This section provides an archive for all medical workforce latest news articles up to 1 May 2008.
DH loses House of Lords judgment on BAPIO appeal
30 April 2008
The House of Lords today issued its judgment on the appeal brought by the Department of Health against the Court of Appeal ruling that it acted unlawfully in issuing guidance that restricted entry to postgraduate medical training for international medical graduates. The House of Lords dismissed the appeal by four to one. The full judgment is available on the House of Lords website. Further information on the current consultation can be found on the MMC and IMGs web pages.
Employing and supporting specialty doctors: a guide to good practice
30 April 2008
Following the launch of the new contract for specialty doctors, formerly staff and associate specialists, NHS Employers and the Department of Health's MMC team have published a guide to good practice in employing and supporting specialty doctors. The guide provides a series of recommendations for employers which aim to provide a more structured approach to the employment and professional development of this important group of the medical workforce helping to make 'career grade' opportunities more attractive and rewarding while providing the skilled workforce we need to deliver high quality, safe patient care. Copies of the guide are being circulated during our series of one day seminars 'Planning for progress: the new SAS contract explained' or contact doctorsanddentists@nhsemployers.org.
Specialty training recruitment
28 April 2008
Employing trusts should note that the deanery recruiting period for specialty training posts starting in August is now drawing to a close, with offers of training programmes being made to successful applicants. As good medical practice, and to avoid potential disruption to previously filled programmes, the MMC Applicants Guide advises doctors on acceptance of offers and the circumstances in which earlier accepted offers can be set aside. The BMA has also issued a factsheet to its members on this topic.
Foundation programme vacancies
21 April 2008
At the recent UK Foundation Programme Office review of recruitment for 2008, it was reported that there were not sufficient applicants in the national recruitment process to fill all foundation programme vacancies. This situation may be further complicated by a small percentage of medical students who have been allocated a post but must be withdrawn if they do not successfully complete their final exams. As the position will vary across the UK, trusts are advised discuss any implications this may have for their posts and rotas with their deanery and SHA. In particular they should seek to confirm what the funding arrangements will be where vacancies in the planned foundation programme arise.
ESR interface with deanery systems
3 April 2008
From June 2008 deaneries will be able to upload data on successful applicants for training programmes directly to vacancies created in the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Employers should liaise with their deanery to determine local timescales and implications for medical staffing and HR teams in readiness for the change. For further information please email esrnationalinitiatives@mckesson.co.uk.
MMC national events
1 April 2008
The Department of Health MMC team will be holding four national events in June and July 2008 to inform their work on planning for the future of medical education and training. Steve Barnett, Director of NHS Employers, and Professor Bruce Keogh, NHS Medical Director, jointly wrote to medical directors on 1 April 2008 to encourage them to nominate and release trainee doctors to attend these events.
CRB disclosures and other pre-employment checks
17 March 2008
Following the publication of new NHS employment checks standards today, we have updated our advice for employers on carrying out criminal records bureau checks for doctors in training. We have also revised the State of readiness checklist to help trusts ensure they are ready to complete the recruitment process for specialty training for doctors employed from August 2008.
Lords briefing on the Tooke report
13 March 2008
NHS Employers has prepared a parliamentary briefing ahead of today's House of Lords debate on Tooke Inquiry report. The briefing summarises the background to the independent inquiry into MMC and employers' response to its recommendations.
Changes to immigration rules for doctors
5 March 2008
The Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) website has published 'Changes to the immigration rules FAQs' to answer the most frequently asked questions. This in response to the recent immigration changes that will restrict international medical graduates' (IMGs) access to UK post-graduate medical training.
Foundation programme recruitment update
3 March 2008
Successful applicants in the 2008 Foundation Programme recruitment process are now being allocated to trusts by Foundation Schools, enabling pre-employment checks to take place. To be eligible for the foundation programme applicants who graduated prior to 31 July 2006 were required to attend a clinical assessment organised by the UK Foundation Programme Office to ensure they had maintained the appropriate level of skills to begin F1. Trusts recruiting to remaining F1 vacancies after the national recruitment process is complete are advised to check that applicants in this category attended a clinical assessment and the outcome. Employers can confirm individuals' assessment results by contacting the UK Foundation Programme Office at enquiries@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
Department of Health responds to Tooke report
28 February 2008
The Department of Health has published its response to the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Modernising Medical Careers, led by Professor Sir John Tooke. NHS Employers welcomed the response saying that Tooke proposed some major changes to medical training and it is right that the Department takes time to consider carefully those that will have the greatest impact. See our full response in the media centre.
Supplementary evidence supplied to Health Select Committee
15 February 2008
During the oral evidence session of the Health Select Committee inquiry into MMC on 24 January 2008, NHS Employers were for a response to the Tooke report on MMC, in particular a view on the establishment of NHS Medical Education England. Following consultation with employers we were able to provide this supplementary evidence to the Inquiry on 15 February 2008.
Employers views on the Tooke report
11 February 2008
Following meetings with the NHS Employers Policy Board and Medical Workforce Forum, we have summarised employers views on the final report of the Tooke inquiry into MMC. This summary provides a clear employer view on the report's two new recommendations and that further consideration is needed on the structure of postgraduate medical training. NHS employers will be using this summary as the basis for their response to the report and supplementary evidence to the Health Select Committee Inquiry into MMC and is seeking employers' endorsement of these views. Please e-mail your comments to medicalworkforce@nhsemployers.org.
MMC specialty recruitment 2008 update
8 February 2008
Information for recruiters on the management of specialty training 2008 has been circulated by the Department of Health to SHAs. Copies are available from local deanery and SHA contacts. Additional guidance has also now been published on the MMC website on the process for selection to ST3 medical specialties. This guidance applies only to specialty trainees currently on run-through core medical training at ST2 (or ST3 for paediatrics) in England who will now need to decide their specialty preferences. This does not affect run-through trainees already on specialty specific programmes e.g. surgical specialties, anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology and general practice.
New immigration rules for doctors in training
6 February 2008
The Home Office has today laid down new immigration rules that will restrict international medical graduates' (IMGs) access to UK post-graduate medical training. The regulations, due to come into effect from 29 February 2008, will prohibit new applicants for Tier 1 (General) and HSMP status (made after 6 February 2008) from taking an NHS training post.
The Department of Health has simultaneously launched a consultation setting out proposals for managing applications to postgraduate medical training programmes from doctors who already hold Highly Skilled Migrant status with leave to remain in the UK.
Steve Barnett welcomed the announcements in a media statement and has invited trusts to send us their responses to the consultation, in a letter sent to employers today. He has also asked for further feedback on the Tooke report and information on progress in 2008 recruitment.
See also:
- Previous IMG consultations
- Information about the Tooke Inquiry
Supplementary evidence to the HSC Inquiry into MMC
4 February 2008
NHS Employers is to provide additional written evidence to the Health Select Committee giving employers' views on the recommendations set out in the final report from Sir John Tooke's independent inquiry into MMC. This follows our oral evidence on 24 January 2008 to the committee's own MMC inquiry. We are particularly seeking your views on the two new recommendations in the Tooke report on the working time directive and the formation of NHS: MEE, a new body for medical education in England. Your responses will supplement the views of the Medical Workforce Forum, which meets later this week. Please email medicalworkforce@nhsemployers.org with your response by Friday 8 February 2008.
MMC Programme Board update
28 January 2008
The MMC Programme Board (England) has agreed to amend Department of Health guidance on managing local recruitment to specialty training in 2008. The amendments take account of applicants who have secured an FTSTA post but wish to continue to compete for core training posts, as well as providing additional guidance on delayed appointments and deferred placements.
Health Select Committee Inquiry into MMC
24 January 2008
NHS Employers has given evidence to the Health Select Committee Inquiry into MMC. Sian Thomas, director of development for NHS Employers, provided oral evidence on issues including NHS Employers' role in Modernising Medical Careers (MMC), our initial reactions to the Tooke Inquiry report and the need for improved workforce planning that is joined up with the needs of employers and other government policies.
Tooke report - key issues for employers
10 January 2008
Following the publication of the final Tooke report into MMC, Steve Barnett wrote to senior NHS managers on 10 January 2008 highlighting some of the report's recommendations that, if adopted by the Government, could have implications for employers. The full text of the letter can be found in our Keeping trusts up to date section.
Foundation programme success
9 January 2008 It was announced today that 92.4 per cent of eligible applicants to the 2008 Foundation Programme will be allocated to their first choice foundation school. Applicants who were not eligible for matching in the first round due to requiring a work permit will be allocated to any remaining vacancies in February. For further information, see the UK Foundation Programme Office website.
Tooke Inquiry - final report published
8 January 2008
The independent inquiry into MMC led by Sir John Tooke, has published its final report and recommendations today. NHS Employers will be studying the recommendations carefully for their implications for employers while we wait for the Department of Health to decide on the next steps for MMC in their formal response. For our full response see the Media Centre.
Specialty training recruitment starts
4 January 2008
Recruitment to specialty training programmes starting from August 2008 is set to start this weekend and will run until 16 May. A guide for applicants outlining the recruitment principles and offering advice on where to find further support is available from the MMC website. Recruitment will be locally managed by the postgraduate deaneries and applicants should be encouraged to regularly monitor deanery websites and NHS Jobs for details of programme vacancies as they are advertised.
New MMC website and details for applicants
21 December 2007
The MMC team has launched a new website for applicants to provide information and support to applicants for specialty training programmes in 2008. Following the MMC Programme Board meeting on 19 December, they have also written to doctors with further details of the recruitment process and changes to the structure of some training programmes. For further information, please see the new MMC website.
MMC specialty training recruitment 2008 - dates announced
8 December 2008
The MMC Programme Board wrote to doctors today outlining some of the high level principles agreed by the board and setting out the dates between which the majority of recruitment for specialty training programmes in 2008 will take place (5 January to 16 May). NHS Employers director Steve Barnett has written to NHS senior managers in England with information on how these announcements will affect employers and details of further information and publications expected to be agreed between now and Christmas.
NHS Employers responds to Tooke Inquiry report
20 November 2007
NHS Employers has submitted its response to the recommendations from the report of the Tooke Inquiry, 'Aspiring to Excellence'. Sir John Tooke attended last week's meeting of the Medical Workforce Forum to discuss the recommendations with forum members. The response has been drawn from those discussions, email feedback and a seminar earlier this month. Read the letter from Steve Barnett and see our full response.
Court of Appeal rules on overseas doctors
12 November 2007
The Court of Appeal ruled on Friday that Department of Health proposals restricting overseas doctors from taking up training posts in the NHS are unlawful. We recognise that this ruling is likely to result in a very high volume of applications to specialty training in 2008, meaning UK medical graduates will face greater competition and employers and deaneries will face challenges in the recruitment process. The Department of Health and Home Office intend to challenge the ruling. In the meantime NHS Employers will consider what additional advice and support may be developed for local organisations through the next round of specialty recruitment. For more information, see the Court of Appeal judgment.
Academic clinical fellowships - medicine and dentistry
29 October 2007
The recruitment arrangements for entry into academic clinical fellowships in medicine and dentistry are now available on the MMC website. Up to 250 fellowships are available in 2008, providing funding for doctors and dentists entering specialty training and for those already in specialty training who hold a national training number (NTN) and who have outstanding potential as a researcher and/or educationalist.
Tooke report - your views needed
29 October 2007
NHS Employers is seeking your responses to the draft MMC Inquiry report from Sir John Tooke, Aspiring for Excellence. Your views will inform detailed feedback on the proposals in the report and it would be useful if you could highlight areas where you think we need to seek clarification. Comments should be sent to medicalworkforce@nhsemployers.org by 16 November to allow time to collate them for the 20 November deadline.
NHS Employers response to IMG consultation
23 October 2007
NHS Employers' response to the Department of Health's consultation on managing applications from medical graduates from outside the EEA is now available online. Our response is based on the comments and views received from employers during the last two weeks.
Health Select Committee into MMC
22 October 2007
The Health Select Committee announced its inquiry into MMC and MTAS in July this year. NHS Employers written evidence to the Committee, based on the views and comments of employers, including representatives of the Medical Workforce Forum, is now available online. Details about oral evidence sessions have yet to be announced.
PMETB Partner Programme
22 October 2007
PMETB is undertaking a second-phase recruitment process for lay panel members and visitors to help in their work in providing a quality assurance framework for medical training, by placing an emphasis on the relationship between a good training environment and a positive service contribution from doctors in training. Successfully recruited volunteers will receive full training in understanding their role. Applicants should visit the PMETB website for further information.
Employment guarantee extended
18 October 2007
The Secretary of State for Health has agreed to extend the employment commitment to December 31 2007, while doctors apply the 1,050 additional training posts created as a transitional safety net, to be offered at the end of Round 2. Employers should contact their deanery or SHA for further information.
Tooke independent inquiry report
8 October 2007
The report of the Independent Inquiry into MMC, led by Professor Sir John Tooke was published today. A summary of key points for employers has also been published on this website.
Specialty and GP recruitment 2008
including consultation on managing applications from medical graduates from outside the EEA
8 October 2007
Following the MMC Programme Board recommendations from their meeting on 1 October 2007, the Department of Health have today announced a number of key principles for recruitment to specialty training in 2008. The Programme Board accepted many of the points made by employers in the recent consultation and workshop on this issue, including a return to local, deanery-based recruitment for 2008. Some of the more complex issues and details have yet to be agreed before recruitment begins early in January 2008. This includes a two week consultation on managing applications from international medical graduates in for MMC training programmes. Steve Barnett has written to trusts today with further details.
New training and education opportunities
1 October 2007
The MMC team has published details of the opportunities and support that will be available for eligible applicants who do not secure specialty training by the end of October this year. These include an extra 1,050 fixed term specialist training appointment (FTSTA) and GP training posts in addition to 250 educational grants. Deaneries will contact doctors eligible for these training posts and educational grants with details on how to access these opportunities.
New complaints procedure
28 September 2007
A revised complaints procedure, for applicants who are dissatisfied with the way their application to specialty training programmes has been managed, has been published by the MMC team. The deadline for submitting complaints under these revised arrangements is 27 October 2007.
Consultation response - MMC recruitment 2008
26 September 2007
NHS Employers' response to the MMC consultation on recruitment to specialty training 2008 is now available. The submission is formed of two parts covering the two consultation papers:
- A fair and reliable selection process
- The offer to applicants in 2008 - flexibility in education and training in 2008.
The MMC Programme Board will consider responses from the full range of stakeholders before making recommendations to Ministers on 1 October 2007.
Consultation - specialty training recruitment 2008
14 September 2007
The MMC Programme Board's consultation on recruitment to specialty training 2008 has been published. It outlines a range of options for consideration on how best to meet the needs of recruiters, employers and applicants for specialty training programmes starting next year. NHS Employers has been asked to provide a response to this consultation and is seeking your views.
Specialty training 2008 - an update
10 September 2007
The MMC programme board last month agreed to consult with stakeholders, including NHS Employers, on a range of issues about the specialty training programme. Options including the use of local processes for recruitment in 2008 and piloting a range of selection tools and techniques, including the use of assessments centres. A small working group is being set up to steer the development proposals for 2009 and a consultation paper on 2008 recruitment is to be published. For further information and our full report on the meeting, see our new web section on Specialty training recruitment 2008.
Foundation programme applications 2008
3 September 2007
The application period for the 2008 Foundation Programme will be from 29 October - 9 November 2007. Applications will be made through the foundation programme website using an online system. This system will be based on the model for the 2007 programme; where nearly 95% of applicants got into their first choice foundation school, and is being developed in conjunction with the 4 UK health departments, foundation schools, deaneries, medical students and the BMA.
MMC Programme Board update
28 August 2007
The MMC Programme Board met for the second time last week. Progress was made on a number of areas including programme governance, MMC core principles, flexibility, recruitment and selection policy, the 2008 foundation programme timetable and separate arrangements for clinical academics. The MMC England Programme Board was set up to make recommendations to ministers on the policy and implementation of MMC in 2008 and beyond. The new board has representatives from the medical profession and the NHS. Keep an eye on this page for updates.
2008 Foundation Programme recruitment planning
20 August 2007
Planning has begun for recruitment to the 2008 Foundation Programme and the entry of trainees to the programme in August next year. Details of the recruitment process for 2008 including eligibility criteria, person specifications, the Dean's statement and an applicant timeline are now available on the Foundation Programme website.
MMC Review Group report
13 August 2007
The final report of the 2007 MMC Review Group has now been published. The report outlines the decisions made by the Review Group from March to July 2007 and makes recommendations for future recruitment processes for consideration by the MMC Inquiry being led by Sir John Tooke.
Tooke inquiry evidence
31 July 2007
NHS Employers published our full written evidence to the Tooke Inquiry into MMC today which was supplemented by our recommendations for recruitment in 2008. An interim report is expected from the Inquiry in September. Steve Barnett sent a copy of our evidence to employers with a letter which also discusses the effort being put in by trusts to ensure that tomorrow's changeover runs as smoothly as possible.
Accommodation for first year foundation trainees
30 July 2007
NHS Employers has just been informed by DH that from 1 August 2007 the statutory requirement for Foundation Year 1 doctors to be contractually resident in, or conveniently near to the hospital or health centre where they are working will cease. Given the short notice of this change, and in line with guidance given by the Department of Health, NHS Employers strongly encourages trusts to maintain existing accommodation arrangements until 1 August 2008. Further advice is available in our Pay and Negotiations section of this website.
Trust readiness for 1 August
27 July 2007
NHS Employers today issued a press release outlining the state of readiness of trusts in England for the 1 August changeover for doctors joining new MMC training programmes. The statement provides an indication of the competitiveness of UK graduates in Round 1 and refers to the 1000 additional FTSTA and GP training posts being made available at the end of Round 2 interviews as part of the DH transition package. Further details of the DH transition package will be available from your deanery and SHA. For more information see the full press release.
New information for applicants
27 July 2007
MMC wrote to applicants today with details of the additional posts available in Round 2 and the transition package available from the end of October.
200 extra posts in Round 2
26 July 2007
DH has notified postgraduate deans in England of the funding arrangements for the 200 additional speciality training posts agreed to help with transition in implementing MMC this year that were announced in May. Trusts that have agreed to host one of these posts will need to agree a variation to the MPET contract with the postgraduate deanery / SHA. For this year DH funding includes funding for the banding payments for these additional 200 posts.
ISCP website launched
25 July 2007
The Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) website provides information all aspects of the new surgical curriculum for ST1, ST2, ST3 and FTSTA surgical trainees, including syllabus, levels of competence at each stage, standards and assessment tools. The site also provides a comprehensive interactive training management information system for use by surgical trainees, trainers (assigned educational supervisors) and programme directors.
Employment and contractual requirements
23 July 2007
Employers and deaneries are making final arrangements to ensure appointment details and employment checks are in place for all doctors in time for 1 August. New questions and answers are available on the employment and contractual requirements regarding the issue of continuity of employment for doctors who have not secured a post by the end of July.
Round 2 opportunities
13 July 2007
Information on the opportunities that will be available during Round 2 of MMC specialty/ GP training programme recruitment for 2007 has been published on the MMC website. The posts are listed by deanery, specialty and level and reflect a snapshot of the position at the end of Round 1. There will be more vacancies as Round 2 progresses and deanery websites will have the most up to date information.
Data from Round 1
13 July 2007
Comprehensive data from Round 1 has now been published on the MMC website. This includes competition ratios of applications to posts and an analysis of fill rates in England by specialty and deanery.
New and revised Q&A
9 July 2007
New questions and answers for employers have been published today including information on where applicants can find career support, Round 2 recruitment, the role of MTAS in Round 2 and the data that employers should receive from deaneries for all successful applicants. Deaneries have now started to publish indicative data on their websites on the opportunities that will be recruited to during Round 2.
Career advice for applicants
29 June 2007
All applicants may need access to career advice on their future training options , either during the second round of recruitment or following Round 2. Applicants can contact the Deanery via the SHAs for career counselling, advice and information. This will be provided in a number of ways and some Deaneries may have career networks to support structured communication . Employees of trusts may also access support from their employer.
Information for applicants
29 June 2007
MMC have published a guide for applicants for Round 2 and an update on opportunities that will be made available as part of the second round of recruitment.
Round 2 recruitment
26 June 2007
The first round of MMC specialty recruitment has resulted in 75 per cent of posts now filled . The second round of recruitment has already started with posts being advertised on NHS Jobs. Full information and advice on managing Round 2 has been published, including new Q&A for recruiters.
Information for applicants on Round 2
20 June 2007
MMC has published a fact sheet for applicants covering the frequently asked questions relating to the second round of MMC recruitment. This can be found on the MMC website.
Job swaps
16 June 2007
MMC has written to applicants with advice about the use of the inter-deanery transfer process following online speculation about 'job-swaps'. The advice for applicants can be found on the MMC website.
Guide for recruiters
15 June 2007
A guide for recruiters involved in second round of MMC specialty and GP training programme recruitment has been published today. This guide, supplementing our advice published on 7 June (see below), provides advice on uploading vacancies to NHS Jobs, an explanation of the application forms available, suggestions for advice to applicants and information on managing high volumes of applications.
Gold guide
13 June 2007
A Guide to postgraduate specialty training in the UK (also known as the 'Gold Guide') that provides the framework for the new postgraduate specialty and GP training programmes commencing in August 2007 has now been published by the four UK health departments. Further information and a copy of the guide can be found on the MMC website.
Support for applicants
12 June 2007
Our briefing on a range of support available for MMC applicants and the employers role supporting their doctors through the recruitment process and beyond has been published. Steve Barnett has written to employers today highlighting some of the key points from the briefing and the full range of information and advice we have published over the last week.
Template advert for NHS Jobs
8 June 2007
The national template advert for use for all MMC Specialty/GP Training Programme 2007 vacancies to be advertised on NHS Jobs is now available.
Advice on managing gaps in medical staff cover
7 June 2007
We have now published advice for employers on the range of options available for managing the potential gaps in medical staff cover from August, that will provide the best employment opportunities for doctors and ensure the continued safe provision of patient services.
Additional training opportunities
24 May 2007
Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, announced a package of support for doctors today providing extra run through training posts and additional fixed term posts for those who have successfully completed the MMC foundation training programme and have demonstrated their ability to progress. SHAs are now working with trusts, deaneries and royal colleges to determine the types of opportunities that will be made available and where these will be based.
Judicial Review verdict and next steps
23 May 2007
Steve Barnett wrote to trusts today with the verdict of the Judicial Review into MTAS brought by Remedy UK, which found in favour of the Department of Health. The letter highlighted a range of resources now available for employers including the 'state of readiness' checklist, revised timelines for Round 1, the updated logistics guide and new Q&As.
Applicant letter
22 May 2007
MMC wrote to applicants today to provide details of how the offers process for Round 1 would be managed. The key principles agreed by the Review Group for the next stage of recruitment to training programmes were also shared.
Review group update
15 May 2007
Steve Barnett wrote to employers on 15 May with an update on how offers will be made to successful applicants and some high level principles for recruiting to vacancies on training programmes once all offers based on the current interviews have been accepted. The letter also highlights some of the support for trusts being developed by NHS Employers.
Written Ministerial Statement
15 May 2007
The Secretary of State for Health (Ms Patricia Hewitt) updated parliament on the review of MTAS security and the most recent news regarding the recruitment to specialty training process through a Written Ministerial Statement today.
Consultant involvement at interviews
11 May 2007
Carol Black, Chairman, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and James Johnson, Chairman of Council, British Medical Association wrote to consultants today to encourage doctors not to take action which would harm junior colleagues.
Pay circular for doctors in training
10 May 2007
Pay scales for the specialty registrar grade and amendments to the terms and conditions of service in respect of pay on return to training have now been published in the Pay Circular (M&D) 4/2007.
MTAS update and interview arrangements
9 May 2007
The review group met again today and further announcements on the current interview process and arrangements for further recruitment to training programmes are expected later this week. The MTAS website remains offline for applicants. Deanery access to a secure area of the site was restored on Friday and interviews are continuing as planned.
MTAS - deanery access reinstated
4 May 2007
Deanery access to a secure area within the MTAS website is being restored from this evening. Employers should liaise closely with their local deanery regarding arrangements for continuing with interviews for training programmes, which will go ahead as planned.
ESR Inter Authority Transfer
3 May 2007
The Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system's Inter Authority Transfers (IAT) facility removes the need to process manual staff transfer forms. This could be helpful for employers in speeding up the appointment process for new specialty trainees. A new 'Guide to Inter Authority Transfer' is available in the ESR Knowledge Base for staff who may wish to familiarise themselves with the process before August.
MTAS - update on status
2 May 2007
NHS Employers updated trusts today on the status of MTAS following its closure last week and advised on the arrangements being put in place to ensure that interviews were not affected by the closure. Deaneries are handling interview bookings locally for those involved in the extended Round 1 process while the MTAS team is working hard to reinstate the service as quickly as possible.
MTAS - statement on security
1 May 2007
Secretary of State for Heath, Patricia Hewitt, made a statement to the House of Commons today with an update on the status of the MTAS system following two breaches of security last week.
Advice on CRB disclosures for doctors in training
26 April 2007
NHS Employers has expanded its advice relating to CRB disclosures for doctors in training following the withdrawal of the Criminal Records Bureau's portability service. The advice indicates that a check carried out at least every three years for most doctors in training is reasonable and that employers may choose to check more frequently but they are not required to do so. See the full advice for further explanation and details of exceptions.
Opposition day debate - briefing for MPs
24 April 2007
The Opposition Day Debate on MMC in the House of Commons today focussed on MMC. NHS Employers produced this briefing for MPs highlighting some of the key issues for the debate.
Terms of reference announced for independent review of MMC
24 April 2007
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has announced the terms of reference of the independent review into Modernising Medical Careers, which will establish how the programme will go forward in 2008 and beyond. The review is being led by Sir John Tooke, Dean of the Peninsula Medical School, Chair of the Council of Heads of Medical Schools and Chair of the UK Health Education Advisory Committee.
New resources for applicants and consultants
20 April 2007
A revised applicants guide has now been published by the MMC team alongside factsheets for applicants and for consultants.
Update to Logistics Guide
18 April 2007
A small update has been made to the 2nd Edition of the Logistics Guide for recruitment to specialty training. Section 4.3.5 on page 10 of the guide now states the deadline for entering interview scores to MTAS at the end of the extended Round 1 is 23.59 on Monday 4 June 2007.
New resources for employers
13 April 2007
An update was sent to HR and Medical Directors today on how NHS Employers is supporting trusts and doctors in getting the right doctors into the right jobs for August. This included details of the 2nd Edition of the Logistics guide for recruitment to specialty training for the revised process for Round 1in England and the additional Q&As that have been added to this website including things that trusts can be doing now to sped up the pre-appointment checks process and advice on advertising trust doctor vacancies.
Decisions from MMC/MTAS review group
4 April 2007
The MMC/MTAS review group met again today. Letters were sent to employers, to consultants and applicants detailing the principles of the decisions agreed by the group. A High level indicative timetable has also been published, outlining key dates for the revised Round 1 process.
NHS Employers response to review group statement
23 March 2007
NHS Employers, as a member of the review group, has responded to the latest MMC/MTAS review group announcement and published a set of questions and answers for employers.
MMC/MTAS review group statement
22 March 2007
The MMC/MTAS review group agreed a statement on 22 March about the way forward for the MMC recruitment process. Steve Barnett immediately wrote to employers with a copy of that statement to keep them informed.
PMETB statement released
19 March 2007
The Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) have issued a statement clarifying its role in setting the overarching principles under which recruitment to specialty training is delivered and reaffirming its intention to undertake a review of MTAS 2007 against those principles at the end of the selection process.
Update for employers on Round 1 review
17 March 2007
Following the meeting of the Medical Training Application Service and selection process review panel Steve Barnett wrote again to senior NHS managers to update them on the progress of the review and highlight the recommendations that may impact of their organisations.
Competition ratios for applicants
16 March 2007
Comprehensive data on applications via the Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) Round 1 has now been published on the MMC and MTAS websites, including competition ratios for posts from Round 1 applications. A letter has been sent to applicants to inform them that this information is now available.
Second opportunity for junior doctors - DH press statement
16 March 2007
Following the meeting today of the Medical Training Application Service and selection process review panel, the Department of Health released a press statement outlining the latest recommendations from the review.
Review of the Medical Training Application Service and selection process - Government responds to concerns
10 March 2007
The Department of Health published a press statement highlighting the key outcomes from the review into specialty training recruitment. The statement includes recommendations for strengthening the interview process in Round 1, which will proceed, and improving the selection process and support for applicants for Round 2. A letter has also been sent to applicants, details of which are available on the MMC website.
NHS Employers letter to trusts
8 March 2007
Steve Barnett, Director of NHS Employers, wrote to senior NHS managers today providing an update on the MMC / MTAS situation and setting out the priorities for ensuring that doctors are supported through the next round of selection.
DH announces review into MMC recruitment process
6 March 2007
A review has been announced into the selection process and systems being used to recruit to specialty training programmes for 2007 entry. The review panel includes, among others, representatives from the Royal Colleges and the BMA.
