CCSC survey of consultant opinion
December 2002
Dear Colleague
As you will be aware, the majority of consultants in England rejected the proposed new contract framework in the recent referendum held on behalf of the Central Consultants and Specialists Committee. In order to enable the Committee to now move forward reflecting the views and aspirations of the profession, we are conducting a survey of consultants in England. The intention is to establish views on which particular aspects of the framework were acceptable and which caused most dissatisfaction. We are also seeking information on current remuneration, conditions of service and attitudes towards potential action that might be taken if agreement cannot be reached with Government over a satisfactory contract. A similar survey of specialist registrars is also to be undertaken.
This consultation exercise follows a previous survey of over 2,000 consultants conducted by the CCSC in April 1999, the results of which informed the Committee’s approach to the contract negotiations. Clearly, the outcome of those negotiations was not acceptable to the majority of consultants and the CCSC negotiators will use the results of this survey to try to ensure that your views are accurately reflected in the future. It will also be helpful to establish whether attitudes have changed since 1999.
As part of this current exercise, we asked you for your views on what should be covered in this questionnaire. Many of the questions within this survey therefore take into account the views expressed by members of the profession. In addition to those areas covered in the questionnaire, many of you highlighted the negotiating process (including the use of professional negotiators) as a key area of concern. Whilst we have not included questions on this issue, I can assure you that the CCSC is already taking these views into account and is reviewing the way negotiations are conducted.
In order to answer the questions relating to the framework agreement, you may want to refer back to the original document. You can find the framework and other relevant information on the BMA website. I realise that the questionnaire is long and detailed but I hope that you will be able to find the time to complete it, as it is vital that we are well informed about your views. Please return the questionnaire in the enclosed pre-paid envelope by Friday, 10 January.
Yours faithfully
Paul Miller
Chairman
Central Consultants and Specialists Committee