Applicant Guide FINAL FINALv3

8/3/2019 Applicant Guide FINAL FINALv3

1/46

0

Medical Specialty Training (England)

Applicant Guide

for application and recruitmentto medical specialty training in England in 2011

Issue 1First published 1 December 2010See also www.mmc.nhs.uk


2/46

1

This applicant guide can be downloaded in PDF format from www.mmc.nhs.uk

This guide is relevant for specialty training in England in 2011. If you are interested infinding out more about the UK Foundation Programme, Academic ClinicalFellowships, GP training or about training in the other three UK countries, please visitthe relevant websites:

Foundation Training: www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk

GP Training: www.gprecruitment.org.uk

Recruitment for Academic Clinical Fellowships in Medicine and Dentistry in England:http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/

Recruitment to medical specialty training in Scotland:http://www.mmc.scot.nhs.uk/

Recruitment to medical specialty training in Wales:http://specialty.walesdeanery.org/

Recruitment to medical specialty training in Northern Ireland:http://www.nimdta.gov.uk/

You may also like to refer to the following publications available fromwww.mmc.nhs.uk

Quick Guide to recruitment in 2011Published 22 October 2010 by the Department of Health Medical Education andTraining Programme team, developed and designed in partnership with specialty

trainees and trainers. The Quick Guide is a short version of the main applicant guide.As an interactive PDF, it offers instant access to essential information on therecruitment process.

A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK (The GoldGuide Fourth Edition)Published June 2010 by the four UK Health Departments. The Gold Guide providesdetailed information about the postgraduate specialty and GP training programmessince August 2007.

For details on the approval of training programmes, please refer to the GeneralMedical Council (GMC) website www.gmc.org.uk

First published by the Department of Health and Medical Programme Board(England) on 1 December 2010


3/46

2

Contents

1. Welcome to recruitment to specialty training 2011 31.1 Overview of specialty training in England 2011 31.2 Flexibility in training less than full time training 5

1.3 Overview of recruitment in 2011 51.4 At-a-glance view of the recruitment process in England 101.5 The competition 11

2. Stage 1 Getting started 132.1 Eligibility 13

3. Stage 2 Choosing your specialty 173.1 Person specifications for jobs in England 17

4. Stage 3 Vacancies and applications 204.1 English job adverts and where to find them 20

4.2 Planning your application choices 204.3 The application form 21

5. Stage 4 Interviews and offers 245.1 Shortlisting 245.2 How interview panels run 255.3 What to prepare and take with you 255.4 Planning your approach to the interview 265.5 Training offers 275.6 Accepting, holding and rejecting offers 275.7 Requesting feedback 315.8 Deferring the start of a specialty training programme 325.9 Avoiding problems 325.10 About the different rounds of recruitment to specialty training 325.11 Non-UK/EAA applicants 335.12 Applying in Round 2 when you have already accepted an offer 33

in Round 15.13 Options available to you if you do not gain a training post 34

6. Support to applicants 356.1 Support from your local deanery 356.2 Support from the deanery to which you are applying 356.3 Other sources of information and advice 36

6.4 Medical specialty training helpdesk 366.5 Fair, legal and equitable 37

Annex A: Standard national parts of the England application form 38

Annex B: Links to further information 39

Annex C: Guidance for overseas nationals 42


4/46

3

1. Welcome to recruitment to specialty training 2011

This applicant guide is intended to help you make the best possible applications,starting with your specialty choices and continuing through the application process toits outcome.

You may notice a significant improvement in Round 1 of specialty and GPrecruitment this year. All Round 1 offers in GP and specialty training will be issuedUK wide to an agreed timetable, with all first offers issued by 11 March 2011. Asbefore, you will need to make a decision within 48 hours of receiving a Round 1 offer,but this year, you can hold an offer from any specialty while waiting for other Round 1offers. More on this is in section 5: Interviews and offers.

Given the high level of competition for many specialties, you may face some difficultdecisions. The section on competition will offer some useful information to help you.In addition, your local deanery and the colleges and deaneries to which you may beapplying are ready to help you. You will find more information on this in section 6:

Support to applicants.

Good luck with your applications.

1.1 Overview of specialty training in England in 2011

There are two types of training programmes in specialty training:

Run-through training, where your progression to the next level of trainingis automatic (so long as you satisfy all the competency requirements); and

Uncoupled training programmes, where there are two years of coretraining (three in some specialties), followed by another open competition forhigher training posts and progression to completion of training (provided yousatisfy all the competency requirements).

In 2011, some specialties are offering run-through programmes and somespecialties are offering uncoupled programmes.

All specialty training programmes lead eventually to a Certificate of Completion ofTraining (CCT) or other certificates which qualify you for entry to the Specialist or GPRegister held by the General Medical Council (GMC), subject to the successful

attainment of required competences. See the Gold Guide glossary section for detailsof various certificates.

There are other job opportunities and points of entry, such as one-year training posts,known as Fixed Term Specialty Training Appointments (FTSTAs) and ad hocvacancies at different stages of training. FTSTAs are only available in run-throughspecialties. They offer an opportunity to gain more experience before applying for alonger term position.


5/46

4

The table below shows which English specialties in 2011 are offering run-throughtraining and which are offering core training followed by open competition.

Offer of run-through training in2011

(Specialty training years arereferred to as ST1, ST2, ST3 etc.)

Offer with uncoupling in 2011(Core training years are referred to as CT1,

CT2, CT3 etc. and higher training years arereferred to as ST3, ST4 etc.)

Obstetrics and Gynaecology Anaesthesia

Ophthalmology Core Medical Training, leading to competitiveentry to medical specialties

Paediatrics and Child Health Core Surgical Training, leading to competitiveentry to surgical specialties

General Practice Emergency Medicine (three years of coretraining)

Public Health Core Psychiatry Training (three years of core

training), leading to competitive entry topsychiatry specialties

Neurosurgery

Histopathology

Chemical Pathology

Medical Microbiology/Virology

Clinical Radiology

Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF)

See section 3.1 for a complete list of specialties.

The entry competition between core training and higher specialty training will be opento all eligible applicants (including those working in non-training posts or otherwisenot on core training programmes).

Fixed Term Specialty Training Appointments, FTSTA1 and FTSTA2 (FTSTA3 inPaediatrics and Neurosurgery), will continue in run-through specialties to add to theopportunities for doctors to develop their training experience and improve theirchances of entering later to specialty training.

Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) offer run-through training in specialties thatare normally uncoupled. For further information visithttp://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain

Notes:

1. If you are offered core training in a specialty, this does not guarantee progressionthrough to Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). There will be anotherround of open competition at the end of core training CT2 (CT3 for psychiatry andemergency medicine).


6/46

5

2. Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) core training is a two year programme plus afurther specialty specific year for all themes:

a. For Anaesthesia, a further specialty specific CT2 will be linked to theAnaesthetic themed ACCS

b. For Acute Medicine a further year of core medical training CT2 (CMT)will be linked to the Acute Medicine themed ACCS

c. For Emergency Medicine a further specialty specific CT3 will be linkedto the Emergency Medicine themed ACCS.

3. Clinical radiology level ST1 welcomes applicants from ST1, 2, 3 and CT 1, 2, 3 inacute care clinical specialties, such as medicine, surgery and paediatrics. It isalso possible to apply direct from Foundation training.

1.2 Flexibility in training less than full-time training

If you are unable to train full t ime, you may apply for less than full-time training,

provided you can show that training on a full-time basis would not be practical for youfor well-founded reasons. Well-founded reasons would include, for example,disability, ill health, carers responsibilities, religious commitments and uniqueopportunities for personal or professional development.

Less than full-time training shall meet the same requirements in specialty andgeneral practice training as full-time training, except that there will be fewer hours ofwork per week.

For further information on less than full time training please see Sections 6.47-6.57 ofthe Gold Guide, the Reference Guide for Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK,available from www.mmc.nhs.uk

1.3 Overview of recruitment in 2011

Most recruitment is organised nationally by one of the English Royal Colleges or by alead deanery on behalf of all the English deaneries. This means that you completeone online application and state your deanery preferences, rather than submittingmultiple applications.

The tables over the page show which specialties are recruiting through a nationalrecruiting office in 2011.


7/46

6

Applications via Royal College and other websites in 2011

Royal College Level SpecialtyNational Institute for Health Research

Trainees Coordinating Centre (NIHRTCC)www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk

All Academic Clinical Fellowship

(ACF)

National Recruitment Office for GeneralPractice Trainingwww.gprecruitment.org.uk/

ST1 General Practice

Royal College of Obstetricians andGynaecologistshttps://obsjobs.rcog.org.uk/

All Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Royal College of Paediatrics and ChildHealthhttp://www.rcpch.ac.uk/

All Paediatrics and Child Health

Royal College of Physicians

http://www.cmtrecruitment.org.uk/

CT1 Core Medical Training

Royal College of Physicianshttp://www.st3recruitment.org.uk/

ST3 CardiologyEndocrinology and DiabetesGastroenterologyGeriatric MedicineRenal MedicineAcute MedicineHaematologyGU MedicineRespiratory MedicinePalliative MedicineNeurologyClinical Pharmacology andTherapeutics (CPT)

Royal College of Psychiatristswww.rcpsych.ac.uk/training/nationalrecruitment.aspx

CT1andST4

Psychiatry

Applications via lead deanery websites in 2011

Lead deanery Level Specialty

East Midlands Healthcare Workforce

Deaneryhttp://www.fph.org.uk/public_health_careershttp://www.eastmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk/

ST1ST3

Public HealthSport and Exercise Medicine

Postgraduate Deanery for Kent, Surrey andSussexhttp://www.surgeryrecruitment.nhs.uk/http://www.oncologyrecruitment.nhs.uk/

CT1ST3

Core Surgical TrainingClinical and MedicalOncology


8/46

7

ST1 Clinical RadiologyHistopathology

London Deanerywww.londondeanery.ac.uk/

ST3 Plastic SurgeryGeneral Surgery

Audiological MedicineAllergyImmunologyNuclear Medicine

Severn Deanerywww.severndeanery.nhs.uk/

ST3 Oral and Maxillo FacialSurgery (OMFS)Rehabilitation MedicineRheumatology

Wessex Deanerywww.wessexdeanery.nhs.uk/

ST3 Cardiothoracic Surgery

ST3 Clinical Genetics

CT1 Acute Care Common Stem(ACCS) (all themes)

West Midlands

www.westmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk

All AnaesthesiaST4 Emergency MedicineAll Neurosurgery

Yorkshire and the Humberwww.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/

ST3 Clinical NeurophysiologyEar, Nose and Throat (ENT)UrologyPaediatric SurgeryTrauma and Orthopaedics

Local deaneries are recruiting to Ophthalmology and other training programmes notlisted above.

Each recruiting office is responsible for: advertising vacancies providing helpful information on the recruitment process

receiving online applications shortlisting based on set criteria and scoring systems (using nationally agreed

person specifications) interviewing and selecting successful applicants making offers and receiving acceptances

If you are applying through a national process to one of the specialties listed above,you may expect the following to be consistent whichever college or deanery you maybe applying to:

Information on the application process and how to complete the applicationform

Information on interview and assessment methods Assessment forms to be completed at the interview Information on the consideration of disability or other impediments that may

impact on shortlisting, arrangements for interviews and selection at interview Communications such as emails inviting you to interview or informing you of

the outcome of various stages.


9/46

8

Key dates in 2011

Specialty recruitment has two main rounds of recruitment to fill training posts for thestart of training programmes on 3 August 2011.

Round 1, the main recruitment round, invites applications to all ST1 and CT1 postsand some deaneries may include CT2/CT3 level vacancies. Some run-throughspecialities, such as Paediatrics and Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology,also recruit to higher levels during Round 1.

Round 1 specialty recruitment starts on 3 December 2010. Many specialties inviteyou to register as an applicant on their online application system before theapplication opening date. You should check the relevant website for the specialty towhich you are applying.

The deadline for applications is 20 December 2010 at 12 noon. All first offers in

Round 1 will be issued by 11 March 2011.

Round 2 is for any vacancies that remain following Round 1 and some CT2, ST3 andST4 posts that are being advertised for the first time.

Round 2 specialty recruitment starts on 7 February 2011, but specific opening andclosing dates may vary between specialties. Recruitment to fill vacancies willcontinue to the end of December 2011.

Each recruiting office must publish in advance on their website, the timetable theyare working to so that you can plan your applications, including when applicationsopen and close and interview dates. Please check deanery and college websites for

specialty application closing dates as these may vary.

See summary of key dates during the recruitment process in the table on the nextpage.

2011 recruitment for Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs)

2011 recruitment for Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) posts started on 1November 2010. The deadline for applications is 3 December 2010.

This recruitment process is run by the National Institute for Health Research TraineesCoordinating Centre. For details, please visit the NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centrewebsite www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk

See summary of key dates during the recruitment process in the table on the nextpage.

2011 recruitment to GP training

2011 recruitment for GP training posts started on 22 November 2010. The deadlinefor applications is 19 December 2010.

This recruitment process is run by the National Recruitment Office for General

Practice Training. For details, please visit the National Recruitment Office websitewww.gprecruitment.org.uk/. See summary of key dates during the recruitmentprocess in the table on the next page.


10/46

9

Keyd

atesin2011

2010

2011

Novem

ber

December

January

February

March

Fromm

idNovember

Jobad

vertsfor

Round

1onNHS

Jobs,c

ollegeand

deanerywebsites

3December

StartofRound1

specialty

recruitmentinth

eUK

20December(12noon)

Closeofspecialty

applicationsfor

Round1in

theUK

December-January

Eligibilitychecksand

shortlistingforspecialtyRound

1.

Invitationstotestc

entres

and/orinterviews

7February

SomeCT2anduncoupledST3/4

postsadvertisedandopenfor

application.

StartofRound2specialty

recruitment.

By11March

Round1intervie

wscompletefor

specialtyandall

Round1first

offersissued.

25March

FinaldateforholdingaRound1

offer.

22Nov

ember

Starto

fGP

recruitment,including

GPAcademicClinical

Fellowship(ACF)

19December

Closingdatefor

applicationstoG

P

specialty.

4January

BookingsforGPm

achine

markedtests.

17January22J

anuary

GPcomputerbase

dtests.

21February

GPassessmentce

ntres

4March

EndofGPasses

smentcentres.

By11March

GPfirstoffersissued

1November

Specia

ltyAcademic

Clinica

lFellowship

(ACF)

starts

3December

Closingdatefor

ACF

applications.Sh

ortlisting

andinterviewss

tart.

By28January

Interviewscompleteandoffers

issuedforACF.

What

youshouldbedoing

Novem

ber

December

January

February

March

Registerwithany

online

recruitment

system

sandsubmit

applica

tions

Submitapplications.

Prepareforandattend

interviews

AttendGPmachin

emarked

tests.

Attendinterviews.

Accept,holdorrejectoffers.

AttendGPassessmentcentre.

Accept,holdorrejectoffers.


11/46

10

1.4 At-a-glance view of the recruitment process in England

Stage 1Getting started(See section 2)

You must meet eligibility criteria by theapplication closing date of the programme/postfor which you are applying, including exam

passes, if required. Visit www.mmc.nhs.uk forperson specifications for each specialty.

Stage 3Vacancies andapplications

(See section 4)

Search college and deanery websites, GPrecruitment or NHS Jobs for vacancies.Vacancies will be advertised for a period of fourweeks. Apply by each individual closing date,showing how you meet the criteria set by theperson specification. You will be shortlisted forinterview and/or assessment against the criteriain the person specification. You may be given alimited time to confirm whether you will beattending the interview or assessment centre.This will be made clear in the application details.

Applicant support(See section 6)

Doctors in training can seekcareers advice from tutors andothers in their local deanery.Staff grade doctors can seeksupport from their consultantsor others in medical staffing.

See Annex B for links to arange of websites providing

information.

Stage 4Interviews and

offers(See section 5)

Prepare to take with you the required evidence ofyour eligibility and competences. (If you donttake the required documents with you, you couldrisk being refused an interview and/orassessment opportunity.)In Round 1, all offers in GP and specialty trainingwill be issued UK wide by 11 March 2011. Youwill have 48 hours (including weekends and bankholidays) to decide whether to accept, hold orreject the Round 1 offer. You can hold a Round 1offer while waiting for other Round 1 offers upuntil 25 March 2011.

Please note: This summary and the following information in this Applicant Guidedescribes recruitment to medical specialty training in England. There are differentrecruitment processes for GP training, Academic Clinical Fellowships and recruitmentin other UK countries.

For further information on these areas of recruitment, please visit the relevantwebsites listed on page 2 of this Applicant Guide.

Stage 2Choosing your

specialty(See section 3)

Check college and deanery websites for trainingprogrammes and application processes. Visitwww.mmc.nhs.uk for other useful informationand person specifications for each specialty.


12/46

11

1.5 The competition

The medical specialty training website provides direct links to:

indicative competition figures (from recruitment in 2010) for specialties anddeaneries

the latest information on vacancies for 2011.

When deciding which posts and specialties to apply for, we urge all applicants toconsider carefully the likely levels of competition involved and to be prepared to beflexible about your choices.

You should also think about the way that healthcare is developing in the future, aswell as the competition involved in your chosen specialty and/or the deanery to whichyou are applying. For example, changes in demography, especially and anincreasingly elderly population, and patient expectations are creating a rapid trend

towards more healthcare being delivered in the community and primary care settingsin the next five years. Around half of the training posts in the next few years will be inGeneral Practice, whereas the number of posts in surgical specialties is decreasing.

High levels of competition for ST3 posts in 2011

Trainees in run-through programmes will proceed to the next level of training in 2011,provided they pass the appropriate assessments.

In uncoupled training programmes, we are anticipating high levels of competition forhigher specialty training posts. In addition to those who are currently in their finalyear of core training, there could be applicants in non-training posts who may beinterested in entering the competition for higher specialty training.

Colleges and deaneries start recruitment to uncoupled ST3 (ST4) posts from 7February 2011, when deaneries will have a clearer view of the vacancies in higherspecialty training. Any CT2 posts not previously advertised in Round 1 will beadvertised from 7 February 2011 onwards e.g. Anaesthesia.

Potential applicants are advised to plan their applications carefully and to prepare tobe flexible in the event that you may be unsuccessful in getting a place with your firstchoice specialty and/or deanery.

Considering your options in the light of the competition

Given the intense level of competition, you should think very carefully about thespecialties and locations to which you apply.

The medical specialty training website www.mmc.nhs.uk has information on thecompetition in 2010 that shows, for example, the number of applications in Round 1,the number of jobs and the number of people shortlisted.

These figures do not claim to show what will happen in 2011, but do offer a broad

indication of which were the most and least subscribed specialties and areas in theprevious recruitment year.


13/46

12

There is an important point to note for those considering applying for FTSTA1 postsin those specialties that offer run-through training. If you are successful in obtainingan FTSTA1 in those specialties, your chances of obtaining a run-through post at ST2in 2012 will be relatively low, as there will be very few available.

1.6 Considering the longer term

In addition to looking at the short term influences on your career choices, it isimportant to consider the longer term and the changing pattern of careeropportunities as a result of the changing needs of patients.

Such trends include, for example:

A continuing shift towards care in primary and community settings, rather thanin hospital

Continued centralisation in specialised care and further developments in sub-specialisation

A growing emphasis on improving health that will create more demand forpublic health expertise

Greater involvement of clinicians in policy and planning, innovation andchange. From medical school onwards, doctors will be supported to developmanagerial as well as clinical skills.


14/46

13

2. Stage 1 Getting started

Choose your specialty Section 3.1 shows a complete list of specialty training

posts available in 2011. Royal College websites provideinformation about the specialty and whats involved. Youcan also visit www.medicalcareers.nhs.ukto explorecareer options.

Check the applicationprocess

Section 1.1 shows which specialties are recruiting througha nationally coordinated process and gives websiteaddresses for these recruiting offices. Other specialtiesare offered by each local deanery. See Annex B for a listof deaneries and their website addresses.

Plan your time See section 1.3 for key datesReview personspecifications

All of the up to date person specifications are available onwww.mmc.nhs.uk The person specification will guide youin preparing your portfolio of evidence of yourachievements and competences, ready to show atinterview.

Register for onlineapplications

All specialties use an online application process thatrequires you to register first. Its best to do this early toavoid any technical difficulties when it comes to submittingyour application.

If you are interested in applying for those specialties recruiting by means of a nationalprocess, you will be able to apply for your preferred posts in a single application. Forfull details on each specialty, you should visit the relevant websites as listed in

section 1.1.

See Annex B for links to further information

2.1 Eligibility

See also Annex C Guidance for overseas nationals

Eligibility to apply for specialty training in England in 2011

There are strict rules about eligibility to apply for specialty training in England. If youare submitting an application in 2011, you will need to make sure that you meet allthe eligibility criteria by the application closing date or job starting date where stated.These requirements are explained in your application details and on the nationalperson specifications (see section 3.1).

Full details will be available from the recruiting office advertising the post you areinterested in. Application forms will ask for information to show that you satisfy thecriteria and you may be asked to provide further written evidence at interview.

In preparing for this, we would recommend you use the following eligibility checklist.


15/46

14

Eligibility checklist

Confirmed registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) orGeneral Dental Council (GDC)You will need to hold full GMC registration status and a current licence to

practice (GDC registration status is also required for OMFS) by the time ofappointment to the post (unless you are applying to Public Health training andyou are from a background other than medicine). You will need to confirm thiswhen you apply. For further information seewww.gmc-uk.org/doctors/before_you_apply/registration_factsheet.asp

Right to work in the UKUK and EEA nationals and doctors whose immigration status entitles them towork as a doctor in training in the UK are eligible to apply for specialtytraining. Evidence of immigration status would be a biometric residence card,date stamped passport and/or identity card, together with an accompanyingletter from the Home Office detailing which type of visa has been granted. All

of these documents need to be dated as at or prior to the application closingdate.

Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals with limited leave to remain in the UK,whose employment will require a Tier 2 visa, are subject to the residentlabour market test. This would include, for example, doctors on student visasor Tier 1 Points-Based System who are restricted from taking employment asa doctor in training. The labour market test means that you would only beconsidered if there were no suitable UK or EEA national (settled status)candidate for the post.

You will be asked to bring your passport and proof of your immigration status

to any interviews or assessments you attend.

English language skillsAll applicants will need to provide evidence of their English language skills atany interview attended.

If your undergraduate training was not in English, you will need to providewritten evidence of English language skills e.g. your English LanguageTesting System (IELTS) results showing the score of 7 in all domains(speaking, listening, reading and writing), to be achieved in a single sittingand within 24 months of the time of application; or a letter from a UK medicalsupervisor or employer attesting to your competence in English at theappropriate level.

If your undergraduate training was in English, but not in the UK, you will needto provide written evidence of this. Suitable evidence would include anoriginal letter or certificate from the institution where you qualified confirmingthat the language of instruction and examination was English.

College examsIf college exams are a requirement for entry at the level to which you areapplying, you must have received notification of having sat and passed theexam by the closing date of your application. If college exams are a

requirement for exit, you will need to have passed by the time of yourappointment.


16/46

15

Match to person specificationEach specialty has a nationally agreed person specification that lists therequired competences for that specialty. You will need to provide evidence toprove that you have achieved the specified competences. See section 3.1about the national person specifications.

Match to specialty levelThe following shows the possible levels of entry to specialty training and ageneral guide to the required competences. You should refer to theappropriate person specification for details.

It is important that you study the person specification for each entry level forthe specialties to which you are considering applying. The personspecifications clearly state the entry requirements for each level and this willhelp you decide which is the most appropriate for you. Applying to the mostappropriate level will optimise your chances of success.

Specialty training year 1 and core training year 1 (ST1/CT1)If you are applying straight from the UK Foundation Programme, you will needto show, through your portfolio, that you will have achieved the FoundationProgramme competences by the end of July 2011. You must have achievedthe competences or equivalent within three years prior to your application.

If your training was with a different programme, you will need to providewritten evidence that you have achieved the equivalent competences. (Seefurther details in section below on evidence of achievement of Foundationcompetences.)

To enter at ST1 and CT1 you cannot have already held a post or posts formore than 18 months (by the time you take up the new post) in the specialtyto which you are applying. The exceptions to this are the following specialties:

o Chemical pathologyo Histopathologyo Medical microbiology/virologyo Public health

Specialty training year 2 and core training year 2 (ST2/CT2)Typically, you will have achieved the competences or equivalent from the firstyear of specialty training (ST1) or will be on track to do so by end July 2011.For further information, see the specialty training curriculum available fromthe relevant royal college website.

There is no limit on experience for eligibility for selection to ST2/CT2.

Specialty training year 3 (ST3)Typically, you will have achieved the competences or equivalent from the firsttwo years of specialty training (ST1 and 2). For further information, see thespecialty training curriculum available from the relevant royal college website.

There is no limit on experience for eligibility for selection to ST3.

Specialty training year 4 (ST4)Typically, you will have achieved the competences or equivalent from the firstthree years of specialty training (ST1, 2 and 3), or you will have the entry


17/46

16

requirements for former higher specialty training programmes (i.e. SpecialistRegistrar (SpR) programmes). For further information, see the specialtytraining curriculum available from the relevant royal college website.

There is no limit on experience for eligibility for selection to ST4.

Evidence of achievement of Foundation or equivalent competences

One of the essential criteria (listed above) to be considered for appointment to aspecialty training post at CT1/ST1 level is evidence of achievement of Foundation orequivalent competences by the end of July 2011.

If you are (or have been) a UK Foundation trainee, you should be able to provide aCertificate of Completion of Foundation training (FACD 5.2). You will be expected toprovide a copy of this for your employer when you take up your post.

If your training was with a different programme, you will need to submit an AlternativeCertificate showing all competences achieved in a post of at least three monthsduration since August 2008. See Annex A for a copy of the forms (N.B. There aredifferent forms, two for General practice and two for other specialties).

Please note:

Evidence of higher professional exams in other disciplines is not accepted asevidence of Foundation competency.

Evidence in a non-standard format is not accepted

If, because of your refugee status, you are unable to provide standardisedevidence of having achieved Foundation competence, you should contactyour first choice deanery for advice.


18/46

17

3. Stage 2 Choosing your specialty

3.1 Person specifications for jobs in England

Each specialty (and the level at which you would be entering training) has anationally agreed person specification that lists the required competences for thatspecialty. In making an application, you will need to provide evidence to prove thatyou have achieved the specified competences.

Each person specification is available from the medical specialty training websitewww.mmc.nhs.uk . Requirements will also be included in the application details foreach post.

Academic Clinical FellowshipsIf you are applying for an Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF), you will need to meetthe criteria in both the clinical person specification for your chosen specialty and leveland the ACF person specification.

Person specifications availableThemed core specialties(Bold type for combination ofspecialties for early years training)

Comments

Acute care common stem(ACCS) Acute medicine CT1 CT2 CT2 Core medical

training(ACCS) Anaesthesia CT1 CT2 CT2 Anaesthesia(ACCS) Emergency medicine CT1 CT2 CT3 Emergency

Medicine

Themed, coreprogrammes within theacute care common stemspecialty group

Emergency medicine ST4Anaesthesia CT1 CT2 ST3 Core training

programmes up to andincluding CT2

Surgical specialties Person specifications available Comments

CT1 Themed, coreprogrammes within thesurgery specialty group

Core surgical Training

CT2 For ACF and LATrecruitment only

Cardiothoracic surgery ST3

General surgery ST3Oral & Maxillofacial surgery(OMFS)

ST3

Otolaryngology (ENT) ST3

Paediatric surgery ST3

Plastic surgery ST3

Trauma & orthopaedic surgery ST3

Urology ST3

Individual specialties thatare part of the surgery

specialty group.


19/46

18

Medical specialties Person specifications available CommentsCore medical training CT1 CT2 Core training

programmes up to andincluding CT2

Acute medicine ST3Allergy ST3Audiological medicine ST3Cardiology ST3Clinical genetics ST3Clinical neurophysiology ST3Clinical oncology ST3Clinical pharmacology &therapeutics

ST3

Dermatology ST3

Endocrinology & diabetes ST3

Gastroenterology ST3

Genito-urinary medicine ST3

Geriatric medicine ST3

Haematology ST3

Immunology ST3

Infectious diseases ST3

Infectious diseases & medicalmicrobiology

ST3

Infectious diseases & virology ST3

Medical oncology ST3

Medical ophthalmology ST3Neurology ST3

Nuclear medicine ST3

Occupational medicine ST3

Palliative medicine ST3

Paediatric cardiology ST4

Rehabilitation medicine ST3

Renal medicine ST3

Respiratory medicine ST3

Rheumatology ST3

Sport & exercise medicine ST3

Stroke medicine ST3Tropical medicine ST3

Individual specialties thatare part of the medicine

specialty group.

Psychiatry Person specifications available Comments

Core psychiatry training CT1 CT2 CT3 Core training programmesup to and including CT3

Child & adolescent psychiatry ST4

General adult psychiatry ST4

Psychiatry of learning disability ST4

Old age psychiatry ST4

Forensic psychiatry ST4

Psychotherapy ST4

Individual specialties thatare part of the psychiatry

specialty group.


20/46

19

Run through Specialties Person specifications available Comments

Chemical pathology ST1/FTSTA

ST2/FTSTA

Chemical pathology MetabolicMedicine

ST3

Clinical radiology ST1 Applicants may applydirectly from Foundationtraining or after havingcompleted core training inother specialties

General practice ST1Histopathology ST1Medical microbiology/virology microbiology

ST1/FTSTA

ST2/FTSTA

Medical microbiology/virology virology

ST1/FTSTA

ST2/FTSTA

Neurosurgery ST1/

FTSTA

ST2/

FTSTA

ST3/

FTSTAObstetrics & Gynaecology ST1/

FTSTAST2/FTSTA

ST3/LAT

Ophthalmology ST1/FTSTA

ST2/FTSTA

ST3

Paediatrics ST1/FTSTA

ST2/FTSTA

ST3/FTSTA

ST4

Public Health ST1

NotesAcute care common stem (ACCS) core training is a two-year programme plus afurther specialty specific year for all themes:

For Anaesthesia, a further specialty specific CT2 will be linked to theAnaesthetic themed ACCS

For Acute Medicine, a further year of core medical training CT2 will be linkedto the Acute Medicine themed ACCS

For Emergency Medicine, a further specialty specific CT3 will be linked to theEmergency Medicine themed ACCS

Clinical radiology level ST1 welcomes applicants from ST1, 2, 3 and CT 1, 2, 3 inacute care clinical specialties, such as medicine, surgery and paediatrics. It is alsopossible to apply direct from Foundation training.


21/46

20

4. Stage 3 Vacancies and applications

4.1 English job adverts and where to find them

The first and main recruitment round for specialty training in England in 2011 openson 3 December 2010 (when applications open). It will be for deaneries andorganisations that are running a national recruitment process to determine their owntimetable for specialty recruitment.

Specialties can continue to recruit up until the end of December 2011 in order to fillany vacancies that may remain after 25 March 2011, including any posts advertisedfor the first time in Round 2 and any new vacancies that may arise later in the year.See section 5 for more information on opportunities to apply later in the year.

Each recruiting office will advertise vacancies at different times within the nationaltimetable. They will publish in advance on their website, the timetable they areworking to, including when applications open and close and interview dates so thatyou can plan your applications.

As a minimum: All posts will be advertised on each recruiting office website Posts will be advertised for a minimum of four calendar weeks.

To find out about vacancies, you should check NHS Jobs and college and deanerywebsites on a regular basis. Deaneries will post job vacancies on a rolling basis from20 November 2010.

4.2 Planning your application choices

You can make as many applications as you wish to different specialties, provided youmeet all the eligibility criteria and required competences of the post for which you areapplying.

Visit www.mmc.nhs.uk for summary information on each national recruiting office andlocal deanery.

A risk to consider is that if, at the start of the recruitment process, you apply only forposts that are highly competitive, and you are unsuccessful in securing a post, youcould find that by the time you start applying for posts in Round 2 with lowercompetition ratios, those posts may already have been f illed.

We recommend that you consider the high level of competition for some specialtiesand geographies, along with other factors that are important to you. You can get anindication of the most and least popular specialties and areas from the competitioninformation on the medical specialty training websitewww.mmc.nhs.uk .

It is a good idea to consult with senior colleagues and mentors about where you aremost likely to be successful.


22/46

21

4.3 The application form

All applications are in an electronic format to be completed online or submitted byemail. You should make sure that you are using an email account that you canaccess at any time and will not be blocked by your employers IT security system. If

you are uncertain about this, you should check with your IT department at work.

Many specialties are recruiting by means of a national process handled by a RoyalCollege or lead deanery on behalf of all deaneries. In these specialties, you will beable to make a single application where you state on the application form your orderof preference between deanery locations. See section 1.1 for the list of specialtiesusing a national recruitment process and links to further information.

To ensure a fair, legal and equitable process, the people doing the shortlisting will notsee your personal details when they consider your application.

The next section offers some general advice to help you complete the best possible

application form.

Planning and presentation

Most of the advice that follows is common sense, but you would be surprised by thenumber of applications that are disadvantaged by a lack of attention to basic details.

Before you write anything

1. Read all supporting documentation.

Your application form is your personal marketing tool use all documentationprovided to help you tailor your responses. Pay particular attention to:

a) The job description and programme details

b) The person specification and the application form, so that you understandwhat is required from you

c) Familiarise yourself with any other material, including any deanery guidancefor applicants

d) Any other documentation required to be submitted. Deaneries will not chaseyou for information. You need to make sure you have submitted everythingthat is required or you could risk your chances of being selected.

2. Gather your evidence.

Ensure that you have gathered all the dates and titles of qualifications,publications, research, audits, presentations etc. Every statement that you makeon the form should be able to be backed up by evidence (either on the applicationform or at interview) to prove that you do indeed meet the person specification.

For many specialties, there will be questions about your skills and competences

where you will need to describe real-life experience, either from your medicalwork and/or extra-curricula activities.


23/46

22

What examples do you have? Do they actually address what is asked?

In what way are they unique? Can you provide examples that might standout from the crowd?

What exactly was your part in the example you describe? For example, if

you are using an extra-curricula activity, what was your role chair,secretary, captain etc? You will need to use different examples for each question posed.

3.Do your career research.

Make sure that you really know why you are applying for a particular specialty andwhat you can bring to it in terms of skills and personal attributes.

4.Plan your time.

Work out how long it will take realistically to work on and complete the form,

including getting feedback from colleagues. You know the way you work best, butmanage any risks that could lead to errors or a product that is less than your best.

5. Referees.

Contact them at the earliest opportunity to check that they will be happy tosupport your application, and they will be available to do so within the applicationtimeframe.

You will need to provide details, including up to date email addresses, of threereferees who have supervised your clinical training within the past two years. Ifyou are applying to more than one specialty, you may opt to nominate different

referees for each specialty. If you have recently had a career break and cannotnominate referees from the past two years, then your referees must include yourtwo most recent supervisors.

If you are offered, and accept a training programme, your employer will not beable to issue a contract without references.

Key content of application forms

Your application form will need to pass the first stage eligibility check before it isconsidered for shortlisting. Deaneries administrative teams will check that you meetthe eligibility criteria in terms of:

Immigration status GMC (and GDC registration, if required)

English language skills as per the eligibility criteria

Any examination or experience requirements in line with the post

See section 2.1 on Eligibility.

In response to the CV-based questions, all previous experience in the particularspecialty or specialty group must be declared. This includes experience outside theUK and all experience in the UK, whether within educationally approved posts or not.


24/46

23

You should also give the reasons for any time you have spent out of work, such asmaternity leave or relocation to the UK, so that there are no unexplained career gapson your application form.

It is best to avoid upper case as most people find it too difficult to read.

Build in time to get feedback and make amendments to your completed applicationform with a mix of medical and non-medical colleagues.

Tackling the competency questions

You may already have developed a technique that will help you answer successfullyany competence-based questions. Some people find it helpful to use a structurebased on situation, action, result as an effective way of getting your answer acrosslogically and efficiently:

Situation/Task - gives the reader the context, but dont overdo it on

description Action - this is where you demonstrate and highlight the skills and personal

attributes that the question is testing. Explain what, how and why you didwhat you did. Talk about you, not everyone else.

Result - explain the outcome of your action. Describe what youaccomplished. What did you learn?


25/46

24

5. Stage 4 Interviews and offers

The majority of interviews in 2011 for specialty training in England will be arrangedlocally by deaneries. In some areas, NHS Trusts may lead recruitment for particularspecialties.

Scoring systems for shortlisting and interviews may be determined nationally forcoordinated specialties or locally for locally managed specialties. The college ordeanery to which you are applying should make available information about theshortlisting scoring scheme usually by publishing this on recruitment websites

Most specialties recruit by means of a national process handled by a lead agency ordeanery on behalf of all deaneries and these processes may vary in arrangements.The GP recruitment and selection process, for example includes an initialassessment and selection centre.

See section 1.1 for the list of specialties using a national recruitment process and

links to further information.

You will be notified about the times, dates and venues of interviews by the relevantdeanery either by email or by letter. Ideally you will be given at least five workingdays notice of any interview, however notice may be less if late gaps arise due toother applicants dropping out. You will be informed of the reason for the late notice ifthis occurs.

Deaneries will publicise all their assessment centre / interview dates and you mustconsider this when applying for posts, as deaneries will be limited as to how muchthey can accommodate trainees who are invited to an assessment centre / interviewby two separate deaneries for the same specialty (where this is not nationallycoordinated).

You should be aware that there may only be a short time during which you will beexpected to confirm whether you will be attending the interview. If you subsequentlyaccept another offer, please let the deanery know so that you may be withdrawn fromthe interview.

Check the deanerys policies on equality and diversity, for example, there may be aGuaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a declared disability who meet theperson specification criteria. Recruiters will ensure that reasonable adjustments aremade at interview to meet the needs of applicants with disabilities.

You will be asked to show on your application form if you consider yourself disabledas set out in the Equality Act and whether you wish to be considered under theGuaranteed Interview Scheme. This information will not be available to short-listingpanels. For further information visit:http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/index.htm

5.1 Shortlisting

Recruiting offices will shortlist your application form against the nationally agreedperson specification, using a scoring system. Details of the selection scoring scheme

should be made available to you on request.


26/46

25

All correctly submitted applications will be considered. Those which pass the longlisting stage (which considers eligibility to apply for that post, see section 2.1) will goon to be scored. The top-scoring applicants will be invited to interview orassessment. Typically, the deanery will invite more people to interview than there areposts available, as this makes it more likely that they will be able to make an offerthat will be accepted.

Due to the large volume of applicants, deaneries will only contact you if you are beinginvited to interview. If you have not heard by the interview date you can assume youhave not been shortlisted.

If you are not successful at the shortlisting stage, you can request feedback from thedeanery. If you feel you have been unfairly scored, there is a complaints procedure ineach deanery.

5.2 How interview panels run

Interviews typically last for a minimum of 30 minutes. The interview panels main aimis to find out whether you meet the requirements of the person specification for thepost for which you are applying, and to make sure that only the best candidates areselected in this highly competitive process.

The structure and content of interviews will vary across deaneries, specialties andlevels. The interview could include a scenario where you are asked to respond to aclinical professional situation. This could be through oral questions or through awritten exercise before you meet the interview panel. In some instances, you may beasked to demonstrate a practical skill. The invitation to interview will explain what willbe required from you at the interview.

Prior to the interview, members of the panel will have had access to your(anonymised) application form. However, they will not have access to the equalopportunities or personal data section of your application form.

Panel members will complete a score sheet for each candidate and make anycomments. The aggregate score given by all the panel members will be the finalscore of the interview.

5.3 What to prepare and take with you

The deanery will give you clear information about what will be required from you atinterview. As a minimum, expect to take the following documents and you may berequired to take several copies:

Original proof of identity (e.g. passport or other photo-ID) Original and photocopy of your GMC certificate Original and photocopies of all qualifications listed on your application form

(translated if necessary) Verified evidence of competences cited on your application form your

professional portfolio Evidence of educationally approved posts cited on your application form

Evidence of nationality / immigration status Evidence of skills in written and spoken English


27/46

26

This is not an exhaustive list. You will need to check the deanerys requirements.

If you are shortlisted, you will need to consider ways to provide evidence of havingmet Foundation and other required competences. You will be asked to bring yourprofessional portfolios to the interview.

Relevant evidence may include:

Trainers reports Log book of clinical activity

Audits Written workplace assessments, e.g. min-PAT, mini-CEX, CbD, DOPS.

These are just some examples and should not be taken as an exhaustive list.

Be prepared to answer questions on which parts of your professional portfolio link to

statements made in your application form. You should be prepared to provideevidence for any and every statement made on your form.

5.4 Planning your approach to the interview

Most of the advice that follows is common sense, but you would be surprised by thenumber of applicants that run into problems because of lack of planning.

Strategic health authorities and deaneries will publish in advance the timetable theyare working to, including opening, closing and interview dates.

You should inform your current employer of potential leave requirements forattending interviews in anticipation of being short-listed, and co-ordinate withcolleagues wherever possible.

You may find it helpful to discuss with your clinical tutor or local consultantswithin the specialty for which you have applied about the type of areas theinterviewers might seek to address.

Arrive at your interview in plenty of time aim to arrive half an hour beforeyour interview is due to start.

If you are driving, make sure you know where you are going to park not allinterview locations will have parking available.

If you have to be somewhere after the interview, for example you arescheduled to be on call, you should alert the interview co-ordinator as soon aspossible, as interview schedules often unavoidably run behind time.

You may be eligible to apply for travel expenses for the interview. You shouldask about this prior to attending an assessment centre. It should not beassumed that all costs would be reimbursed.


28/46

27

5.5 Training offers

Appointments to training programmes or posts will be offered to the people whoranked the highest in interviews and who gave the programme the highest ranking.

Not all candidates deemed eligible for appointment by their interview panel would beoffered a post. This is because there could be several eligible applicants for aparticular post, in which case, the post will be offered to the person with the highestscore who gave the programme the highest ranking.

Following your interview and/or assessment, the relevant college or deanery willemail or text you with news of an offer. If you are unsuccessful, you will receive amessage to let you know this.

In Round 1 of recruitment to GP and specialty training, all first offers will be issuedUK wide by 11 March 2011.

If you are deemed eligible for appointment but ranked below the number of vacanciesavailable, you could receive a Round 1 offer after 11 March if initial Round 1 offersare rejected by higher-scoring applicants.

5.6 Accepting, holding and rejecting offers

Accepting, holding and rejecting Round 1 offers

The system of coordinated offers in Round 1 recruitment is an improvement this yearon previous recruitment years.

As in previous years, applicants will need to make a decision on a Round 1 offerwithin 48 hours of receiving one, but this year, you can hold a Round 1 offer from anyspecialty while waiting for other offers in Round 1. All Round 1 first offers will beissued by 11 March 2011 and you will be able to hold a Round 1 offer until 25 March.

If a Round 1 offer is made to you, you will have 48 hours, including weekend andbank holidays, in which to decide whether to accept, hold or reject the Round 1 offer.After 48 hours have passed the Round 1 offer will be deemed to have been rejected,if you do not respond.

You can hold a Round 1 offer, while waiting for a preferred offer, but you may only

hold one offer at a time. You can hold a Round 1 offer up until noon on 25 March2011, by which time you will need to make a decision or the offer will be deemed tohave been rejected.

After 25 March 2011, you can only accept or reject offers.

Accepting Round 2 offers

For offers made in Round 2, you will have a minimum of 48 hours to accept or rejectan offer. Where possible, deaneries will try to give you longer if necessary. After theagreed deadline, the offer will expire and will be deemed to have been rejected.

If you are sure that a particular offer is the best for you, you should accept it as soonas possible and reject any others.


29/46

28

Deaneries do need an answer to any training offer as soon as possible so that anypost you reject can be offered to other applicants deemed eligible for appointment atinterview.

Exceptions that allow you to continue to compete after receiving an offer in aspecific recruitment round (i.e. these exceptions apply to Round 1 and Round2)

Once you have accepted a training post, you must withdraw from any furtherapplications, interviews or offers.

Offers are made on the condition that you have not accepted other offers and thatyou withdraw from other applications within the recruitment round. You will beexpected to give an undertaking when accepting a post that you have not acceptedanother post and that you will withdraw from further recruitment. If you do not agreeto this undertaking, then the offer will be withdrawn.

If it is discovered that you have accepted an offer after you have already acceptedanother post, the offer will be withdrawn.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, as listed below.

Academic Clinical FellowshipsIf you have accepted a run through training post, you are eligible to apply for anAcademic Clinical Fellowship post.

One-year training programmesIf you have accepted a final year core training post (CT2 or CT3 in emergency

medicine and psychiatry) or a fixed-term specialty training appointment (FTSTA) in arun-through specialty, you may continue to compete for run-through training posts orfor uncoupled training programmes that offer two years or more of core training. Youmay not apply for other FTSTAs or other posts that only offer one year of training.

Examples:If you have accepted a CT2 post (or CT3 in emergency medicine or psychiatry), youcan continue to compete for run-through training posts.

If you have accepted an FTSTA2, you could still apply for CT2 in emergencymedicine or psychiatry because these programmes would run for two years, CT2 andCT3. You could not apply for CT2 in general surgery, because this would only offer

one year of training CT2 before the next competition to higher specialty training.

If you have accepted a CT1 post (or CT2 in emergency medicine or psychiatry), youmay not continue to compete for other posts, including run-through programmes.

Please note: if you do want to change from having a one-year training programme,such as an FTSTA, to one that offers two or more years of training, you may still berequired to work out your notice. This will be at the discretion of your employer. Forexample, if you accept a CT1 post in core medical training on 10 July 2010, youcould reasonably be expected to start your CT1 on 3August 2011 and work out yournotice period from the date you resigned. The notice period starts from the date younotified the deanery or employer (not from the start date of the post).


30/46

29

See over the page for a diagram illustrating exceptions.


31/46

30

Diagramillustratingexceptions: Ih

a

veacceptedan

unc

oupled/core(CT1)

pos

tOR

an

unc

oupled/core(CT2)

pos

tinPsychiatryor

EmergencyMedicine.

Can

Icontinueto

com

eteforother

osts?

Ihaveacce

ptedan

uncoupled/core(CT2)

post(notin

Psychiatryor

Emergency

Medicine),

canIcontin

ueto

competefo

rotherposts?

Ihaveacceptedan

uncoupled/core(C

T3)

post(inPsychiatry

or

EmergencyMedicine),

canIcontinueto

competeforother

posts?

IhaveacceptedaFixed

TermSpecialtyTraining

Appointment(FTSTA);

canIcontinueto

competeforotherposts?

NO

NO

This

isbecausethese

pos

tsoffertwoormore

yearsofcoretraining.

YES

Youcanco

ntinueto

competefo

rrunthrough

(ST)posts

oruncoupled

poststhato

ffertwoor

moreyears

oftraining(eg

CT1orCT2in

Emergency

Medicineor

Ps

chiatr)

.

YES

Youcancontinueto

competeforrunth

rough

(ST)postsorunco

upled

poststhatoffertwoor

moreyearsoftrain

ing.

YES

Youcancontinueto

competeforrunthrough

(ST)postsoruncoupled

poststhatoffertwoor

moreyearsofcore

training.

EXCEPTION

Youcancontinueto

competeforanAcademic

ClinicalFellow(ACF)

post.

NO

Youcannotcompetefor

otherFTSTApostsorCT

posts(egCT2,CT3)

whichofferonlyoneyear

oftraining.

Ihaveacceptedarun

through(ST)training

post,canIcontinueto

competeforotherposts?


32/46

31

After you have accepted a position

Any offers made are conditional upon the necessary pre-employment checks beingcarried out successfully.

Once you have confirmed your acceptance of a training place, the deanery will matchyou to a specific programme / post. This will take into account the training andeducational needs of you and others in the programme, the workforce needs of thelocal NHS and your personal preferences.

Once this information has been confirmed, you will receive an offer of employmentfrom your employer (subject to pre-employment checks). This will include thefollowing information about your potential employment:

Contact details for further information Your place of work

Duration of the post Working hours, pattern of work and duty hours, including out of hours rota Basic pay as described by national salary scales Any specific pay supplement London weighting or recruitment incentive

Pension arrangements Annual leave entitlement and statutory days

Sick pay arrangements with reference to national terms and conditions

Notice period Study leave arrangements

Local employers policy on expenses

Requirements of pre-employment procedures and checks Professional registration requirements Local policies on health and safety Proposed salary deductions (e.g. mess fees) Details of educational supervisor and clinical supervisor Accommodation details

Induction arrangements for new starters

The offer of employment is distinct from your training agreement with the deanery.You may change employers several times during your training period.

The first employer will need to complete pre-employment checks before you canbegin working for them. Pre-employment checks are designed to ensure that everydoctor working in the NHS is fit and safe to work with patients. You will be asked tomake declarations on your application form relating to your honesty and probity.

Checks will include verification of references, fitness to practice updates from theGeneral Medical Council (GMC), occupational health clearance, Criminal RecordsBureau (CRB) disclosures and immigration status checks. They may also includevalidation of the evidence you presented at the interview, such as English languageproficiency.

Once pre-employment checks have been completed successfully, the employer will

confirm new starter details with you.


33/46

32

You should receive your contract within two months of starting in post, as per NHSEmployers guidance. If your appointment is late in Round 2, you will not receive yourcontract before you start, in which case you will receive it no later than eight weeksafter you start.

You are expected to take up any employment you have formally accepted and towork your contracted notice period in line with GMCs Good Medical Practice 2006,paragraph 49. Agreed terms, such as the notice period, will apply even if you havenot yet received your contract.

You have a responsibility for patients and services. As the GMCsGood MedicalPracticepoints out, patient care may be compromised if there is insufficient medicalcover. The better approach would be to make sure your employer has a reasonabletime to make other arrangements (as a minimum, the contractual notice period).

Failure to arrive for work on the start date previously notified by your employer couldaffect patient services and their care, and may have an adverse impact on the

working conditions of medical colleagues. You may be in breach of contract if you donot comply with the minimum contractual notice.

For further information on offers of employment please see Sections 6.4-6.7 of theGold Guide, the Reference Guide for Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK,available from the Specialty Training section of the medical specialty training websitewww.mmc.nhs.uk

5.7 Requesting feedback

If you are unsuccessful at any stage in the recruitment process, you have the right to

request feedback from the deanery.

Information about where to send your request for feedback will be available on thedeanerys website. Your written request should state your full name, GMC number,specialty and level applied for.

Shortlisting feedback

Applicants who contact deaneries for their shortlisting scores should receive a copyof the following information:

Rank and/or score Total number of applicants Rank and/or score required to gain an interview

Applicants who write or phone for more specific feedback on their application formwill be asked to meet with either their Educational Supervisor in the first instance or,if not readily available, someone who has previously and recently been involved inrecruitment and selection for their specialty, who will be able to go through their formwith them.

Any requests for further details other than those outlined above will be dealt with by

deaneries under the Data Protection Act.


34/46

33

Interview feedback

For interviews, you can write or email requesting feedback from the relevant deanery.

You should be sent a copy of the following information within 40 days of yourrequest:

Your rank and/or score Rank required to receive an offer Total number of applicants interviewed

You can also write or email to request copies of your interview score sheets, whichwill be anonymised.

5.8 Deferring the start of a specialty training programme

You can defer the start of your training programme on grounds such as ill health ormaternity leave. You can no longer defer your start date for reasons such asresearch.

For further information on deferrals please see paragraph 6.20 of theGold Guide,the Reference Guide for Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK, available fromthe Specialty Training section of the medical specialty training websitewww.mmc.nhs.uk

5.9 Avoiding problems Make sure that you provide a reliable email address for all communications. It

is essential that you do not share an email address with another applicant.

Let the appropriate people at the recruiting office know about any reason thatmay cause you to be non-contactable, for example, if you are going onholiday, or are going to be on call. Most deaneries will consider this, but youmust tell them this in advance and make alternative arrangements with them.

Some applicants experience problems with the email accounts they use.Make sure that correspondence from deaneries isnt automatically filtered to

your spam/junk email folder by adding deanery contacts to your safe senderslist. Also, make sure that you check your emails regularly.

5.10 About the different rounds of recruitment to specialtytraining

The first and main recruitment round for specialty training programmes in 2011 startson 3 December 2010 for CT1/ST1 programmes and other training levels in somespecialties. A second round of recruitment will run from 7 February 2011 including allposts that remain unfilled from Round 1, together with any posts being advertised for

the first time at CT2/ST2, CT3 and ST3 levels. Round 2 interviews will be held fromApril 2011.


35/46

34

If you have been unsuccessful in the Round 1 of recruitment to specialty training,Round 2 gives you another opportunity to secure a training place with an August2011 start date, where possible.

Applicants who are still waiting for offers following interviews in Round 1, should notbe alarmed to see the same specialties advertised in Round 2. No Round 2 offers willbe made until the Round 1 has closed. Deaneries are advertising based on theknowledge that there will still be opportunities available. This does not in any waydisadvantage your application in the first round of recruitment.

Please note, if you have accepted a Round 1 post and decide to apply again inRound 2, you will need to give the required period of notice before you can take upthe new post.

5.11 Non UK/EAA applicants

During the second round of recruitment, competition will be open to non-UK/EEAapplicants. All eligible applicants will be interviewed in accordance with UKimmigration rules. Priority will be given to UK/EAA applicants and posts will only beoffered to non-UK/EEA applicants if they cannot be filled by UK/EEA applicants.

For more information, please see Annex C for guidance for overseas nationalsapplying for specialty training.

5.12 Applying in Round 2 when you have already accepted an

offer in Round 1

You can still apply for vacancies in the second round of 2011 recruitment, even if youhave already accepted a post in the first recruitment round of 2011.

If you have already received and accepted an offer of employment, you must make itknown to the deanery to which you are applying that you have already secured apost in the first round and you will also need to notify the deanery where you hadoriginally accepted the training offer. You need to do this at the time of applying andat your interview. This will not prejudice your application. This is purely for the benefitof the organisations that are providing patient care, so that they can manage servicesand maintain standards.

You will also be required to give notice before you can take up the new post. Eventhough you may not have received your written contract, you should discuss thenotice required with your employing organisation.

You have a responsibility for patients and services. As the GMCsGood MedicalPracticepoints out, patient care may be compromised if there is insufficient medicalcover. The better approach would be to make sure your employer has a reasonabletime to make other arrangements (as a minimum, the contractual notice period).

Failure to arrive for work on the start date previously notified by your employer could

affect patient services and their care, and may have an adverse impact on theworking conditions of medical colleagues. You may be in breach of contract if you donot comply with the minimum contractual notice.


36/46

35

If you accept a post in this second recruitment round, you will be required to give anundertaking when accepting a post that you have not accepted another post and willwithdraw from further recruitment. The exemptions to this are the same as those inthe first round.

5.13 Options available to you if you do not gain a training post

As in previous years, deaneries will continue to advertise training vacancies as theyarise throughout the year (up to end of December 2011). These will be for trainingposts that will commence after the August intake. If you do not gain a training post inthe first or second round of recruitment, you will be able to continue to apply duringthis later phase.

A number of other options are available.

There may be LAT or LAS locum posts available. Time spent in a LAT (LocumAppointment for Training) post can be counted towards the total time required for aCCT, whereas time spent in a LAS (Locum Appointment for Service) does not. LATscan only be appointed by a formally-defined appointments panel, whereas theappointment to a LAS may be less formal and carried out at by a local hospital. Bothtypes of locum can offer good and worthwhile experiences and may help in gainingspecific clinical skills.

Some doctors may choose to take non-training jobs available (e.g. Trust Grade) orjobs in research or abroad. These jobs may be taken as a permanent career move,or may be considered as a stepping-stone to a future training post.

Your Educational Supervisor may be able to offer individual careers advice andsuggest options to you. You may also be able to speak to the Clinical Tutor orDirector of Medical Education in your local hospital. Many of the Colleges havegeneral advice on their websites for doctors considering a career in their specialty.Some of the Colleges and specialty organisations also offer a counseling/advisoryservice for individuals with career difficulties. The BMA offer a careers guidanceservice. For a list of useful links, see Annex B.


37/46

36

6. Support to applicants

6.1 Support from your local deanery

As an applicant, you may need support, career information and guidance to help youmake the best choices in entering the next round of recruitment.

The deanery in which you are currently working should be able to offer careersadvice, in addition to the advice you can get from your existing senior colleagues andmentors. Trust consultants, clinical tutors and others should be well informed bydeaneries with up to date process details.

If you are not sure about your local arrangements, check your deanery website orask for information about how to get confidential advice and support. This informationshould include for example, contact details for your local Occupational HealthDepartment, employment assistance programmes and other organisations. TheBritish Medical Associations Doctors for Doctors Unit, for example, gives doctors indistress or difficulty the choice of speaking in confidence to another doctor about awide variety of issues including the pressures and stresses of work and of theapplication process.

In summary, the best ways for you to receive support at the application or interviewstage are as follows.

Current doctors in training: contact your educational supervisor or postgraduate clinical tutor

contact your Trust careers lead

contact the Trust Director of Medical Education contact the deanery careers advisor/support team

contact college tutors

Doctors in service posts in the UK: contact your Clinical Supervisor contact the Trust Director of Medical Education contact the deanery careers support centre

contact college tutors

Doctors from outside the UK or not in current medical employment who areconsidering applying for specialty training should contact the deanery they areapplying to, and/or relevant Royal College for advice.

6.2 Support from the deanery to which you are applying

You should expect to receive helpful information from the deanery to which you areapplying.

National guidance for strategic health authorities (SHAs) and deaneries recommendsthe following basic elements of applicant support throughout the recruitment process.


38/46

37

Deanery websites will provide clear guidance to applicants including: Up to date information on all recruitment activity; details of posts on offer and

application requirements; shortlisting and interview timeframes. Information about posts in the rotation (where possible) An updated Frequently Asked Questions section.

Information about shortlisting criteria and weightings, and any scoring schemeused.

Email helpdesk services will be available in each deanery. The email address will beadvertised on the deanery websites.

Helpdesks will respond via email to applicants queries within two workingdays. (Queries received within 48 hours of the relevant application deadlinewill be prioritised.)

Applicants will receive an automated response to any emails sent to thedeanery, so they know their email has been received.

If resources allow there should also be a dedicated recruitment telephonehelpline, details will be advertised on deanery websites.

Contact details and helpdesks for each English deanery are available from themedical specialty training website www.mmc.nhs.uk .

Detailed information about what you should expect from the deanery at each specificstage of recruitment is provided in the relevant section of this guide.

6.3 Other sources of information and advice

There are many sources of information and advice, such as the Royal Colleges,

British Medical Association, BMJ Careers, GMC and NHS Employers.

See Annex B for useful links to further information.

6.4 Medical specialty training helpdesk

The Department of Health Medical Education and Training Programme (England)provides a national support helpdesk for all England applicants during the 2011recruitment to specialty training. [email protected]

We will reply to all emails within 48 hours or sooner (not including weekends and

bank holidays). Where a query requires some investigation, we will respond withinfive working days.

The medical specialty training (England) Helpdesk helps applicants regardingmatters of national rules and policy. If your query is about the 2011 recruitmentprocess to specialty training, your best source of information will be your localdeanery or the college or deanery to which you are applying. For example, questionsabout application forms or deadlines should normally be directed to the specificrecruiting office.


39/46

38

6.5 Fair, legal and equitable

All recruitment processes must meet legal requirements. Patient care and safety arethe priority concern.

The minimum standards shown below are part of a short set of national rules forstrategic health authorities and employer organisations. Any variation from thenational rules would have to be a reasonable and proportionate response to localcircumstances and not lead to conspicuously unfair results.

As a minimum, all posts must be advertised on each deanery website. All posts must be advertised for a minimum of four calendar weeks.

Advertisements, information for applicants and application forms must beclearly structured so that they are accessible to applicants with disabilitiesand so that applicants can easily find relevant details when carrying out asearch.

All applications should be made electronically. Application forms and the interview processes must map to the national

person specifications. The nationally agreed application form should be used except where specific

agreement has been given not to. Applicants will be able to apply for as many training programmes as they

wish. Random recruitment and selection processes should not be used.

All applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Shortlisters and interviewers* must get a full copy of the application form, butmust not have access to the equal opportunities information or personal data.

Interviewers* will take account of applicants portfolios, their structured CV

and the summary of their portfolio of evidence. Applicants should be asked to bring their portfolios to the interview.

*Please note that there is a different process for GP recruitment. Please refer to theguidance provided by the National Recruitment Office for General Practice Training(see Annex B for links to further information)

Complaints procedure

Recruitment offices and deaneries have processes for handling complaints aboutrecruitment. You should contact the recruitment office to which you applied if you

have any concerns about your application, or you would like to know more about thecomplaints procedure.


40/46

39

Annex A: Standard national parts of the Englandapplication form

In order to save time and work for applicants, the first part of any application form isstandard. The second part of the application form is specific to the deanery (forlocally managed recruitment) or to the specialty (for nationally coordinatedrecruitment).

You can see sample forms for part 1 and part 2 on the medical specialty trainingwebsite at http://www.mmc.nhs.uk/National Applications.aspx

On this page you can download the following documents. Please note that thesedocuments are samples only for your information. They are not the actual applicationforms.

Sample application for employment: Part one

Sample application for employment: Part twoo Part two for CT1/ST1 applicationso Part two for CT2/ST2 applicationso Part two for CT3 applicationso Part two for ST3+ applications

Sample equality and diversity monitoring form National reference form

Alternative Certificates for Foundation competences Form A and Form B


41/46

40

Annex B: Links to further information

Deaneries

East Midlands Healthcare Workforce Deanery

http://www.eastmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk/East of England Multi-Professional Deaneryhttp://www.eoedeanery.nhs.ukKent, Surrey and Sussex Deaneryhttp://www.kssdeanery.org/London Deaneryhttp://www.londondeanery.ac.uk/Mersey Deaneryhttp://www.merseydeanery.nhs.uk/Northern Deaneryhttp://mypimd.ncl.ac.uk/PIMDDevNorth Western Deaneryhttp://www.nwpgmd.nhs.uk/

Oxford Deaneryhttp://www.oxforddeanery.nhs.uk/South West Peninsula Deaneryhttp://www.peninsuladeanery.nhs.uk/Severn Deaneryhttp://www.severndeanery.nhs.uk/Wessex Deaneryhttp://www.wessexdeanery.nhs.uk/West Midlands Deaneryhttp://www.westmidlands.nhs.uk/Yorkshire and the Humber Deaneryhttp://www.yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/

Royal Colleges

The Royal College of Anaesthetistshttp://www.rcoa.ac.uk/College of Emergency Medicinehttp://www.collemergencymed.ac.uk/default.aspThe Royal College of General Practitionershttp://www.rcgp.org.uk/The Royal College of Nursinghttp://www.rcn.org.uk/The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

http://www.rcog.org.uk/The Royal College of Ophthalmologistshttp://www.rcophth.ac.uk/The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Healthhttp://www.rcpch.ac.uk/The Royal College of Pathologistshttp://www.rcpath.org/The Royal College of Physicians in Edinburghhttp://www.rcpe.ac.uk/The Royal College of Physicians in Londonhttp://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgowhttp://www.rcpsg.ac.uk/

The Royal College of Psychiatristshttp://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/


42/46

41

The Royal College of Radiologistshttp://www.rcr.ac.uk/The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburghhttp://www.rcsed.ac.uk/site/0/default.aspxThe Royal College of Surgeons in Irelandhttp://www.rcsi.ie/

The Royal College of Surgeons of Englandhttp://www.rcseng.ac.uk/The Royal Society of Medicinehttp://www.rsm.ac.uk/Academy of Medical Royal Collegeshttp://www.aomrc.org.uk/Academy of Medical Scienceshttp://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/Faculty of Occupational Medicine (of the Royal College of Physicians)http://www.facoccmed.ac.uk/Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UnitedKingdom)http://www.fpm.org.uk/

Faculty of Public Healthhttp://www.fphm.org.uk

Other Links

British Medical Associationhttp://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/content/homeBritish Medical Associations Doctors for Doctors UnitTel 08459 200 169 or [email protected] of General Practice Education Directors (COGPED)http://www.cogped.org.ukConference of Postgraduate Dental Deans & Directors (COPDenD)

http://www.copdend.org.ukConference of Postgraduate Medical Education Deans of the UK (COPMeD)http://www.copmed.org.ukMedical Schools Councilhttp://www.medschools.ac.ukDepartment of Healthhttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htme-learning for Healthcarewww.e-lfh.org.ukFoundation Programmehttp://www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/pages/homeGeneral Medical Council (GMC)http://www.gmc-uk.org/

MMC Inquiry led by Professor Sir John Tookehttp://www.mmcinquiry.org.uk/index.htmMMC in Northern Irelandhttp://www.nimdta.gov.uk/careers/mmc/MMC in Scotlandhttp://www.mmc.scot.nhs.uk/MMC in Waleshttp://specialty.walesdeanery.orgMedical Research Councilhttp://www.mrc.ac.uk/index.htmNational Association of Clinical Tutors (NACT)http://www.nact.org.uk/National Association of Medical Personnel Specialists (NAMPS)http://www.namps.org.uk/


43/46

42

National Institute for Health Research Trainees Coordinating Centrehttp://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/NHS Careershttp://www.nhscareers

Documents

Applicant Guide FINAL FINALv3