NES highlights

NES has played a vital role in supporting and strengthening the health and social care workforce across Scotland.

This timeline highlights key milestones in NES’s journey - showcasing how our work has evolved in response to changing needs, new technologies, and Scotland’s commitment to high‑quality, person‑centred care. From early developments in education and training to major initiatives that continue to improve workforce capability today.

As we take a significant step forward by becoming Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland), this marks a new phase in our continued commitment to improve outcomes across health and social care services in Scotland.

NES over the years

2002 - our journey begins

In April, three existing bodies came together to take a broader role in supporting education across many professions - a journey that continues to this day. We were initially formed from the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education, the Post Qualification Education Board for Pharmacists, and the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland. Since then, we have adapted to many changes, working with partner stakeholders to support healthcare professionals and other workers across a range of organisations

Find out more about NES →

2004 - the elibrary opens its doors

NES's Knowledge Services and NHS Scotland Library have championed national, equitable access to knowledge from the very beginning. Our 'Once for Scotland' approach united all NHS Scotland libraries into one collaborative network, sharing resources and ensuring fair access to library services on a national level. In 2010 the elibrary relaunched as the Knowledge Network.

Visit the Knowledge Network →

2009 - Mobile Skills Unit hits the road

We employ state-of-the-art simulation tools to teach the latest clinical skills to staff living in remote and rural parts of Scotland. Training quickly expanded to offer lifesaving techniques such as roadside assistance to staff across the public sector, such as the police and fire services.

Find out more about the mobile skills unit →

2010 - expanding education and training to all staff groups

In the eight years since we were formed, we expanded our role to provide education and training to all staff groups, from administrative and support staff and healthcare chaplains to clerical workers and chief executives. A multiprofessional and partnership approach is increasingly a hallmark of all that we do.

Browse our learning resources →

2011 - GP trainee doctors join our workforce

We became 'Lead Employer' for 400 GP trainee doctors across Scotland, making it easier for them to manage their employment, finances, parental leave and so on. In 2021 we expanded this responsibility to include 1700 GP and National Programme trainees and all Dental trainees, meaning that when they move region, they can do so seamlessly.

Find out about the lead employer model →

2014 - stronger partnership with the social care sector

When the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 came into effect it put in place a requirement for the NHS and Local Authorities to work together to deliver integrated health and social care services. This legislation allowed us to build a close partnership with the Scottish Social Services Council to develop and deliver education and training for the social care workforce.

Find out about the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 →

2015 - the Scottish Improvement Leaders programme celebrates its first cohort

After ten months of hard work, learning and sharing, the first cohort of Scottish Improvement Leaders (ScILs) graduated in August. Described as “the world’s first whole-nation public sector improvement leaders programme”, the initiative developed 22 leaders from across Scotland who have the skills, knowledge and network to lead improvement projects.

Find out more about the Scottish Improvement Leader Programme →

2016 - Turas arrives

Turas is an innovative digital platform that revolutionised the way health and social care engage with learning and development. It brings multiple systems in one place with smarter functionality that can respond to suit user's requirements.

Go to the Turas website →

2018 - transforming trauma knowledge and skills

We launched the National Trauma Transformation Programme. This supports the vision of a trauma-informed workforce and services across Scotland, capable of recognising where people are affected by trauma and adversity, that can respond in ways that prevent further harm and support recovery, and can address inequalities and improve life chances.

Find out more about the National Trauma Transformation Programme →

2021 - introducing the NHS Scotland Academy

The Academy is an exciting partnership between NES and NHS Golden Jubilee offering accelerated training to a wide range of health and social care professions. It uses state of the art clinical and simulation facilities alongside technology enabled learning.

Find out more about the NHS Scotland Academy →

2022 - a new directorate for social care

We created our first ever Social Care and Communities Directorate, extending our commitment to creating better education, training, workforce development resources and digital solutions for the social care workforce.

Find out more about our Social Care and Communities Directorate →

2025 - MyCare.Scot goes live

A new online service designed to help people in Scotland access and manage their health and care information went live with its first users in NHS Lanarkshire.

Find out more about MyCare.Scot →

2026 - a new chapter begins

From 1 April 2026, a new national body, Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland), will unite NES and NHS National Services Scotland (NSS). This new organisation will support NHS Scotland with national planning, workforce development, digital innovation and shared infrastructure, all focused on improving outcomes across health and social care services in Scotland.

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