Facilities Time Arrangements

The Facilities Time Policy sets out the agreed framework for facilities time-off for accredited representatives of independent trade unions/professional organisations recognised in accordance with NHS terms and conditions.

Detailed in the tabs below you will find Facilities Time arrangement information in place within your Board.

National Services Scotland

NSS recognises that time off for trade union/professional organisation duties and activities as well as the practical support (or 'facilities') needed to carry out all trade union/professional organisation work will be to the mutual benefit of the employer and trade unions/professional organisations.

Facility time information should be provided by trade union/professional organisation representatives using the Record of Facility Time Form to be broken down on a monthly basis. 

Trade union representatives should send this directly to the NSS payroll department nss.nss.facilitiestime@nhs.scot.

Finance, will continue to process the details for the HR Director and the Employee Director which will provide all required information to be published as required by the Trade Union Act 2016.

If you have any questions please contact:

 - Ian Cant, chair of Joint Shop Stewards Committee, ian.cant@nhs.scot for all other trade unions/ professional organisations.

 - Tam Hiddleston, Unison Branch Secretary, shcb@btconnect.com for all Unison stewards

NHS 24

It is in the interests of both NHS 24 and its employees that accredited representatives of trade unions/staff organisations should be suitably trained and competent in their duties, and that their rights and responsibilities should be clearly understood.  It is recognised that the representation of staff by trade unions/staff organisations is vital to the operation of good employee relations and that the Partnership agenda makes the investment in staff side facilities key to the management of the staff in NHS 24.

NHS Golden Jubilee

This Agreement identifies the framework for facilities and time off for accredited representatives of independent trade unions and professional organisations.

NHS Golden Jubilee recognises that time off for trade union/professional organisation duties and activities as well as the practical support needed to carry out all trade union/professional organisation work will be to the mutual benefit of the employer and trade unions/professional organisations.

NHS Golden Jubilee recognises that it is vital to good employee relations that its workforce should be represented by accredited officials of recognised trade unions/professional organisations.

NHS Golden Jubilee is committed to the partnership agenda and recognises that investment in good facilities arrangements is key to the effective management of the people who deliver health services to meet patient needs.

NHS Golden Jubilee recognises the significant increase in demands made on trade unions/professional organisations within the Staff Governance Standard and is committed to supporting the roles required as detailed in the National Health Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2004.

Public Health Scotland

This policy identifies the framework for the provision of facilities and paid time off required for accredited representatives of trade unions and professional organisations, to carry out their respective duties and activities, enabling them to support their members and participate fully in the partnership process.

 

From 1st April 2020 Public Health Scotland will bring together staff previously employed by NSS and NHS Health Scotland alongside new PHS employees, meaning different routes for staff to access HR information.  Please refer to the option below that best describes your circumstances to ensure you refer to the correct information.  

• I have TUPE transferred from NHS Health Scotland into Public Health Scotland – all information is contained in the tabs below identified as Health Scotland
• I have TUPE transferred from NSS to Public Health Scotland – please select the National Services Scotland tab above to access all information.
• I am an employee in Public Health – please select the National Service Scotland tab to access all information. 

The State Hospital

This Facilities Agreement identifies the framework for facilities and time off for accredited representatives of independent trade unions / professional organisations recognised in accordance with NHS terms and conditions.

The State Hospital recognises that time off for trade union / professional organisation duties and activities as well as the practical support (or ‘facilities’) needed to carry out all trade union / professional organisation work will be to the mutual benefit of the employer and trade unions / professional organisations.

For more information on Partnership Working and Trade Unions, see the Partnership Working section.