How to create leadership pathways for SAS doctors
What this guidance is for
This guidance provides practical information and useful documents on how to identify, further support and promote SAS doctors into leadership opportunities.
This guidance includes practical information for designing, recruiting and embedding specialist roles.
Job planning
Mutually agreed job plans with appropriate SPA time. SAS doctors have a contractual right to SPA time in their job plan, which covers participation in continuing professional development activities.
Mentoring
Supporting the personal development of doctor’s, benefits not only the individuals themselves, but also the wider health service. Investing in development helps create a motivated and engaged workforce, which is strongly linked to better patient experience and improved service delivery.
The GMC's Good Medical Practice recommends that it is good practice to find and take part in structured support opportunities, such as mentoring or coaching schemes to support other members of the workforce.
See further information on the role and responsibilities of the SAS advocate role.
Annual appraisal
For SAS doctors to succeed, this means access to effective annual appraisals, study and professional leave.
The Academy of Medical Royal College's (AoMRC) guidance on supporting appraisal for SAS doctors (PDF) can be used as a resource by the appraisers for an effective appraisal, irrespective of one’s specialty.
Professional development plan (PDP)
Sustaining high-quality patient care depends on doctors being supported in continuous learning and development. This goes beyond maintaining fitness to practise, it is about being equipped with up-to-date knowledge and new skills to deliver the best possible healthcare.
Supporting individuals undertaking a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or meeting portfolio development needs, such as undertaking a credential.
The SAS development guidance is a useful tool to ensure SAS doctors receive the support they need to develop in their careers.
Did you know
"SAS and LEDs are the fastest growing part of the medical workforce, increasing by 40 per cent between 2017–2021. A growing number of these doctors are motivated by wanting a more flexible career path and roles, geographical stability or a better work-life balance."
*According to research carried out by the #SASsix, (taken from RCP is the first medical Royal College to endorse #SASsix campaign)
