Tracy,
I think that I carry out a specialist role in the organisation where I work - providing specialist technical knowledge, clinical & technical support and work on specialised equipment, etc, etc - certainly more than what's required of an MTO3 on the bench for at least a significant proportion of the time and in times of need. The problem is, and has always been, the lack of formal recognition of this from managers I've worked for.
We shall be carrying out generic matching of MTO3s in our department I think. The difficulty is where will my managers pitch the generic level of qualifications required to do the job? This will significantly affect the matching process and where we all end up I think. However this still doesn't sort out my problem since I'll probably not be matched to a band that does not allow me to accrue enough points, despite any "additional responsibilites" that are recognised in my JD, to progress to band 6 despite having the knowledge, skills & training, plus carrying out many of the duties of a specialist.
All that AfC will achieve, personally speaking, is that if I'm awarded Band 5 I'll be be applying for as many specialist bands available in the area where I work, post AfC. I doubt there will be many and they will probably be fulfilled in-house. I meet the requirements, including Knowledge, experience, training, etc. If I can't get a specialist grade during my period of R&R or pay protection, if it applies, whatever, then it's quite simple I'll have to find something else outside the NHS and leave.
I think AfC is forcing employers into "uncharted waters" and will forcing many of us into making difficult decisions about what we're prepared to do, above and beyond our job-roles, post AfC.
