The SRDC represents all doctors in training in hospitals and public health medicine practice in Scotland. Views from around the country are brought together to form national policy.

Our priorities

Pay restoration for resident doctors in Scotland

SRDC continue to campaign for pay restoration for resident doctors in Scotland. Following the strike ballot – where 97% who voted – voted in favour of strike action – we entered intense negotiations over resident doctor pay, with the Scottish Government.  The resulting negotiated offer between SRDC and Scottish Government was put to resident doctors in Scotland, who voted conclusively to accept this. 81.64% voted to accept (turnout of 71.24%) the pay increase of 12.4% this year (2023/24) backdated to April, and for the next three financial years will see SRDC enter into yearly negotiations with Scottish Government that must make credible progress in real terms towards full pay restoration to 2008 levels. Inflation will be guaranteed as the floor for each round of ongoing negotiations.

In addition, the Government has committed to agreeing to a new pay review mechanism with resident doctors – the aim of which is to reach a “mutually agreeable path to achieve pay restoration and prevent erosion from recurring in the future” – effectively withdrawing resident doctors in Scotland from the DDRB (Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body). Finally, BMA Scotland will enter contract negotiation with the Scottish Government from this autumn, with the aim of improving the working and training conditions of resident doctors in Scotland by April 2026.

The coming year will be crucial as we hold the government to account around their pay commitments and work to start contract negotiations. We have laid solid foundations, but making further progress on our path towards pay restoration will require the same energy and engagement that made us so successful last year, so stay or get involved in your BMA.

Visit the Pay restoration for resident doctors in Scotland webpage for more information on the Scottish resident pay restoration campaign page. 

Addressing resident doctor fatigue and wellbeing

Following the publication of the SRDC well-being document and the delayed Scottish Government 48-hour maximum working week expert working group report, SRDC have continued to work with Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, and NES (NHS Education for Scotland) on the need to address fatigue and wellbeing for resident doctors in Scotland. Following these discussions, a joint agreement was reached in February 2022, which included commitment to implement a maximum number of long shifts for resident doctors. This was a key ask of the BMA Scotland’s wellbeing report.

SRDC continue to work with Scottish Government and NHS Scotland employers on improving facilities for resident doctors - another key area within BMA wellbeing and the Scottish Government Expert reports.

Scottish Government have made further assurances that they remain full committed to making improvements for resident doctors and we will continue to discuss this nationally with Scottish Government and employers and through the newly established JNC (Joint Negotiating Committee) which BMA SRDC is represented on.

Earlier release of rotas in advance for resident doctors

Due to long standing issue of delays in residents receiving their rotas in advance a SLWG (short life working group) was set up with membership from BMA Scotland, Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, and NES to identify implementable solutions to ensure earlier release of rotas providing at least 6 weeks’ notice for resident doctors. The recommendations from this group have been finalised, and SRDC continue to push to see demonstrable progress for resident doctors for future changeover dates. SRDC will take this issue up further with Scottish Government and employers through representation on the national Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).

Rota monitoring and breaks

SRDC continue to discuss with Scottish Government and NHS employers to address identified areas of issue around monitoring and processes recognising the importance of rota monitoring as a mechanism to check that resident doctor working patterns are safe and resident doctors are able to take required breaks and rest, they are entitled to. The important issue of breaks for resident doctors – an issue of wellbeing and safety is one that BMA SRDC continue to raise with Scottish Government and employers – and continues to be a priority.

See here for monitoring guidance.

Rota monitoring advice

To support you with the upcoming rota monitoring period, contact [email protected] for further information.

BMA Scotland doctors' rota feedback

Have you received your rota yet?

The BMA’s Scottish Resident Doctors Committee continues to emphasise how important timely rota receipt is to doctors in Scotland. We are working with the Scottish Government, employers, and NHS Education for Scotland to progress well-known areas for improvement, the most important being to ensure the earlier release of rotas and providing at least six weeks’ notice for doctors. The impact of late issuing of rotas can have a massive impact on wellbeing and the ability to plan. 

Resident doctors in Scotland should receive their rota six weeks in advance of changeover – please let us know when you received yours, especially if late by completing the feedback form. This form is open to all doctors working in hospital settings in Scotland, regardless of BMA membership.

When doctors feed rota issues back– for example where there are issues with a specific rota for groups of trainees - BMA will raise this issue on your behalf with the relevant lead employer and/or placement Board.

For BMA members, if you would like to have your individual issue assigned to one of our local BMA advisers, please make sure you tick the relevant box on the form. 

If you are not yet a BMA member, you can start your membership now.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to feedback on whether you have received your rota yet, this will strengthen us as we continue to press for progress to be made on this important issue for doctors in Scotland.

Locum rate card and 2002 T&Cs guidance

In a joint effort with BMA Cymru Wales and BMA Northern Ireland, a rate card for resident doctors working on 2002 terms and conditions has been released for use by our members when negotiating non contractual work.

Our people

Chair:
Chris Smith (supernumerary)

Deputy chairs:
Ronald MacDonald & Lucas O’Donnell (responsible for negotiations)
Catriona McAleer & Scott McKinnon (responsible for education and training)

Our meetings

We meet four times a year to discuss issues of key importance to doctors in training.

These meetings are open to members of the SRDC only. Non-voting committee members can also come along and participate as part of the BMA committee visitors' scheme.

2024-25 committee dates:

• Thursday 19 September 2024 (hybrid)

• Tuesday 17 December 2024 (virtual)

• Wednesday 12 March 2025 (virtual)

• Friday 30 May 2025 (hybrid)

All meetings will take place either virtually or at:

BMA Scotland
14 Queen Street
Edinburgh
EH2 1LL.