Clinical academics are doctors or dentists who works in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in a teaching and/or research role, as well as practising clinically in the NHS. They are jointly employed by HEIs and by partner NHS trusts (or other health bodies).
UCEA represents its members’ interests as employers of clinical academics and provides guidance and opportunities for networking. For clinical academic employment matters, UCEA's role includes:
- Updating the clinical academic national pay scales (translating NHS pay awards) following consultation with the trade unions
- Providing national contracts for consultant clinical academics
- Representing the interests of the employers of clinical academics through the Clinical Academic Staff Advisory Group (CASAG) and liaising with stakeholders in the NHS and Department for Health and Social Care.
- Providing guidance on clinical academic employment issues
- Running a network for HR professionals working with clinical academics.
Follet Report and joint working
The Follett recommendations (or principles) are key to establishing the joint working between the NHS and HEI that is vital for strengthening accountability. The recommendations apply to consultant level clinical academics in England, but all UK employers of clinical academics are encouraged to apply them to ALL clinical academics as far as possible. UCEA's resources on the Follett Report and joint working include:
- Follett Report
- Legal commentary (full text) on the Follett report
- Summary of the legal commentary on the Follett Report
- Presentation for HEIs and Trusts
The presentation was developed by UCEA and NHS Employers, for senior managers in HEIs and NHS trusts to share with HR teams, operational staff and anyone involved in the deployment of clinical academics. It explains what the Follet principles are and why they exist as well as offering practical advice on joint working and links to tools and resources to support joint employment arrangements.
