1. CESR Project 2018 East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Adrian Simoes – SAS Tutor
Lara Pimblett – Operations Support Manager

2. What is the CESR pilot project
It is a pilot scheme to support the training and development of 12 SAS doctors to progress their development and career via the GMC Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) route.
The Trust recognised that SAS doctors were the least engaged group. As an action to address these poor results, the Trust engaged with the BMA to develop a strategy to improve their engagement. This initiative was discussed as part of a range of measures the Trust would be considering in line with the workforce strategy for this group of doctors.

3. The rationale To aid with recruitment into ‘hard to fill’ specialties
To aid with retention of specialtydoctors
To keep in line with the Trust Strategy of Patients, People, Partnerships and Provision
To acknowledge that SAS Doctors FEEL that they are undervalued, lack career progression opportunities and as a result experience low morale.

4. Strategic fit The commencement of the project has a strategic fit –
National – A charter for staff and associate specialist and specialty doctors
Regional – Workforce Development Strategy
Local – The Trusts People Strategy

5. Choosing the Doctors Eligibility criteria & selection
- example: college exam success, evidence in portfolio, support from college tutor/consultants, CV, CPD…..
Application form was developed to be completed by the doctor and endorsed by two consultants

6. Educational Governance Framework
All Doctors to have a named Educational Supervisor
SAS Faculty to help monitor progression; mirroring the trainee pathway
Local ARCP review
Faculty members will include: Educational Supervisors, College Tutors, SAS Tutor, DME, SAS Administrator with possible external independent expertise from the Colleges and the participating SAS Doctors
Reports submitted to the Local Academic Board in line with the annual calendar, Divisions, HEKSS

7. Funding for the project
Bid was put to HEEKSS for start-up costs;
£33,000 was successfully received and the following elements identified to aid the lift off of the project:
1st Year – Educational Supervisor (Consultant) PA – 0.25 per week per SAS Doctor x 12 = £30,000
Associated project costs – one off cost to project plan, including liaising with College Tutors and producing necessary documentation and a governance framework £3,000
2nd – 4th Years
It is expected that the Trust will absorb the annual recurrent costs as part of their workforce budget.

8. Challenges Funding to pay the Educational Supervisors
General inertia amongst the SAS Doctors
Recognition of the SAS Staff Charter
Engagement of Consultants
LFG engagement

9. Moving the Project Forward
The official start of the Project was June 1st
Providing a regular contact system using WhatsApp and face to face meetings
Redeveloping the LFG to include CESR Doctors feedback and ARCP
Engaging the Divisional Medical Directors to continue the funding following Year1
Ensuring the SAS Doctors Charter becomes embedded