The New Deal
In June 1991 the New Deal was agreed between the Government, NHS Management, Consultants, the Royal Colleges and the Junior Doctors’ Committee of the BMA. It was designed to bring about major reductions in junior doctors’ and dentists’ hours of work within agreed periods of time.
Initially, each region was required to set up a Regional Task Force to support Trusts in bringing about these required reductions in hours and improvements in living and working conditions.
In December 2000 Regional Task Forces became Regional Action Teams. With the introduction of the new contract, Junior Doctor's hours of work became a mainstream Regional Office performance management issue.
In April 2003, the functions of RATs devolved to Strategic Health Authorities, generally managed through the WDCs.
Trusts are responsible for implementation of the New Deal. To help achieve this they are expected to have set up a Local Implementation Group (LIG), which includes junior doctors. The New Deal is part of the terms and conditions of service for Doctors and Dentists in training, and therefore Trusts and Doctors should regularly monitor compliance. In order for trusts to advertise training posts, Dean's approval is required. New Deal compliance is an element of the Dean's approval (ref. HSE 1998/228 with respect to the New Deal).
Health Service Circular 1998/240
Workforce Development Confederations