How specialty doctors can be regraded to specialists in NHS Scotland

BMA Scotland has agreed with Scottish Government and NHS employers in Scotland a new process for Specialty Doctors or Dentists in NHS Scotland who meet certain criteria to apply for regrading to Specialist. Here’s what you need to know.
Location: Scotland
Audience: SAS doctors
Updated: Tuesday 2 December 2025
Contract and pen article illustration

In 2022, NHS Scotland introduced a new Specialist grade for experienced Specialty Doctors and Dentists. This new grade is intended to offer career progression, help keep talented people in the NHS, and make SAS roles more attractive and rewarding.

Until now there have been few new Specialist roles created and this has been frustrating for senior Specialty doctors and dentists who feel they are already working at the higher level of Specialist.  

As part of the 2024 pay deal with the Scottish Government, it was agreed that a process and policy should be developed that would provide a route for specialty doctors and dentists to apply to be regraded to Specialist if they meet certain criteria.  Read about the new policy and process.

 

What this means for you

  • Career Development: There’s now a proper process for you to be recognised for the work you’re already doing.
  • Better Patient Care: More motivated, experienced staff means better care for everyone.
  • Fairness: If you’re doing the job of a Specialist, you should be recognised as one.

 

Who can apply

This policy is for all Specialty Doctors and Dentists in NHS Scotland, no matter which contract you’re on (2008, 2022, or even older staff grade contracts).

 

When to apply

This policy was issued on 2 December 2025, and the effective date of the policy is 1 August 2025. If you apply by 31 January 2026 and you are successful then your regrading date will be backdated to 1 August 2025, provided that you would have met the eligibility criteria on 1 August. 

The policy will remain in force on an ongoing basis from 2 December 2025.  However, if you apply from 1 February 2026 and are successful then your regrading date will be the date you first submitted your application and there will be no backdating earlier than 1 February 2026.

 

Eligibility

To apply for regrading, you need:

  • full registration and a licence to practise with the GMC or GDC
  • at least 10 years’ work since your primary qualification (can be continuous or in total)
  • at least 6 years in a relevant specialty in an SAS grade (time in other grades or overseas counts too)
  • to be working wholly or substantially at the level of Specialist already
  • to meet the criteria in the Specialist grade generic competencies framework.

Check out the extra guidance (Annex C of the policy) and role comparison tables if you want more detail.

 

How to apply

Talk to your manager

  • Talk about your career and whether you’re ready for the Specialist grade.
  • If you’re not quite there yet, your manager should help you find ways to build the right skills (maybe through secondments or extra training).

When you are ready to apply 

  • Ask for a meeting with your line manager.
  • You can bring a BMA rep or a colleague for support (they’re just there to observe).
  • If your manager agrees, you’ll fill out an application form together and send it to the medical workforce team. Download the application form.
  • If your manager doesn’t agree, they must explain why in writing. You can still apply if you want, but must include the reasons that your line manager does not support the application.

The panel review

  • A panel (including a senior clinical lead, someone with oversight of your team, and HR) will look at your application. You must provide evidence of the ways you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • The panel might ask for more info or invite you for a chat.
  • You can bring a BMA rep or colleague to the panel meeting too.

The outcome

  • You will get a decision within 35 working days.
  • If you’re successful, you’re regraded to Specialist from the date you applied.  If you applied and were successful before 31 January 2026 then your regrading will be backdated to 1 August 2025.  If you apply on or after 1 February 2026 your regrading will be effective from the date you applied.
  • If not, you’ll get detailed feedback and advice on what to work on next.

 

If you disagree with the decision

  • You can appeal in writing to the Medical Director within 20 working days.
  • A new panel will review your case and let you know the outcome within 15 working days of the appeal hearing.
  • If your appeal is successful, your regrading will be backdated to when you first applied.

 

Your salary

See the salary scale for the Specialist grade.  You will note that there is only a small increase from the top of the specialty doctor scale and the first point of the Specialist scale. You will normally be appointed at the bottom of the Specialist scale.  We know this represents a small uplift, but there are 3 pay points so there is still scope for further incremental increases.

 

Keeping things fair

  • The policy will be reviewed every two years (or sooner if laws change).
  • Health Boards will report twice a year on how many people apply, how many succeed, and how many appeal.

 

Summary

  1. Talk to your manager about regrading.
  2. Apply (with or without your manager’s support).
  3. Panel reviews your application.
  4. Get your answer—if yes, you’re a Specialist. If no, you get feedback and can appeal.

If you want to see the full process in a flowchart, check out the diagram in Annex B of the official policy document.

 

Need more help or information?

Ask your line manager, HR, or get in touch with a BMA advisor.