NHS Employers publishes consultant clinical scientist guidance

Consultant clinical scientists make a very important contribution to high quality, safe and effective patient care through technological advances, innovation and improved interaction and communication with clinical teams and patients.

The Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme seeks to train and develop an increased number of very senior consultant clinical scientists who can lead the development of new research, technology and practice working within multi-professional clinical teams to deliver quality improvement, innovation and world-class outcomes for patients. These training programmes are now under way and it is important employers understand and are prepared for the appointment of these consultant scientists when they emerge from training programmes. The latest guidance includes high-level and detailed role definitions, role descriptors, suggested appointment and appraisal processes as well as illustrative examples and evidence for a review of current national job evaluation profiles.