Armed Forces' Pay Review Body

Book excerpt: This Report sets out recommendations on pay in the Defence Medical Services (DMS) from 1 April 2010 together with the supporting evidence. The context is one of continuing economic uncertainty, sustained commitment to operations in Afghanistan and continued manning shortfalls. The aim is to maintain broad pay comparability with National Health Service (NHS) doctors and dentists and to enable the DMS to recruit, retain and motivate suitably qualified personnel. In 2009, Defence Medical Service manning generally continued the positive trend of recent years. As at 1 April, the trained strength of Medical Officers was 74 per cent of the trained requirement - an increase of 32 trained Medical Officers. Trained Dental Officer manning was 92 per cent of requirement, accounted for by increased numbers obtaining accreditation. DMS recruitment continued with some success but still fell short of targets for Medical Officers and Dental Officers. While the DMS has been able to meet all of its operational commitments, this has only been achieved by augmenting the Regulars with a mix of Reserves, NHS and contract staff. It is recognised that pay was not the only solution to manning shortfalls and that non-pay related measures may have a role to play in addressing retention. Pay recommendations range from no increase to 1.5 per cent for certain grades. The Review Body encourages MOD to make progress on measures outside of pay to help DMS recruit and retain the highly skilled and motivated personnel needed to address current and future challenges.