A study to investigate the effects of Agenda for Change (AfC) on career progression for radiographers in England and Wales is underway.
Four years after implementation of AfC, the Department of Health says the initiative has ‘dramatically simplified the process of designing new ways of working and the establishment of extended roles’.
Commissioned by the Society, the project will be a chance for radiographers to express their views on the impact of the changes.
"The time is right to assess the true impact that AfC has had on career progression among the radiographic workforc," said Hazel Edwards, project lead and senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire.
"The focus of the investigation is on career expectations of NHS radiography staff, as well as opportunities and barriers to career progression in relation to AfC."
The research team, a partnership between theUniversity of Hertfordshire and Oxford Radcliffe NHS Hospitals, will explore a range of themes including recruitment and retention, satisfaction with pay bandings and on-call payment.
Hazel said: “The implementation of Agenda for Change in 2004 generated strong opinions among radiographers. We want to find out now how Agenda for Change is working for the professions."
She stressed the importance of involving staff from all areas of radiography: therapy, general radiography, mammography, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. “A project like this wouldn’t be complete without listening to their experiences, as well as to those of registered practitioners.”
The online survey is available from 19 January at http://sdu-surveys.herts.ac.uk/effect-of-afc. Paper copies are available on request.
Win £50 shopping voucher Participants have the chance to win a £50 Marks & Spencer shopping voucher, with three lucky winners will be chosen at random at the close of the survey.
Email Hazel Edwards with any further queries.
