Six-step course for the new consultant

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The programme is part of RCP Education's Clinicians as Leaders theme and fits a need for a practical year long programme with lots of group work and networking aimed at those stepping into a consultant role, including post CESR SAS doctors, “helping you to just do it”.

The need for this programme was evidenced in the regular post CCT survey showing only 25% of new consultants had access to a trust delivered development programme and only 64% had a job planning meeting before they began their consultant post.

“It would be nice to be in touch with other consultants. I felt overwhelmed and unsupported when I started, literally 'thrown in at the deep end' in a new region and new unit, a slightly gentler introduction would have been welcomed.”

This programme has been designed by a team including senior clinicians and those who are new consultants and includes patient representation. The programme consists of six contact days which will explore the themes below, with wellbeing woven through the days.

The programme

This programme has been designed by a team including senior clinicians and those who are new consultants and includes patient representation. The programme consists of six contact days which will explore the themes below, with wellbeing woven through the days:

  • Day 1: Developing yourself and your role – ‘Things you need to know when you first start’ (London - 6 November 2024, Liverpool - 11 November 2024)
  • Day 2: Managing others and culture – ‘Leadership, culture and teamwork’ (London and Liverpool - 16 January 2025)
  • Day 3: Working within the legal structures of your role – ‘Conquering complaints’ (London - 6 March 2025, Liverpool - 13 March 2025)
  • Day 4: The NHS, improvement and efficiency – ‘Mastering management’ (London and Liverpool - 16 May 2025)
  • Day 5: Recognising team culture – ‘Equality, inclusivity and understanding difference’ (London - 8 July 2025, Liverpool - 15 July 2025)
  • Day 6: Onward into the future including the future of medicine – ‘Onward journey’ (London - 15 September 2025, Liverpool - 22 September 2025)

The contact days will be a combination of face-to-face and virtual to help busy trusts and consultants make the best use of time, ensuring it is possible to participate in the programme successfully.

Teaching days will be interactive, allowing learners to work together and explore specific areas important to the role. Supportive resources and reading lists will be supplied throughout the programme.

Find out more about the programme and its benefits.

Accreditation

Learners who attend all six teaching days will be eligible to complete the accreditation associated with this programme. The accreditation will match a project you are currently involved in at your trust to the skills learnt in one of the areas studied on the programme. Time will be given in the programme to look at trust-based projects and how they can be supported with the tools you are learning.

There is the opportunity to get accreditation for this programme by completion of a study matching a project you are involved in your Trust. To the different areas studied in the programme and looking at how you have used the skills to help you in the project.

Apply to take part in the programme

The programme is aimed at those stepping into a consultant role, including post-CESR SAS doctors.

The cost for the year-long programme is £2,000 (£1,800 with our 10% member discount). This can be split over two financial years and we encourage the use of study budgets and trust top-ups to fund the programme.

If you are a trust wishing to secure a place on the programme but have not identified your applicant, please contact the team via email – education.courses@rcp.ac.uk. The team will be able to reserve a place for your trust. 

Applications for funded places have now closed. However, you can still apply for a self-funded place until 9 September.

The following information will be required as part of the application for self-funded place:

  • Information about previous job roles (last five years)
  • Information about any previous leadership training
  • Information about any prior leadership experience
  • Personal statement highlighting motivation for joining the programme (max 500 words).

You can apply using the link to the form below.

Apply now