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How The Options Were Developed
The Scottish Government Uniform Working Group ( SGUWG) was established in December 2006 to consider issues relating to staff uniform and dress code. This group, with representation from SEHD, NHS employers and Trade Unions, has initially focused on establishing a national uniform specification and procuring a national uniform set. Membership is detailed at Annex A. The group is also concerned with dress code, laundry capacity and changing facilities, as decisions on the national uniform will have implications for the dress guidelines and the physical estate. However these issues will be tackled by the group over the longer term.
SGUWG agreed that the best way to identify appropriate proposals for a new uniform set was to involve staff who wear uniforms on a day to day basis. A key first step, therefore, was to form a working group which drew widely from all different types of staff, who could consider the issues in detail. In October 2007, NHS Scotland National Uniform Group ( NHSS- NUG), here after referred to as 'the group' was established, comprising representatives nominated by Directors of Procurement from each Health Board. Membership is detailed at Annex A. These members, our Board Leads, have each established (or fed into) local uniform groups. These in turn include representation from all staff groups, and staff side representation. These groups were tasked with identifying relevant issues and developing potential proposals for core uniform items.
To assist them in their deliberations, the group has considered samples, received reports on wearer trials and commissioned independent research on patients' views (Annex B). The group will continue to meet over the summer to consider more detailed aspects of the specification. The group has developed a set of initial proposals which we wish to consult more broadly on. The following section sets out the group's recommendations. It also identifies other options which the group considered, and the advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives.
Who will the new Uniform apply to?
These proposals apply to staff who currently wear a uniform. We recognise that many staff in a variety of settings do not wear uniform for a range of safety, clinical and other reasons. The new uniform policy will not compel anyone who does not currently wear a uniform to do so.
Staff who currently wear polo shirts, rather than traditional tunics will also be able to continue to do so under the new contract and uniform policy. Special arrangements for polo shirts will also be put in place for the State Hospital to meet their highly specialised security and clinical needs.
Student uniforms are not currently part of the National Contract, and various local arrangements are in place. Once a national uniform for staff has been specified, we intend to consider options for students. In the interim, National Procurement have agreed that universities can use the existing staff uniform contract to procure standard items on more favourable terms.
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