As you will all be aware, we recently undertook an exercise in conjunction with our staff side partners, to review and update the job descriptions of both the Technician and Paramedic roles. This was in recognition of the changing nature of these roles as we work towards our strategy of Taking Care to the Patient.

This exercise, including the job evaluation process, has now been completed and as a result the banding of each role has changed. Technicians are now Band 5 and Paramedics are now Band 6 and this change will be effective from 31 December 2016. Each member of staff in these roles will receive a letter during week commencing 28 August, providing full details of the evaluation and outcome and timeline for implementing this change.

This is a positive outcome for staff and demonstrates the value we place on these roles. This will better enable us to meet the objectives of our ‘Towards 2020’ strategy and ensure we retain our experienced staff.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff side colleagues for their support and commitment during this process.

In addition, we have many other operational roles which we value as a vital part of our Service. There are increasing options for further professional development and career progression opportunities for all staff within the Service. I would encourage discussion with line managers about these opportunities and routes available.

There is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) documents available for staff on @SAS.