Territorial boards plan and deliver services for their populations; national and special boards provide services across Scotland.
The Scotland desk
Working in NHS Scotland, clearly.
Scottish national terms, board structures, development support and career-progression policy need Scottish sources. This centre joins them into one practical route for SAS and locally employed doctors.
Choose your route
Scottish working and progression guides
The Scotland pages explain the national framework and link to the controlling source.
01Explore →02Compare charters →
Working in NHS Scotland
Boards, contracts, job planning, SPA time, pay, tax, development funding and practical starting checks.
Detailed policy guide
Open guide →03Specialty Doctor to Specialist regrading
Eligibility, service need, evidence, manager discussion, panel timescales, outcomes and appeal.
Scottish SAS Charter
The May 2024 commitments on recognition, protected development, job planning, appraisal and organisational opportunity.
The Scottish context
What a doctor should recognise
The 2022 Specialty Doctor and Specialist contracts, Scottish circulars and board policies—not English terms—govern Scottish posts.
NHS Education for Scotland supports SAS education, local educational advisers and professional-development routes.
PCS(DD)2025/02 created an all-Scotland employer route to recognise eligible doctors already applying Specialist capabilities where service need exists.
Official starting points
Scottish sources
NHS Scotland DeanerySAS development, guidance and resources ↗Scottish GovernmentCurrent medical and dental pay decision ↗Regrading policyPCS(DD)2025/02 and annexes ↗Scottish SAS CharterRecognition, support and development ↗
Sources checked 8 September 2026.
Ongoing professional development
Prepare for appraisal and maintain your portfolio
Map whole-practice evidence, plan feedback and build a realistic PDP. Keep appraisal, employment progression and specialist registration distinct.
Appraisal, Revalidation & Professional Portfolio →