1. Introduction
1.1. The purpose of this guidance is to explain the process for issuing honorary contracts with a relevant NHS Trust for clinical academics employed by St George’s, University of London. The majority of clinical academic staff employed by St George’s, University of London also hold honorary contracts with the relevant NHS Trust. They are, in effect, following a dual career path.
1.2. The honorary contract allows St George’s, University of London employees to practice medicine with appropriate indemnity at the relevant Trust where they will have contact with patients as a clinician, surgeon, etc. In order that s/he is covered for insurance purposes, eg against claims of negligence or of malpractice, s/he needs to be issued with an honorary contract by the relevant NHS Trust which employs clinicians in the main hospital where the St George’s, University of London employee will be working. An employee will not be permitted to have contact with patients until such time as an honorary contract is issued.
2. Issuing honorary contracts
2.1. Honorary contracts are issued at different levels, according to the qualifications and experience of the individual and the type of job s/he will be doing. The main categories of honorary contract are as follows: • Senior Lecturer/Reader/Professor - Honorary Consultant Status
- Senior Lecturer who has yet to complete their clinical specialist training – Honorary Associate Specialist Status
- Lecturer in clinical subject - Honorary Specialist Trainee Status
- Clinical Research Fellow - Honorary Clinical Research Fellow Status
2.2. When the contract of employment with St George’s, University of London is issued the Human Resources Department (HR) will contact the relevant Trust to request the issue of an honorary contract.
2.3. HR will ensure that the Trust is aware of changes to the contract (eg extensions of the duration of the contract) and will advise the Trust of resignations and terminations of appointment.