News / Education funding to be tariff-based

NHS clinical education funding is to be reformed under proposals put forward by Lord Darzi in his workforce review.

The report, A high quality workforce, which was published as part of the Next Stage Review, proposed the multi-professional education and training budget (MPET) be replaced with a tariff-based system where the funding follows the student or trainee.

The plan will be developed over the coming months to support five core activities - students, placements, tuition, preceptorship and workforce change. It aims to reward quality, promote transparency and protect investment in training, the report said. There would also be a clear split between the commissioning and provision of education.

While details are sketchy, a tariff system would be introduced for placements. The Department will treble the funding for preceptorship for newly-qualified nurses and will also consider whether similar support is needed for other clinical staff, such as allied health professionals. This will cost an estimated £8.8m and is expected to begin this November.

While the report acknowledged the proposals could affect trusts' ability to deliver services, it promised this would be mitigated with a transition plan.
Lord Darzi said the review should lead to a clearer contractual basis for postgraduate medical education. Contracts should reflect agreed volumes and standards, and recognise trainees' contribution to patient services and the resources required to train them.

The minister wished to engage clinicians in finance and management. Clinicians of the future had to take responsibility for managing resources and would be expected to take leadership positions within their clinical team, service line, department, organisation and the NHS as a whole.