Aintree is one of the 'Early Implementes' of the system with a remit to
pilot the system and they have already begun implementing this new system.

The following is a report on how Agenda For Change is proceeding at Aintree.
This was the picture as of 6th August 2003:
- Aintree aimed to have completed the matching/evaluations within six months
but it looks now as if that might not be possible

- There is an assumption from some specialist nurses that their jobs are
specialised but it is possibile that some could end up being put on a lower
band because it seems that they aren’t as specialised as they believe. I
understand that a similar picture is emerging amongst Medical Secretaries
- They are now estimating that 50% of staff will be matched to a national
profiles whilst 50% will need local evaluation. The local evaluation figure
could be higher in Trusts where more specialised work is done. Each
evaluation takes approximately 9 hours to complete
- As of 6th August, they had nearly completed all nursing jobs, have been
working on A&C jobs and are about to start on Radiography.
- Pathology/Pharmacy, I understand, have yet to be started.
- It looks as though many ‘D’ and ‘E’ grade nurses are likely to be on the
same band which is causing concerns around erosion of differentials. This
picture could be reflected in other professional groups.
- They aime to start paying some staff groups using the new pay system in
September but do need to sort out some central funding issues first
- They now feel that the whole process will cost more than originally
anticipated
- Because annual leave will be calculated on the basis of hours rather than
days it is becoming complicated to manage
- They feel there will be problems staffing certain Bank Holidays,
particularly over Christmas, because of the way out of hours are calculated
and have referred this matter to the Department of Health for advice
- The Knowledge & Skills Framework, which is the tool used for staff
development, will begin to be piloted in the Trust across about 100 staff.