Funding & ARRS
Making better use of your clinical workforce funding
BCS supports organisations wishing to access additional clinical workforce, including eligible ARRS roles. Explore clinical workforce arrangements that may be supported through eligible ARRS funding, subject to the applicable NHS requirements.
Eligible ARRS workforce arrangements
Roles such as clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians may be reimbursed through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme when the role, employment, additionality and service requirements of the Network Contract DES are met.
Practice-level GP reimbursement
Separate arrangements may apply to GP workforce. These are distinct from ARRS and depend on the scheme in force for your organisation.
Other PCN funding
PCNs can use other network funding streams for services that sit outside ARRS.
Direct practice budgets
Practices can commission BCS services directly — for example a few sessions a week or a single project.
ICB-commissioned services
ICBs and provider collaboratives can commission programmes and services under their own contracting arrangements.
Fixed-price projects outside ARRS
Backlog recovery and other defined-scope projects are usually funded outside ARRS, with a clear price agreed up front.
Important NHS requirements (2026/27)
- Not every BCS service is eligible for ARRS reimbursement.
- Qualifying remote ARRS service arrangements must be intended to last at least six months, alongside the wider role, employment, additionality and service requirements.
- Short-term or pay-as-you-go projects are not automatically ARRS compliant.
- Eligibility is determined by the current Network Contract DES, the workforce role and the commissioning arrangements. We never promise reimbursement approval.
Common questions
Can I use ARRS funding for a remote pharmacist?
Possibly. Under the NHS England 2026/27 guidance, qualifying remote ARRS arrangements must be intended to last at least six months and meet the wider role, employment, additionality and service requirements. Eligibility is determined by the current Network Contract DES.
Is every BCS service ARRS eligible?
No. Some workforce arrangements may be supported through eligible ARRS funding; many services, including short-term projects, are funded through other routes.
Can ARRS underspend pay for a backlog project?
Not automatically. A short-term or pay-as-you-go project is not automatically ARRS compliant. We'll help you look at the right funding route.
Will BCS guarantee reimbursement?
No provider can promise reimbursement approval. We'll help you structure an arrangement and you should confirm eligibility with your commissioner.
More detail: DES 2026/27 explained.