Senior EMT Agreement Update

In February we provided an update on the review of the current local pay arrangements for SEMT that has been ongoing between the Trust, our Union colleagues and nationally. We are now in a position to share the decision that has been taken, and we would like to extend our gratitude for your patience during this extended period of review.

Due to the local and historic nature of the Senior EMT agreement, and to bring us in line with other Ambulance Trusts, the Senior EMT agreement will be ended with effect from 1 August 2023. Therefore, the following will apply:

• All individuals eligible for Senior EMT under the Senior EMT banding agreement up to 31 July 2023 will receive an HR2 to move to Senior EMT. This will be processed automatically over the coming weeks, there will be no requirement to request an HR2
• No further Senior EMTs will be processed from 1 August 2023
• All current Senior EMTs (up to 31 July 2023) will be unaffected

The Trust is committed to the development of our internal colleagues, and as such will be offering Apprentice Paramedic courses to develop our EMTs into band 5 NQPs and onto band 6 Paramedics. This year we have increased our number of apprenticeship paramedic pathways, more information on our career pathways can be found on Need to Know, or please contact the training and education team at training.managers@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Senior EMT in Relation to Apprentice Learner Delays

In February we also advised that the concerns raised regarding Senior EMT, and the delays experienced in the AEMT learner journey, were similarly under review. This has been considered as part of the Senior EMT review as a whole.

The Trust recognises that there were delays in the learner journey during the Covid-19 pandemic and has recompensed those affected by backdating salary only, to the 18-month expected point of apprenticeship completion. Change of role from AEMT to EMT for these individuals remains as the date that EPA is completed, and they are considered fully qualified. The Senior EMT banding agreement states that all individuals must have been employed as a qualified EMT for a minimum of 12 months, therefore Senior EMT will not be backdated in line with the learner delays. Senior EMT for our AEMT colleagues will only be applicable from 1 year after EPA completion, up to 31 July 2023.

We appreciate that this may be disappointing news for some colleagues. If you have any further queries, please contact your local HR Business Partner in the first instance.

Published 4th July 2023