You can find all the guidance and resources for the Chief Registrar Programme resident doctors here.
Guidance for resident doctorsWhat do chief registrars do?
Chief registrars work in clinical practice and have 40–50% of their time protected to develop, lead and support projects which focus on key local challenges and priorities. This may include service improvement, engagement and morale, education and training, workforce and sustainability.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of being a chief registrar include:
- greater skills and confidence in leadership, management and quality improvement through the RCP development programme
- valuable evidence for consultant job applications of applying leadership, management and service improvement skills in practice
- ability to gain leadership and management experience while remaining in clinical practice
- mentorship from a senior clinical leader in the organisation
- unique insight into NHS structures and management processes that is rare in clinical training
- peer support from a strong community of chief registrars, who are a great source of ideas for projects and advice on issues and challenges
- the opportunity to act on and test ideas to improve outcomes for patients, teams and services, supported by the knowledge of how to do this effectively using quality improvement methodology
- the chance to make a difference for resident doctors by improving their working lives and making sure their voice is heard.
Chief registrars also benefit from the autonomy to focus on their own areas of interest, and the flexibility to manage their time appropriately to balance clinical and chief registrar commitments.
The chief registrar role is challenging and demanding. However, the opportunities for personal and professional development and support are abundant and help chief registrars to overcome any challenges they face.
Read the 2024-25 yearbookGetting a new NHS organisation on board
If you want to approach an NHS organisation about establishing a chief registrar role, please talk to your training programme director (TPD) in the first instance.
Then contact the organisation's medical director (or relevant deputy) and direct them to the information for recruiting organisations, where you can also find information to support a business case.
Please bear in mind that organisations run open and competitive recruitment processes. Therefore, there is a possibility your application may not be successful.
Guidance for recruiting organisationsHear from participants
Dr Wakana Teranaka attended the Chief Registrar Programme 2023 – 24 and outlines why she decided to join the programme and how the Chief Registrar Programme supported her in her role.
Why did you decide to take on the role of a chief registrar and join the programme?
How has the Chief Registrar programme supported you in your role?