Management for Specialist Registrars

Essential preparation for stepping up into NHS management

It can be tough making the transition from specialist registrar to consultant. This leadership training will prepare you for the challenge and help you tackle what can be a significant learning curve. Building on your competence in your own area of expertise, you will develop the skills and awareness you need to take on new management responsibilities with authority and confidence.

Who's it for?

This training is designed for specialist registrars aiming to progress to consultant level and newly appointed consultants. It aims to give you the skills and confidence to be as effective as possible in a new and more complex managerial role. It will also equip you with a thorough understanding of the issues and dynamics shaping the NHS environment in which you will be working.

“I emerged with a better grasp of how the NHS is changing and the vital role doctors can play”.

Former course participant

Programme outline

This training will raise your awareness of the interface between clinical practice and management by helping you to focus on your own work and capabilities and how these relate to the NHS in a wider sense. It will prepare you for your new responsibilities and broaden your understanding of the consultancy role within managerial and organisational structures.

How you will learn

This is an intensive five-day training programme, based at the King’s Fund in London, which involves working on the Thursday evening (followed by dinner). It is designed to encourage participants to take responsibility for their own development.

During the five days you will have the opportunity to explore your own behaviour and capabilities. You will share insights and experiences with other people on the course, and learn to be receptive to their feedback.

The training uses a variety of learning methods, including case studies, exercises and group discussion, and encourages a high level of participation from everyone. You will be asked to reflect on your previous experience, and to examine your values and work practices.

What the training covers

The programme content of Management for Specialist Registrars is constantly updated to reflect the issues participants can expect to face in their workplace. You will develop facilitation and negotiation skills, and enhance your ability to work in teams.

In addition the training covers:

models for change
a systems approach to understanding organisations
managing authority upwards and downwards, as well as with peers
leadership skills
assertiveness and influencing skills.

Benefits for you and your organisation

The course will prepare you for becoming a consultant. It will encourage you to explore the interface between clinical practice and management, so you will emerge with:

a better understanding of policy and planning in the NHS
greater political and emotional intelligence
confidence in working with groups and committees.

On a personal level the course will help you gain:

advanced communication skills, for more effective teamworking
new ways of thinking about the consultant role
the ability to manage change and resistance.

Your organisation will also benefit from what you have learned on the training programme. You will have a greater understanding of management processes in the NHS, and fresh insights into how systems work.

Learning as part of a group will help you become more receptive to feedback from other people. You will also come away from the training with a network of colleagues from a range of specialisms who can provide ongoing support in your future development.