When an ARRS-funded pharmacist, technician or nurse goes on leave, the work they do for patients still needs covering. ARRS has a specific exception for this, which lets a PCN fund shorter cover than it normally could.
This guide explains the exception and how to arrange the cover, based on NHS England’s 2026/27 Network Contract DES specification and Part B guidance. Confirm your plans with your commissioner before the cover starts.
The exception to the six-month rule
ARRS arrangements normally have to be intended to last at least six months, whether staff are employed directly or engaged through another organisation. The exception is temporary cover, for example during sickness or parental leave, for someone employed through ARRS.
Sources: NHS England: Network Contract DES specification 2026/27 · NHS England: Network Contract DES Part B guidance 2026/27
What the PCN can reclaim
For the cover, the PCN can claim actual salary plus employer National Insurance and pension, pro rata for the length of the arrangement and the whole-time equivalent, up to the maximum for the role. Claims come from the PCN’s overall ARRS budget.
Ask your commissioner how the claim for the cover sits alongside any claim for the absent staff member, so the same role is not claimed twice.
| Role | National | Inner London |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical pharmacist | £71,725 | £83,040 |
| Pharmacy technician | £46,447 | £55,887 |
| Experienced general practice nurse (band 6) | £57,114 | £68,429 |
Sources: NHS England: Network Contract DES Part B guidance 2026/27 · NHS England: Network Contract DES specification 2026/27
- Shift postedGP session, 8:30am to 6pm
- Locum appliedChecks already complete
- Terms agreedRate, duties and cancellation in writing
- Booking confirmedBoth sides get the detailsToday
Who can provide the cover
The cover can be a fixed-term employee or someone engaged through another organisation. Either way, they need to meet the same role requirements as the person they cover. For a clinical pharmacist, that includes being enrolled in or having completed an approved 18-month training pathway. If the pharmacist is supplied through another organisation, NHS England expects the same person to work consistently with the team.
Sources: NHS England: Network Contract DES specification 2026/27 · NHS England: Network Contract DES Part B guidance 2026/27
| Shift | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Locum GP, morning | Monday | 2 applied |
| Practice nurse | Tuesday | Offered |
| Clinical pharmacist | Wednesday | Booked |
Arrange the cover step by step
Start as soon as the leave dates are known.
- Confirm the leave dates and the sessions the role covers each week.
- Agree the claim with your commissioner.
- Write a cover brief: clinics, reviews, systems, supervision and who to escalate to.
- Arrange access and induction before the first session.
- Plan the handover back when the staff member returns.
If the person on leave is an ARRS GP
ARRS GPs follow different rules. If they are employed by a practice in the PCN, cover is reimbursed under the GMS Statement of Financial Entitlements; if a third party employs them, the specification sets out separate arrangements.
Sources: NHS England: Network Contract DES specification 2026/27
Common questions
Does the six-month rule apply to maternity cover?
No. Temporary cover for an ARRS-funded member of staff on sickness or parental leave can be shorter than six months.
Can the cover be remote?
Yes, if the full role can be delivered remotely. For a clinical pharmacist supplied through another organisation, NHS England expects one consistent pharmacist working with the PCN team.
Can we reclaim an agency or booking fee?
ARRS reimburses actual salary plus employer National Insurance and pension. Other costs, including agency or booking fees, are met by the PCN.
Official sources
Sources checked . Requirements can differ by country, employer and role; use the current guidance relevant to the work.
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