The latest survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression reveals significant gaps in work-place support for early years consultants.
The survey, a collaboration between the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the Royal College of Physicians London, the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB), and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, found that less than half (44%) of newly-appointed consultant respondents were offered a mentor or equivalent support and just 21% of respondents knew that their trust/board had a new consultant development programme.
The survey findings, published today (Monday 27 January), also show that more than a quarter (27%) indicated that their trust/board did not have a programme and a large majority (86%) felt that it would have been beneficial to them.
The College’s Honorary Secretary, Dr Morven McElroy said: “This survey provides an important insight into the challenges faced by new consultants. It is encouraging to see most new consultants surveyed who engaged in mentoring programmes found them helpful – and indeed, we are pleased to offer a range of mentoring options here at the College.
“However, there is still a significant gap in NHS trusts and boards’ support to help with career progression.
“As a College, we are dedicated to expanding support for consultants at this pivotal career stage.”
The report comes after the College’s successful pilot of the New Consultant, a course led by consultants for new consultants which is expected to be rolled out this year. The network aims to offer meaningful peer-to-peer support through sharing experiences and best practice. It also enables new consultants to develop a mutually supportive network of colleagues at a similar career stage, further their knowledge, and gain confidence.
The top five areas of support respondents would expect from their employer at the beginning of their post were appraisal guidance, job planning support and review, mentorship programme, guidance for managing complaints and specific formal induction for new consultants.
74% of respondents had a job planning meeting prior to or at the start of their consultant post – up 9% on last year. Just 4% received pension advice at the start of their post.
Adjusting to a new role as a consultant can be a challenging time. Almost half of respondents (49%) said they found the transition from resident doctor to consultant very or quite easy, 35% found it neither easy nor difficult, and 16% found it quite/very difficult.
The College recognises the value of mentorship in offering one-to-one support which helps doctors navigate every stage of their career. The My Mentoring platform, exclusively for College members of all disciplines and career stages, includes a wealth of resources to help new consultants find a mentor who suits their needs.
The College also understand the valuable role of experienced consultants in preparing the next generation of doctors. The Mentoring Programme is a course for those who wish to take up a mentorship role in their workplace. It is also open to existing mentors who wish to improve their practice. In 2025, the College will once again run the Introduction to Peer Support course, which focuses on peer support in a clinical setting and the importance of developing this in the workplace.