SAS Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RCPCH have a recommended or required appraisal process for SAS doctors?

Appraisal is not an RCPCH process, but a Trust-based one. Appraisals are done against national standards and for SAS doctors they should be worked out with the supervising Consultants. RCPCH Regional Training Advisers can counsel SAS doctors on appraisal aspects.

Can the RCPCH intervene if SAS doctors feel that they are being denied recognition for a work role they are fulfilling?

No, such cases should be taken up with a trade union (for example, the BMA).

Does the College give SAS doctors the opportunity to follow a competencies assessment pathway to RCPCH membership?

The aim of the current project is to admit SAS doctors to the College by the assessment of competencies, but it is important to keep in mind a distinction between that and admission to the College by means of the MRCPCH examination. Becoming a College member through competency assessment would give no automatic right to further specialist training.

What role does the RCPCH have in defining competencies in relation to SAS career structures?

What the RCPCH intends to do, with the help of the RCPCH SAS Committee, is to develop criteria for RCPCH membership by assessment of competencies. Developing competencies for SAS career progression is a project of the Department of Health and the BMA.

What is the role of the RCPCH SAS Regional Representatives?

The College is currently re-establishing the SAS Regional Representatives Network. 

SAS Regional Representatives are SAS doctors elected  to represent SAS views on their local RCPCH Regional Committee.

SAS doctors seeking information on educational and training matters or on CPD should contact their local SAS Regional Representative or the SAS Committee.

For more difficult enquiries the SAS Regional Representative will seek expert advice via the SAS Committee or the local RCPCH Regional Committee.