A step into the unknown? The new education and training contracting arrangements.

The next few years are likely to see the introduction of an educational contracting regime for professional education in the UK between the NHS and the higher and further education sectors. It will involve all employers of health care staff-the NHS, private and voluntary sectors, GP fundholders and local authorities. Outlines these changes and identifies some of the likely problem areas with the new arrangements. Seven key areas are explored--workforce planning, membership of the new consortia, the NHS Executive/regional office role, timescales, finance, the scope for innovation and the operation of the new system.