As part of the pay settlement for Agenda for Change staff in 2023-24, it was agreed to conduct a review of the Agenda for Change system in NHS Scotland. This work has been taken forward in partnership by a series of Working Group created under the aegis of the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC). 

One of those Working Groups considered the provision of protected learning time for Agenda for Change staff working in NHS Scotland and attached at Annex A is the policy which has now been agreed. The Working Group has also developed a Q&A in support of the new guidance, and this is attached at Annex B. 

These provisions are effective from 1 April 2024. Boards should work locally through their Area Partnership Forum to put all the agreed aspects of the new policy in place as quickly as possible.