Trainee salary and benefits

The starting salary in the Scheme is £29,965.00 per annum*, including pension, and increasing each year.  

The salary is calculated as: 

Year 1: 65% of Agenda for Change Band 6 Scale maximum 

Year 2: 70% of Agenda for Change Band 6 Scale maximum 

Year 3: 75%  of Agenda for Change Band 6 Scale maximum 

*Based on 2023/24 Agenda for Change salary scales. 

Current NHS employees  

Those who are currently in NHS Scotland employment, and earn more per annum than the starting salary, may be eligible for pay protection on a limited basis, subject to providing salary documentation.   

Starting salary will be set up to a maximum of 85% of the top spine point at Agenda For Change band 6, currently equating to £39.185 per annum on the 2023/24 pay rates.  Annual 5% increases may be applied in year two and three of the Scheme up to a maximum of 85%.   

Post-graduate study 

Trainees are provided a bursary for up to £12,000 to fund post-graduate study at Master's level.  

The course will have a health/health and social care-focus, including core health or healthcare management/leadership modules. If trainee has already obtained a relevant Master's degree, we offer the option to study a post-graduate certificate or a diploma in a relevant area.   

The funding is available for study that falls within the three year contract as a Management Trainee.  

If trainee leaves the Scheme and NHS Scotland employment before completing the course of study, NES reserves the right to reclaim the fees.