Redefining the healthcare science workforce – a strategic step forward

Redefining the healthcare science workforce – a strategic step forward

NES and key partners are developing Scotland’s first Education, Skills and Competence Framework for the Healthcare Science Workforce, helping build a future-ready workforce.

This collaborative effort – bringing together The Scottish Government, who commissioned the work, NHS Boards, and professional networks – supports staff from entry-level roles through to advanced and consultant-level practice acquire new skills, adapt to emerging technologies, and contribute to innovation in patient care.

Healthcare scientists play a vital role in diagnostics, genomics, data science, and technological innovation – areas that are critical to improving patient outcomes and driving service transformation. By investing in education and career development, we are not only supporting individual progression but also strengthening the scientific foundation of our health service.

Improving quality of services and careers

The framework, spanning Agenda for Change career levels 2 to 9, supports the newly published Healthcare Science career framework and aligns with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and Good Scientific Practice standards. In doing so, consistency and quality across all healthcare science specialties can be ensured.

Currently, NES’s Healthcare Science Directorate is working closely with stakeholders to finalise specialty specific frameworks for Physiological Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, Physical and Imaging Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and Health Informatics.

System leadership

The Scottish Government’s recent Healthcare Science: Redefining Our Workforce publication in October 2025 marks a pivotal moment for healthcare science in Scotland. This strategy sets out a clear vision to strengthen the identity, visibility, and leadership of healthcare scientists across NHS Scotland.

By redefining the profession and embedding scientific expertise into service planning, the paper aims to ensure our workforce is fully recognised and empowered to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare.

The Scottish Government’s commitment to this agenda reflects the importance of collaboration across NHS Boards, professional bodies, and education partners.

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