SAS Week 2026 news and resources
Welcome to SAS Week 2026
During this week, we will be celebrating and supporting our invaluable SAS workforce by sharing success stories to highlight the career path and values as per the SAS charter.
In addition, we will be providing a range of useful resources, including webinars and personal experiences from stakeholders, to support and encourage current and aspiring SAS doctors.
It’s not too late to get involved and show your support for the SAS workforce.
Contact us and share your organisation’s name, location to be added to our interactive map.
You can also share how your organisation is celebrating SAS week
Follow us and get involved using #SASweek26.
Tuesday 6 October - Specialist grade
Specialist doctors play a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care and strengthening the NHS workforce. Bringing a wealth of expertise, experience and leadership, they work across a wide range of specialties and settings, supporting multidisciplinary teams, driving service improvement and helping to meet the growing needs of patients and communities.
What is the specialist role about and what are its benefit for employers?
Considering the specialist grade? Our infographic provides an overview of the role, responsibilities and entry requirements, as well as the benefits specialists can bring to organisations and the wider NHS workforce.
Preparing evidence for the specialist grade role
New resource
Use our specialist readiness checklist designed for SAS doctors considering the specialist grade. This checklist highlights the key evidence, professional achievements and preparation that can help demonstrate readiness for the role and support career progression.
Access the checklist (opens PDF in a new window).
Specialist hub
Whether you're exploring the specialist grade, recruiting to the role or looking to better support your SAS workforce, our specialist grade hub provides a wealth of information, guidance and practical resources in one place.
Explore the specialist hub and its resources.
Why the specialist grade was introduced
FInd out the history behind why the specialist grade was introduced in 2021. This web page includes a range of resources to support you such as how you describe the role, the capabilities framework and appointment guidance.
How can the specialist grade be embedded?
Read our joint guidance that provides employers with examples of how the specialist role can be embedded in its workforce.
It provides guidance on how NHS organisations in England should consider the introduction of the specialist role and embed this into their workforce. It will assist in supporting NHS employing organisations to identify the circumstances in which a specialist role could be established within an organisation’s medical and dental workforce structure.
Specialist grade webinar
Tuesday 6 October 6:30pm-7:30pm
In partnership with the British Medical Association this webinar will tell you more about the specialist grade role and career progression pathways.
Hear first-hand experiences from SAS doctors working in specialist posts. This session is ideal for anyone considering progression into a specialist role.
