R44 Response Accepted AI-assessed

IPC staff appraisals

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that performance appraisals of infection prevention and control staff take place at least annually.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Scottish Government accepted this recommendation in 2015. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) IPC Standards (2022) Standard 1 (Leadership and Governance) includes requirements for IPC staff performance management. The Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 also addresses workforce development, providing a national standards framework for IPC staff appraisal requirements (Healthcare Improvement Scotland, 2022-05-01).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
18 Jun 2015

Section 4.1 of the Scottish Government's response outlines that registered health professionals, including nurses and doctors, are regulated by bodies like the NMC and GMC, which set professional standards. While not explicitly stating annual appraisals for all IPC staff, the response notes that revalidation for doctors, which began in December 2012, is supported by a system of appraisal. Revised appraisal guidance for NHS Scotland has been developed, and training is provided for appraisers and "responsible officers" to ensure doctors comply with revalidation requirements.

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Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Good Progress
01 May 2022
Healthcare Improvement Scotland Other

HIS IPC Standards (2022) Standard 1 (Leadership and Governance) includes requirements for IPC staff performance management. Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan 2022-2024 addresses workforce development.

View detailed findings

National standards framework provides the basis for IPC staff appraisal requirements. Implementation is a board-level responsibility monitored through HIS inspections.

HIS IPC Standards - Standard 1: Leadership and Go… View Source
Source
Report The Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 24 Nov 2014
Responsible Bodies
NHS Health Boards (Scotland) Primary
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago