotional support, information and advice to the families impacted by a loved one’s imprisonment at HMP Barlinnie.
The Clinical Training Team were proud to be awarded SCoR Radiography Team of the Year for Scotland 2024!
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging (SABI) in Glasgow has offered Mammography training for over 20 years across Scotland, the rest of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. SABI courses focus on the needs of Breast Service as a whole and are offered to a number of healthcare practitioners including Radiographers, Assistant Practitioners, Sonographers, Nurses, Breast Radiologists, Breast Surgeons and Breast Clinicians.
SABI offers a range of courses including PgCert Mammography for Radiographers and HECert Mammography for Assistant Practitioners. Advanced Practice options are designed to enable professional and clinical skills development for individuals who wish to extend their scope of practice within breast imaging. Further modules are available through Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh to support the full MSc Awards and the 4 pillars of practice.
Courses are delivered either online or in person (see individual module information) and use QMU systems such as the Library and Canvas to support student learning.
All courses are approved by the College of Radiographers and run in collaboration with QMU. The PgCert Breast Ultrasound is also CASE Accredited.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the SABI Quarterly Newsletter then please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot).
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging Team
The Clinical Training Team were very pleased to win the 2024 SCoR Radiography Team of the Year for Scotland! Simon, Zoe and Christine travelled down to the ceremony in London on 7th November to collect the awards. The certificates will be hung on the walls of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Breast Screening Centres with pride!
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging is based at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow. Simon Holmes is National Mammography Training Lead and is responsible for running the Academy alongside Maureen McAuley who is Programme Administrator. You will find their contact details at the bottom of this site.
SABI also has a Clinical Training Team who are Band 7 Mammographers supporting the education and training of Mammographers and Assistant Practitioners on the PgCert and HECert Mammography programmes as well as delivering Clinical Updates across Scotland, the rest of the UK and Ireland to help maintain standards of practice within breast imaging.
There are currently 8 SABI Clinical Trainers:
Christine Loder, Claire Crawford, Isabelle Tait, Kayleigh O’Loughlin and Samantha McWaters are based at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow.
Alyson Munro, Laura Dick and Zoe Allan based at the South East Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Edinburgh.
SABI Courses
The Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Mammography: 60 Credits SCQF Level 11
PgCert Mammography intakes: March, August and November
The PgCert Mammography delivered by the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging is a 9 months blended course designed to allow HCPC or Coru Registered Radiographers to train as Mammographers. All the academic content is delivered by SABI via three online blocks and includes pre-recorded resources and live workshops. You will be offered a Clinical Training week in either Glasgow or Edinburgh where you will be assigned a Clinical Trainer for a full week of face-to-face clinical teaching. Your Clinical Trainer will also travel to your own department to carry out the assessments associated with the clinical modules.
You will also require a Work-place Mentor who will support your learning throughout the course.
Each 20 credit module reflects 200 hours of learning and you will need support to carry out a minimum of 20 Mammograms per week throughout the course.
The PgCert Mammography runs three times a years and you can apply to register in March, August or November.
The three modules you will need to complete to be eligible for the PgCert Mammography award are as follows:
Mammography and Person-centred Care (RM097) 20 Credits: This module aims to provide the learner with the theoretical and practical base to develop a high level of expertise in mammography and person-centred care.
Mammography Practice-based Learning (RM098) 20 Credits: This module aims to encourage the learner to develop as a competent reflective practitioner within breast imaging integrating theory and practice associated with MLO and CC projections.
Advanced Mammography Skills (RM099) 20 Credits: This module aims to encourage the learner to develop as a competent reflective practitioner within breast imaging integrating theory and practice associated with advanced mammographic projections.
Advanced Practice Options: Various Credit Ratings at SCQF Level 11
Advanced Practice Modules: various intakes throughout the year
All advanced practice modules delivered at the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging require a Work-place Mentor who will support your learning throughout the module as well as carry out the clinical assessments.
PgCert Breast Ultrasound 60 Credits: This CASE Accredited 60 credit award consist of three 20 Credit modules. You can opt to complete the whole PgCert Breast Ultrasound to complete modules as CPD if you have the module prerequisites. Contact SABI for more information.
Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound (RM087) 20 Credits (September intake): This module starts in September and is taught face-to-face over five days at the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary enabling healthcare practitioners to learn about and critically evaluate the scientific and technological principles of ultrasound and the appropriateness of using ultrasound within medical imaging.
Breast Ultrasound (RM088) 20 Credits (January intake): This fully online module starts in January and will enable healthcare practitioners to understand the theoretical principles of breast ultrasound and be able to competently and safely practice ultrasound imaging of the breast and produce diagnostic clinical reports.
Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures (RM089) 20 Credits (June intake): This module starts in June and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing the healthcare practitioner with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in ultrasound guided interventional procedures of the breast and to perform effective and safe ultrasound guided biopsy procedures.
X-ray Guided Interventional Breast Procedures (RM095) 20 Credits (October intake): This module starts in June and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing healthcare practitioners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in stereo x-ray guided interventional procedures of the breast.
Clinical Breast Examination and Communication (RM096) 20 Credits (November intake): This module starts in November and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing the healthcare practitioners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in Clinical Breast Examination and demonstrate, with sound theoretical knowledge, effective communication and counselling skills.
Mammographic Image Interpretation (RM100) 40 Credits (March intake): This module starts in March and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing the healthcare practitioners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in mammographic image interpretation, thus enabling the autonomous practitioner to participate in the diagnosis, reporting and assessment of breast disease.
The Higher Education Certificate in Mammography a 12 month blended course designed to allow non-registered staff to train as Assistant Practitioner Mammographers. All the academic content is delivered by SABI via five online blocks and includes pre-recorded resources and live workshops. You will be offered a Clinical Training week in either Glasgow or Edinburgh where you will be assigned a Clinical Trainer for a full week of face-to-face clinical teaching. Your Clinical Trainer will also travel to your own department to carry out the assessments associated with the clinical module.
You will also require a Work-place Mentor who will support your learning throughout the course.
Each 20 credit module reflects 200 hours of learning and you will need support to carry out a minimum of 20 Mammograms per week throughout the course.
The HECert Mammography starts in January each year.
The five modules you will need to complete to be eligible for the HECert Mammography award are as follows:
Production of the X-ray Image (R1052) 20 Credits: This module will develop knowledge of the physical principles involved in x-ray production and the fundamental principles involved in image production as well as developing an awareness of the hazards of radiation, the principles of radiation safety and radiation protection legislation.
Breast Anatomy and Disease (R1053) 20 Credits: This module is designed to equip the learner with knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the breast as well as common breast pathologies and associated treatment options.
Communication (R1054) 20 Credits: This module will allow the learner to develop effective strategies of communication with clients, patients, relatives, carers and all members of the health care team they encounter.
Person-centredness in the Breast Care Service (R1055) 20 Credits: This module is designed to enable learners to gain an awareness of person-centred approaches to healthcare delivery focussing on practices and protocols necessary to maintain optimal standards of care.
Mammography Practice for Assistant Practitioners (R1056) 40 Credits: This work-based module will enable the learner to develop organisational skills prior to the imaging procedure in order to acquire routine mammographic projections to comply with National Standards whilst demonstrating appropriate client/patient care and reflective practice.
Extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography: Single 20 Credit Module
Extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography: May intake
Extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography (R1051) 20 Credits: This standalone module is designed for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography (Mammography Associates) who wish to develop their clinical skills and extend their scope of practice. The aim is to provide the learner with a range of skills to develop their clinical knowledge and technique of additional mammography views within assessment clinic including mag and coned views, the augmented breast, implantable devices and post clip imaging.
All the academic content is delivered by SABI during a single online block and includes pre-recorded resources and live workshops. You will be offered a Clinical Training week in either Glasgow or Edinburgh where you will be assigned a Clinical Trainer for half a week of face-to-face clinical teaching. Your Clinical Trainer will also travel to your own department to carry out the assessments associated with this clinical module.
The module starts in May and lasts for 7 months.
PgDip/MSc Mammography: Additional modules through QMU
A variety of study options are available to you if you wish to complete the PgDip Mammography (120 Credits) or the full MSc Mammography (180 Credits). You can select from the clinical modules offered directly by SABI or options focussing on the other pillars of practice delivered by QMU:
Education
Leadership
Research Methods
Dissertation
You have a maximum of 7 years to complete the full MSc. If you have previous appropriate academic credits from SABI/QMU and are unsure if you can include them within you MSc then please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot).
If you have studied modules at other Universities you may be able to use these academic credits towards your MSc. If you are unsure whether you can include them within you MSc then please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot).
For general information on your module options and how they might link to the academic credits you already have please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot).
SABI Clinical Training
Overview
Face-to-Face clinical training is offered to all students on the PgCert Mammography (1 week), HECert Mammography (1 week) or extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography module (half a week). This is delivered by a designated SABI Clinical Trainer in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The dates for your clinical training week and your named Clinical Trainer will be assigned to you when you apply for the course. Your Clinical Trainer will work with you throughout the course and be your point of contact if you have any difficulties. They will also arrange the dates for your clinical assessments which will be done on mutually convenient dates and in discussion with your line manager and mentor.
Glasgow Centre
The Clinical Training week in Glasgow is at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre which is situated on Nelson Mandela Place in next to Queen Street Train Station in Glasgow City Centre. There are 5 Clinical Trainers who work at this centre; Claire, Isabelle, Christine, Kayleigh and Samantha.
Edinburgh Centre
The Clinical Training week in Edinburgh is at the South East Scotland Breast Screening Centre which is situated at Ardmillan House near Haymarket Train Station in Edinburgh City Centre. There are 3 Clinical Trainers who work at this centre; Alyson, Zoe and Laura.
Workplace Mentors
Overview
For all modules which have a clinical element, you will be expected to have a Workplace Mentor. This is someone who will be selected by your Line Manager to support your learning throughout the duration of the course. They may also be required to carry out clinical assessments depending on the modules you are registered on.
Roles and responsibilities of the Workplace Mentor
Your Workplace Mentor will have a number of roles and responsibilities to ensure you are supported throughout your studies but differ slightly depending on which course you are registered on. In general, these include being available for the duration of the course, ensure you have the necessary departmental clinical time and resources to successfully complete the course as well as provide formal and informal feedback to fulfil module requirements. These points will be agreed with your Workplace Mentor at the beginning of your studies
Workplace Mentor Training
The roles and responsibilities of a Workplace Mentor is dependant on the course, and therefore specific online training is offered for all individuals embarking on Workplace Mentorship. Firstly, the Workplace Mentor will be given access to some online resources to review. This is followed by an hour long online session delivered via MSTeams where the SABI Lead covers the expectations, documentation and assessment associated with the module(s). A CPD certificate will be given for all individuals who attend the online mentor training.
For information regarding the expectations of a Workplace Mentor please contact Maureen McAuley at SABI (Maureen.McAuley@nhs.scot)
SABI Clinical Updates
Overview
SABI offers Clinical Updates which are facilitated by the Clinical Training Team. These are bespoke and can be arranged for individuals or departments depending on need.
If you have a member of staff who has a consistency high Technical Recall rate for instance, SABI can put a package involving one-to-one training. These Clinical Updates tend to run at the Glasgow or Edinburgh Breast Screening Centres.
If you simply would like an informative Clinical Update for your department, then again SABI can put a package together but the Clinical Trainers will come to you for these.
How to organise a clinical update
For costs and how to organise a clinical update please contact Maureen McAuley at SABI (Maureen.McAuley@nhs.scot)
How to apply for courses
To apply for the clinical mammography courses and modules run directly by SABI then contact Maureen McAuley (Maureen.McAuley@nhs.scot) and an application form will be sent out to you.
Modules associated with the MSc Mammography such as Research Methods and Dissertation are run directly by QMU and should be applied for via this link: MSc Mammography Online Application
If you are unsure and want to discuss options then please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot).
Entry Requirements
PgCert Mammography
To apply for the PgCert Mammography you will need a degree or diploma in Diagnostic Radiography or Therapeutic Radiography with HCPC/Coru registration and current employment in a clinical environment offering mammography experience.
HECert Mammography
To apply for the HECert Mammography you will need 2 passes at SQA Higher Level or equivalent and working in a clinical environment offering mammography experience.
PgCert Breast Ultrasound
To apply for the PgCert Breast Ultrasound, applicants must be a healthcare practitioner currently employed in a clinical environment offering breast ultrasound experience to study the workplace modules and have with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor.
Advanced Practice Clinical Modules
To apply for the Advanced Practice Clinical Modules, applicants must be a healthcare practitioner currently employed in a clinical environment offering relevant experience to study the workplace modules and have with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor. Please contact Maureen McAuley at SABI (Maureen.McAuley@nhs.scot) to discuss entry requirements.
MSc modules through QMU
To apply for MSc modules through QMU such as Research Methods or Dissertation please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot) to discuss options. and entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be granted exemption from studying a module, provided you can demonstrate successful achievement of all the learning outcomes. Please contact Simon Holmes at SABI (simon.holmes@nhs.scot) to discuss options.
IELTS
If English is not your first language then you will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at IELTS 7 (no less than 6.5 in any element) or equivalent.
Useful Resources
Additional information can be found below via the QMU Website although ensure you discuss options with Simon Holmes (simon.holmes@nhs.scot) before applying for any QMU specific options:
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging is based at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow:
Stock Exchange Court, 77 Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow, G2 1QT
How to contact the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging
If you are applying for the clinical courses run by SABI then contact Maureen McAuley who will send you an application form as well as general information about the course you wish to apply for: Maureen.McAuley@nhs.scot
If you are unsure and want to discuss options then please contact Simon Holmes simon.holmes@nhs.scot
Facilitation of Learning animation
Introduction to the Facilitation of Learning Toolkit
This toolkit is a suite of resources designed to assist experienced educators and facilitators, with expert knowledge and skills in facilitating work-based learning, to deliver the NES Facilitation of Learning programme. Ideally, facilitators should have a qualification and experience in healthcare education, for example, those with a post-graduate certificate in education or professionals who work in continuing practice and professional development departments, or in a practice education role, or learning and development roles.
This toolkit provides information and practical guidance on preparing healthcare professionals and service users or carers, who may be involved in facilitating interprofessional learning, uni-professional learning, or service user/carer education in the workplace.
The toolkit is intended to be a flexible resource. Sections of the toolkit can be used to support existing learning programmes or activities or used in its entirety to plan specific programmes depending on local or individual needs. Specific considerations for online delivery of education are not covered in this toolkit. Information in relation to developing and delivering online learning can be found on the Guidance for education page in TURAS Learn.
The Facilitation of Learning Programme
Facilitation of Learning Programme aims to support health and social care workers with a role in facilitating learning in the workplace. It has been developed to support those involved in facilitating learning as part of their role in the workplace, who wish to develop or refresh their knowledge and skills in the delivery of education and training. Its purpose is to support the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the design and delivery of education and training and is relevant for both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Participants of the programme will be offered the opportunity to use a blended learning approach consisting of two parts. The first part is the completion of Units 1- 4 of the NES Facilitation of Learning programme (approximately eight hours) accessed via TURAS Learn. The second part is engagement in interactive workshops, either online or in-person (approximately eleven hours), arranged by your local facilitator. These workshops can be delivered in a variety of ways either four online workshops or two full day workshops. The programme aims to help them plan, deliver and evaluate their own learning programmes. The content is focused on the theory and principles which underpin effective adult teaching and learning. Facilitated development workshops can be delivered locally. All the resources required for facilitation of the programme and further information can be accessed via TURAS Learn.
The HCSSA seeks to enable safe high quality care and improved outcomes for service users by ensuring appropriate and effective levels of staffing for NHS Scotland and Care Service Providers. The Act came into enactment on 01 April 2024 and applies across healthcare and those who provide Clinical Advice and Care Services.
In the video below, staff from some of our healthcare disciplines talk briefly about what the Act means for them and their colleagues. Clinical and Care Staff should review and understand the guiding principles and consider the potential impact, which the video helps to outline. You can also complete the Informed Learning resource on Turas here. You can contact us at ggc.healthcare.staffing@nhs.scot
NHSGGC system wide HCSSA programme, chaired by Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Nurse Director and co-chaired by senior HSCP and Medical representatives has now concluded. The programme was remobilised in summer 2023 and had representatives from all professions that the Act covers as well as leaders from relevant areas of service. We have now moved into a Transitional Phase of Oversight as we ensure all processes and activities required for compliance are fully embedded and assured.
Health & Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019
The Health & Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 was enacted in April 2024. It aims to provide a statutory basis for the provision of appropriate staffing in Health and Social Care services to support the delivery of safe and effective high-quality care. This will be achieved by having the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time to improve outcomes for people using our services and improve staff wellbeing.
The Act does not prescribe health care staffing levels or planning and instead supports the development of suitable approaches in various health and social care settings.
Assure that staffing is sufficient to support the delivery of high-quality care
Support a culture of honesty and transparency that engages health and social care staff in the relevant process and ensures they are informed regarding healthcare staffing decisions
Support further improvements to enhance and strengthen current arrangements in healthcare staffing planning and employment practices
Risk escalation and mitigation processes to enable health and social care staff to be heard at all levels to inform evidence-based healthcare staffing decision-making
Ensure professional clinical advice is available when healthcare staffing risks are highlighted
What is the role of NHSGGC in the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019?
NHSGGC must:
Have regard for the guiding principles:
That the main purposes of staffing for health and care services are to provide safe and high-quality services and to ensure the best health or care outcomes for service users.
That staffing for health and care services is to be arranged while:
Improving standards and outcomes for service users;
Taking account of the needs, abilities, characteristics, and circumstances of different service users;
Respecting the dignity and rights of service users;
Taking account of the views of staff and service users;
Ensuring the wellbeing of staff;
Being open with staff and service users about decisions on staffing;
Allocating Staff efficiently and effectively;
Promoting multi-disciplinary services as appropriate.
Further to this patient-facing clinical services are required to comply with :
Duty to ensure appropriate staffing (overarching duty)
Duty to ensure appropriate staffing –agency workers-
Duty to have real-time staffing assessment in place
Duty to have risk escalation in place
Duty to have arrangements to address severe and recurrent risks
Duty to seek clinical advice on staffing
Duty to ensure appropriate staffing –number of Healthcare Professionals etc.)
Duty to ensure adequate time given to clinical leaders
Duty to ensure appropriate staffing – staff training
Duty to follow the Common Staffing Method
NHS Scotland Boards and delivery partners must report annually to Scottish Ministers on how they have met the requirements in the legislation and support Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and the Care Inspectorate (CI), as required.
NHSGGC Delivery of HCSSA
NHSGGC agreed to be a ‘test board’ as part of Scottish Governments development of the legislation and its guidance, amongst other Health Boards. From September 2023, the Programmes focus was to review the Acts draft duties and guiding principles using SWOT analysis techniques, in multi-disciplinary teams across the Health Board and our 6 HSCP delivery partners. This has been completed for the Acts guiding principles and the majority of the Duties within the Act. The multi-professional approach and preparation has enabled the Board to establish an Evidence Bank, for where we have compliance with the Act and highlight key activities and actions to be delivered to improve the level of compliance.
As such, the Act will be implemented maintaining the multi-disciplinary planning approach, taking the outputs from the testing of the duties, that have developed from recommendations into driver diagrams to plan out the improvement activities required for compliance. These have translated into a list of actions, prioritised by assurance and risk rating, and are or being assigned to a lead or short life working group.
We are working hard to deliver this in a way that impacts as little as possible on “business as usual” work of our busy clinical colleagues, splitting the duties into separate working groups and meeting regularly to ensure multi professional input are considered and solutions reached by consensus, which has been the core approach to this programme.
We are working cross-organisationally with our colleagues in other NHS Scotland boards to ensure we deliver the Act consistently across Scotland and build a supportive network of subject matter experts. We are committed to understanding the experiences of others and providing learning to everyone involved.
Education and Training for Staff – The Knowledge and Skills Framework
All staff must review and understand the principles of the legislation and consider the impact on their responsibilities to:
People who use the service
Colleagues
NHSGGC
If appropriate to their profession
They must also take responsibility to escalate to the senior person on shift any immediate concerns about healthcare staffing.
As a clinical leader, you are responsible for supporting teams in their knowledge and understanding of health and care staffing which is inclusive of open and transparent discussions about health and care staffing decisions.
The Transitional Oversight Board aims to meet Quarterly and has replaced the Programme Board
The Programme has now completed and we are moving into Transitional Oversight, the governance and meeting structures are under review and will be available here in June, after approval.
Resources and Guidance
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS)Resources
Scottish Government (SG) have published statutory guidance to accompany the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) in collaboration with SG have developed a series of Quick Guides to compliment the statutory guidance relating to NHS services. The aim of these quick guides is to:
Provide a quick and easy resource for staff to access
Provide a simple explanation of parts of the legislation
Provide practical examples and actions for boards and services
If you would like an easy reference poster with a QR code for your Department, Ward or Team, please click on the link to download, share and print the HCSSA Poster.
One of the important workstreams supporting delivery of the HCSSA in our Board and for delivery partners, is the Workforce Business Systems (RLD) Programme, who are working towards successful deployment and safe operational delivery of several applications that constitute Workforce Business Systems. These systems are Optima eRostering, SafeCare (for Real Time Staffing and Staffing Level Tools), BankStaff & LOOP, Allocate Rota, Allocate JobPlan and all related hosted technical infrastructure and integrations for these RL Datix applications with other workforce related systems (such as Payroll, eEES and Turas).
We are in the process of reviewing a revised governance and this will be available here once approved along with helpful resources.
SafeCare – Real Time Staffing & Risk Escalation Application – Coming soon!
Important Information – Change of Employee OnLine (EOL) to Loop!
On the 30 April 2025, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will launch Loop, a communications tool supplied by RLDatix, which links to BankStaff and Optima (eRostering). Loop online booking App is being deployed to replace Employee Online (EOL) ahead of its decommission on the 31 May 2025. Loop provides the same functionality as EOL as well as including some new features. Watch a Demo Here
Further correspondence will be distributed in the coming days with additional information and user guides to provide guidance on how and when to set up and start using this App. Loop will initially be deployed to all Bank staff in the first instance (from 30 April 2025). Whilst Substantive staff can download the App, they will not be able to fully utilise the functionality until Optima is deployed (core rostering tool – a replacement for SSTS). The Optima implementation plan will be communicated to all staff in due course.
The NHSGGC 2025/6 AHP Education Fund will open at 9am on Monday 14th April, closing at 9am on Monday 12th May 2025. This round of funding includes MSc. modules at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and The HNC Occupational Therapy Support Course at Glasgow Clyde College (GCC).
Information sessions over MS Teams were organised with GCU and GCC on the 1st and 2nd of April to hear from course and programme leads and ask questions about opportunities. The sessions were recorded and if you wish to receive a copy of these recordings, please contact the AHP Practice Education team via email: ggc.gjnhahpepl@nhs.scot
You can contact the AHP Practice Education Team via email to register to receive the application pack directly: ggc.gjnhahpepl@nhs.scot
Please indicate in your email if you are requesting the MSc. modular options application pack or the HNC Occupational Therapy Support pack.
