What is the scheme?

The Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS) protects members against financial losses. Both clinical and non-clinical claims can be made. Risk is pooled and allocated equally across a number of years.

Membership of the scheme is mandatory for Scotland’s:

• NHS boards
• Special national boards in Scotland
• Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

Integration joint boards and local authorities also have the option to join the scheme.

Members can benefit from guidance around areas such as risk management budgeting. The scheme additionally operates an efficient claims management procedure.

Who funds the scheme?

Contributions from members fund CNORIS and it is non-profit making. Each year of the scheme runs from 1 April to 31 March.

During this time, the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate (SGHSCD) will pay the cost of litigation against members.

Find out how to make a claim for funds.

What do members have to pay?

SGHSCD only funds losses that exceed the CNORIS deductibles threshold. That deductibles threshold is currently £25,000. Members pay all claim costs up to this value from within their own budgets.

At the end of each financial year contributions are collected from members. These funds repay the deficit accrued in-year by SGHSCD. The calculation of contributions is based upon a member’s proportion of the overall risks. Clinical and non-clinical risk profiles are set up to assess these risks. Annual charges are agreed with non-NHS members on joining the scheme.

Periodic reports are sent to members to let them know the ongoing position on scheme deficits that they’ll eventually have to repay.

During January or February each year, members receive a forecast of the amount they may have to pay. Accounts are closed on 31 March and in April each member receives a statement of their actual contribution to the scheme.

In doing this, the scheme is set up to prevent over-reserving of funds based on forecast contributions. Thus, all available resources are left in the service for the longest possible time.

Get further guidance about the scheme from the SGHSCD website.