Freedom of Information Request – Ref: 158-2024
Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Please find our response below.
You asked:
1. How many registered [normally band 4] nursing associates does your trust employ?
Our response:
42
You asked:
2. In the last 12 months (September 2023-24), how many registered [normally band 4] nursing associates at your trust is your nursing lead (ie: chief nurse or nurse director or most senior nurse) aware of that have applied to do a ‘Registered nursing top up’ course?
Our response:
Neither Practice Education nor Apprenticeship and Widening Participation keep lists of all applicants, I enquired if this was information recruitment could obtain (email 23/10/2024). Additionally, it is possible an applicant may have applied on more than one occasion and ultimately have been successful. We are aware of situations where there is one position available and more than one suitable applicant – which is going to result in an individual being unsuccessful.
For example, in March 2024 a service had 2 positions, 4 RNA’s were shortlisted for interview. 2 were successful. Overall, there were 10 applicants for the 8 positions. We do not have the detail whether the 2 unsuccessful candidates went on to secure an opportunity at a later date.
Prior to this in September 2023; there were 4 positions and 11 applicants (one later withdrew).
Combined September 2023 and March 2024, there were 12 positions and 19 applicants.
If posts are advertised externally applicants who do not have the required qualification to ‘top up’ – that is they are not a Registered Nursing Associate which is an entry criteria for the programme, they would not be shortlisted
There are currently 11 Apprentices on the Registered Nursing Degree (Top Up) Route, one is currently ‘paused’. They were enrolled across 2 cohorts September 2023 and September 2024 for question 4. All have had their academic fees paid for via the Apprenticeship Levy
You asked:
3. In the last 12 months (September 2023-24), how many registered [normally band 4] nursing associates at your trust have completed a ‘Registered nursing top up’ course?
Our response:
One (start date March 2022 qualified 2024)
Three (start date September 2022 qualified September 2024)
Total 4
You asked:
a) Of those who have completed the course, how many now work as registered nurses at the trust?
Our response:
It is our understanding the 4 qualified Nurses remain at our Trust; this data is not tracked by Practice Education nor Apprenticeship and Widening Participation
You asked:
4. How many ‘Registered nursing top up’ training places did your trust fund in the last 12 months, (September 2023-24) using the apprenticeship levy?
Our response:
As above: There are currently 11 Apprentices on the Registered Nursing Degree (Top Up) Route, one is currently ‘paused’. They were enrolled across 2 cohorts September 2023 and September 2024 for question 4. All have had their academic fees paid for via the Apprenticeship Levy
You asked:
5. What criteria must a registered [normally band 4] nursing associates meet to qualify for funding for a ‘Registered nursing top up’ training place from your trust?
Our response:
There has to be an identified RNA top up post vacancy leading to Qualified Nurse within the service and identified service line budget to support the apprentice on programme (e.g. off the job learning, supernumerary status and ‘away’ from base placements). The post is advertised and there is a fair, transparent and open recruitment process.
No requirement re length of time in post / qualified as RNA
Next steps:
Should you have any queries in relation to our response, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are unhappy with the response you have received in relation to your request and wish to ask us to review our response, you should write to:
Louise Moss
Head of Legal Services / Associate Director of Corporate Governance
c/o Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Edward Jenner Court
1010 Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth, GL3 4AW
E-mail: louise.moss@ghc.nhs.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of any review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice/guidance. Generally, the ICO will not consider your case unless you have exhausted your enquiries with the Trust which should include considering the use of the Trust’s formal complaints procedure. The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.