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Equity in Healthcare Science Training

What happens when things don't go to plan

NES guidance and resources are available when there is difficulty which arises in training. Our quality assurance of training progression provides assurances that training is continuing to a satisfactory manner. However, when things don’t go to plan, our Special Measures Guide (available from our training website) outlines our approach to cases where either trainees, supervisors or training departments cannot demonstrate satisfactory attainment or maintenance of training standards. Two primary objectives of Special Measures are to:

  • ensure patient safety, both in the immediate practice placement and later likely performance of an individual whose training experience has been compromised.
  • ensure progression, both for the well-being of the individual trainee and the return on investment of public funds in NHS training.

Supporting learners with specific learning needs

You may support learners that have some specific needs when it comes to learning, such as mechanisms to assist with dyslexia, or supporting neurodivergence in the workplace. There are many tools available to support staff with specific learning needs within the workplace. Listed in this section are some links to information and resources that you may find useful.

 

Equality and Diversity Zone

The Equality and Diversity Zone within Turas Learn hosts a range of educational resources around equality, diversity and human rights topics relevant to health and social care:

Equality and Diversity Zone
Information to help support you as a leader and manager
Noticing and Challenging Microaggressions (NHS Leadership Academy)


Neurodiversity

Here are some resources to learn about neurodiversity and the specific neuro-differences:

Neurodiversity Resources (Lexxic)
Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace webinar (scroll down the page to find it)


Dyslexia

Dyslexia Scotland provide information and resources available on their webpages including a variety of leaflets, signposting assessments if required for dyslexia, and career guidance documents which are hosted on Turas Learn:

Dyslexia awareness for managers
Dyslexia Scotland leaflets
Dyslexia Scotland careers guidance resources


Business Disability Forum

The Business Disability Forum provide pragmatic support, shares expertise, gives advice, provides training, and facilitates networking opportunities. The Business Disability Forum helps organisations become fully accessible to disabled customers and employees:

Home – Business Disability Forum
People Manager Toolkit – Business Disability Forum
Mental Health Toolkit – Business Disability Forum


Allyship

Leaders can play an important role as allies. Allyship is the work of actively supporting and advocating for marginalised groups. Allies recognise where power is held within a system and work in solidarity and partnership with marginalised groups to amplify, empower and help drive change. You can use this Allyship Hub to develop your own understanding and/or work through with your teams: Allyship Hub Programme (Leading to Change).

Health and Wellbeing

Sometimes when we are faced with stress and pressures in our role this can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed or anxious which can have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

There are a variety of resources and support available to help you working in the Healthcare sector from your employer. Please check your employer's intranet to source the relevant guidance, and ask your manager or a trade union representative. If you don't feel comfortable approaching your employer, we have complied a list below of various NHS links and from other charities that you can use to seek advice or support.

  • NHS Inform have advice on dealing with low mood, anxiety, phobias, stress and where you can get help.
  • NHS Scotland – Workforce Policies have details of contacts to access employee support.
  • National Wellbeing Hub for those working in Health and Social Care.
  • Psychosocial mental health and wellbeing support (on Turas Learn) has key resources to support mental health and wellbeing of both yourself and your staff members. Includes sections on managing stress, coping and resilience.
  • HCPC – to be able to care for your service user, you must take care of yourself. HCPC standards of proficiency say registrants need to be able 'look after their health and wellbeing, seeking appropriate support where necessary'. Their website has guidance available and includes a guide related to mental health and wellbeing.
  • Breathing Space is charity which provides a free, confidential phone service for anyone in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

Workforce Policies – NHS Scotland

All relevant workforce policies are now available at NHS Scotland policies website as part of the 'Once for Scotland' Workforce Policies Programme which applies to all NHS employees in Scotland. Examples include Conduct, Bullying and Harassment, and Whistleblowing.

Last updated: August 21, 2025