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The London School of Anaesthesia is responsible for the delivery and quality assurance of training in Core Anaesthesia, Acute Care Common Stem Anaesthesia, Higher Anaesthesia across the whole of London. The School has more than 800 trainees and offers programmes at prestigious teaching centres across the capital. 

Vision

The London School of Anaesthesia mission is three-fold:

  • to inspire excellence among our trainees
  • to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of clinical care
  • to inspire all disciplines linked with our specialties to perform to the highest standards

We offer the highest quality of anaesthesia and ICM training and provide our trainees with the skills and experience needed to meet the challenges and demands of the NHS today and tomorrow.

 

Study Leave

NHS England London have published lists per specialty on the PGMDE Support Portal which details the courses each School considers mandatory to support curriculum requirements and those that are optional. 

For more information about Study Leave - click here.

The London School of Anaesthesia course list can be found here

In the event you wish to undertake a course outside the mandatory and optional lists please make a prospective application following the Aspirational Course process. This includes seeking support from your TPD.  Please email the TPD and include the points below which provides details of the course, estimated costs and justification for attending the course and justification if it is outside of London.  If your TPD approves your request then it will be sent to the HoS/DHoS for approval before final approval is given. If at any point along the approval process your request is declined you will be emailed and informed why.

Details to be included for ASPIRATIONAL STUDY LEAVE REQUEST

  • Name of course
  • Course location
  • Course dates
  • Course fees
  • Estimated travel/accommodation expenses
  • Justification for attending the course*, linked to trainee’s PDP and learning objectives and confirmation that the trainee has not already received funding for an international event during the current period of training (i.e. Foundation or core or higher training programmes, trainees in run through or dual programmes can apply for international events every 3 years as a maximum)
  • Justification for attending a course located outside of London, Kent, Surrey & Sussex.

* Please note that trainees seeking leadership training should in the first instance be encouraged to access the free NHS Leadership Academy Edward Jenner or the LEEP programme delivered by an NHS Trust or HEE and should only consider any other options when these courses are not available. Please confirm you have explored these options in your application.

Less Than Full Time Training (LTFT)

We are committed to providing increased flexibility in postgraduate education and welcome applications from Anaesthesia trainees wishing to apply for less than full time (LTFT) training.  There are a number of different grounds you can apply under and further information on LTFT and the application windows can be found here.

The aims of LTFT training are to facilitate work life balance and to provide opportunities to develop other skills/experiences with many of our trainees being both LTFT and full time during the total period of their training.

In the most recent Post Graduate Medical Education Gold Guidelines, 9th edition, categories have now been replaced by criteria when applying for LTFT training. These criteria, and the process for applying to be a LTFT trainee are outlined on the PGMDE Support Portal in the LTFT section (lasepgmdesupport.hee.nhs.uk).

However, it is important if you wish to consider applying for LTFT training to discuss as soon as possible your intentions with your TPD (training programme director)/college tutor/ES (educational supervisor), so they can ensure that the LTFT training options enhance your training and guide you with your application (both anaesthetics and ICU if a dual speciality trainee).  Please also remember your end of Stage 1 date and CCT date will change when you commence LTFT training, and you can recalculate these dates by following the guidance on the RCoA website. https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/managing-cct-dates

LTFT applications for trainees with the following criteria: parental care; disability or ill health; caring responsibilities can be applied for at any point in training. Please apply at least 16 weeks in advance of your intended start date. A start date of less than 16 weeks will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Trainees applying for all other criteria must ensure their application for LTFT training are submitted during the set time frame windows (see lasepgmdesupport.hee.nhs.uk) according to rotation start dates, this is in part to enable sufficient time to inform Trusts if a trainee will be training LTFT. Rotation windows for the London School of Anaesthesia trainees are February and August only.

For more information and to submit an application, please click here

The LTFT TPD for London School of Anaesthesia will provide any support or advice relating to LTFT training to both the trainee and the trainer.

Dr Anna Fowler:  annamarie.fowler@nhs.net

OOP (Out of Programme)

The London School of Anaesthesia is highly supportive of trainees wishing to take a period of time out of programme to develop themselves further. There are multiple forms of OOP trainees can undertake which should be discussed as early as possible with your Training Programme Director (both programme TPD's should be informed if you are a dual specialty trainee). Details regarding OOP types and further guidance can be found on our PGMDE Support Portal. 

School specific OOP guidance has been produced to help support conversations with your TPD and navigate the application process successfully. Please see below:

OOP guidance for Anaesthetic Trainees and Training Programme Directors

This information has been created to provide Anaesthetic trainees and TPDs with guidance surrounding OOP applications in London so there is a more transparent, and equitable process for all. This guidance has been updated in 2023 and is a summary of the current OOP guidance that exists and can be found in the Gold Guide v9, RCOA website, NHSE website and PGMDE support portal.

PG Deans have discretion to consider exceptional circumstances and approve more than 1 OOP period for sound educational reasons. PG Deans can also consider exceptional circumstances and approve OOP periods longer than the normal time periods.

TPD’s should discuss such exceptional cases or any trainee that needs a more bespoke plan, with the Head of School in advance of application.

General considerations

  • Trainees must complete the last 6 months of their CCT training, in the UK.
  • OOP will not normally be agreed until a trainee has been in a training programme for at least one year of specialty training.
  • OOPC’s and OOPP’s are available to all trainees. 
  • OOP’s that are requested during stage 1 training will only be considered for exceptional circumstances/opportunities and cannot count towards training.
  • It is possible to apply for an OOP in stage 2 training. Trainees who are wanting to do this, should discuss this with their TPD in advance of applying.
  • Trainees who are dual ICM/Anaesthetics will need approval from both their ICM and Anaesthetic TPD’s.
  • Trainees who are undertaking Advanced Pain Training will need approval from their Pain TPD as well if the OOP will disrupt their Advanced Pain training plans.

Please provide your TPD with a detailed breakdown of the fellowship you are applying for, together with details of any other past OOP time you have taken.

If you want to apply for an OOP, but the job advertisement or interview falls within the 6 months’ notice period, please discuss this with your TPD and apply for the OOP in advance to meet the required notice period. The OOP review panel can approve the OOP application, noting that this is pending successful outcome at interview.

Please be aware that any OOP requires prospective formal agreement of the PG Dean and applications must be submitted at least six months in advance of the anticipated start date.  The London School of Anaesthesia uses specific OOP windows to review all applications as detailed here.

OOP Application Windows

The aim of having application windows for OOP are to:

  • Highlight that the application and extension deadline for an OOP period is 6 months in advance of the start date unless there are exceptional circumstances.
  • Enable Head of School and TPDs to have a face to face (online) conversation about any applications their trainees have made, and if necessary, discuss rotation capacity issues, access to posts across the programme etc.

If a trainee applies well in advance of the intended OOP start date. Their application will be added to next window.

If a trainee wants to apply for an OOP, but the job advertisement or interview falls within the 6 months’ notice period, the trainee should discuss this with their TPD and apply for the OOP in advance to meet the NHSE notice period. The panel can approve the OOP application, noting that this is pending successful outcome at interview.

Refer to the OOP application form and the OOP windows for 2024.

The Postgraduate Dean remains the Responsible Officer for Doctors in training on OOP and they will still require an annual ARCP. You should also ensure you are fully understanding of any impact OOP may have on your visa status, statutory rights, continuation of service and pension. The FAQ section on the PGMDE Support Portal can help with queries related to this.

 

Dual Trainees

Please note there are some differences between the guidance issued by the RCOA and FICM so please refer to their websites for further information.

Please discuss any OOP aspirations with your ICM TPD and your Anaes TPD early as both programmes will need to support the OOP application.

OOPs that are counting towards training (OOPT)

With the introduction of the 2021 Curriculum, the RCOA has changed the process.

  • OOPTs cannot be taken in Stage 1 or Stage 2 of training.
  • Only 12 months (whole time equivalent) in total during ST6-7 can count towards training.

An OOPT placement will count towards the CCT provided the following conditions and requirements are met:

  • on commencing OOPT the anaesthetist in training must be in a GMC approved training programme having completed stage 1 and stage 2 of training in their entirety. This does not preclude setting up and planning an OOPT during stage 2.
  • only 12 months (whole time equivalent) in total during stage 3 can be taken as OOPT.
  • the OOPT programme must map to capabilities identified in the stage 3 and/or special interest area(s)
  • the OOPT post must be prospectively approved by the GMC with support from the Postgraduate Dean and College(s) (a minimum of 3 months should be allowed for GMC approvals processes)
  • OOPT must be undertaken in clinical posts locally indicated as being suitable for training.
  • the last 6 months of the CCT training programme normally should be in the UK.
  • on return, the anaesthetist in training must complete a report on the time spent on OOPT and submit it, together with an assessment report from the local supervisor to the School and the College’s Training Department. Until this report has been received and reviewed the College cannot confirm time spent on OOPT towards a CCT
  • If you are a dual Trainee, you will need to apply for prospective approval from RCOA and FICM

The consideration of whether the School can support applications for OOP time to count towards training (OOPT) will depend on the circumstance of the training programme. Time can be counted towards training if:

  1. Training module is not offered in training programme.
  2. Training module available in the training programme but oversubscribed. 
  3. Highly specialised training not available in UK 
  4. Highly specialised training available in the UK but oversubscribed. 
  5. Overseas training offers a different perspective to the area of clinical practice than in the UK. 

Please note that if a trainee applies for an OOPT when the training offered is available in the training programme (for example the training is offered via the SIA process), the school will not support trainees counting any of the fellowship time towards training (it will be approved as an OOPE).

Fellowships abroad

The School will support stage 3 trainees who are applying to count time towards training for a fellowship abroad as they provide additional experience not available within the UK. Please refer to the OOPT section above for further information. However, please note trainees must complete the last 6 months of their CCT training, in the UK.

Time out of programme for research (OOPR)

OOPR is research taken out of programme. In certain instances, it is possible for some time to count towards training. The same rules apply as for OOPT (above) in additional to the following:

  • For stage 3 trainees, up to 12 months (whole time equivalent) of research can be counted towards the CCT, provided there is a clinical element to the programme (this includes out of hours duties within the NHS hospital where the anaesthetist in training is based for their research time).
  • If there is no clinical element to the research programme, a maximum of 6 months only will count towards the CCT.
  • 6 months of research can be counted towards the stage 3 Research and Managing Data domain of learning as well as the SIA in this area. If there is an appropriate clinical element to the OOPR, a further 6 months may be counted towards stage 3 capabilities in other areas.
  • Stage 2 Trainees undertaking an OOPR may be able to count 6 months of time to support stage 2 training if there is a suitable clinical element to the programme (this includes out of hours duties within an NHS hospital where the anaesthetist in training is based for their research time) and count 6 months towards a generic professional Special Interest Area in research in stage 3. Please discuss this with your TPD first if you would like to consider this as an option.
  • When planning an OOPR, anaesthetists in training are advised to consider complementary areas and capabilities of stage 3 that may also be evidenced.

Time out of programme for non-clinical Special Interest Area (SIA) training

It is possible to undertake training in a non-clinical special interest area during Stage 3 which may count towards training if this training is not offered within the training programme.

  • Up to 6 months of SIA time can be used to complete SIAs that relate to generic professional domains of learning in any one of the following: Management and Professional and Regulatory Requirements, Safety and Quality Improvement, Education and Training, Research and Managing Data.
  • When planning non-clinical SIA training, anaesthetists in training should consider complementary areas and capabilities of stage 3 that may also be evidenced.

 

Reference links:

https://www.copmed.org.uk/gold-guide/gold-guide-9th-edition

https://london.hee.nhs.uk/specialty-schools/anaesthesia

https://london.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training/trainee-resources/out-programme

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/documents/guide-anaesthetics-training-handbook/out-programme

 

 

Annual Reviews of Competency Progression (ARCPs)

ARCP introduction

ARCP stands for Annual Review of Competence Progression.

The ARCP is a formal process that reviews evidence presented by the trainee and their educational supervisor relating to the trainee’s progress since their last ARCP. This review looks at the amount and quality of the evidence to determine whether a trainee should move on to the next part of their training, or whether additional training experience or time is required. A full explanation of its purpose can be found in the Gold Guide v9.

The ARCP panel has an important role, which its composition should reflect. It should consist of at least three panel members appointed by the training committee or an equivalent group of which one must be either the Postgraduate Dean (or their nominated deputy), the Head of School or a TPD..  A proportion of ARCP panels may also have a lay representative and an RCOA representative present.

ARCP Outcomes are reached after a panel has reviewed the evidence supplied by the trainee, contained within their training portfolio, the Lifelong Learning platform (LLP). Since ARCPs are conducted without the trainee present (in absentia), it is essential that the training portfolio is up to date and contains all the evidence required by the ARCP panel linked to your Educational Supervisor's Structured Report (ESSR). You can ensure you have provided all required evidence by following the National ARCP checklist produced by the RCOA which all rotations in London. HEE Enhancing training and the support for Learners document

The Panel will also review evidence submitted by the trainee for revalidation which includes their FORM R. Please see the section on FORM R below.

Please note that if you are a Dual Trainee, you will have an ARCP in both specialties and will be awarded two outcomes, one for each speciality.

ARCP Outcomes

Further details about ARCP outcomes can be found from page 73 to 77 of the Gold Guide.

Outcome  Explanation
1 Satisfactory progress – Achieving progress and the development of capabilities at the expected rate
2 Development of specific capabilities required – Additional training time not required
3 Insufficient progress – Additional training time required
4 Released from training programme – With or without specified capabilities
5 Incomplete evidence presented – An assessment of progression cannot be made
6 Gained all required capabilities – Will be recommended as having completed the training programme (foundation, core or specialty). If in a run-through training programme or higher training programme, will be recommended for award of a CCT.
8 Out of programme for clinical experience, research or a career break (OOPE/OOPR/OOPC)

When an outcome is not issued:

There are circumstances when the ARCP panel will not issue an outcome, such as when the trainee is absent on statutory leave (e.g., maternity/paternity/adoption or sick leave) or where training has been paused. In these cases, the panel will record the reasons for this. (Refer to N codes, GG8 Appendix 3)

What can I do in the event of a concern about the outcome?

If it is determined a trainee is likely to receive an outcome 2, 3 or 4 (or COVID outcome 10.2), the trainee will be contacted by a panel member (most likely their TPD), to be given feedback. The purpose of this discussion is to help the trainee understand the reason(s) for the outcome, to give them an opportunity to ask questions, for the TPD/Supervisor to offer support, and to ensure the trainee has a clear, well-supported action plan, going forwards.

A trainee may request a review of an Outcome 2 or appeal an Outcome 3 or 4. There are time limits and requirements for embarking on these processes, so it is recommended that trainees read the appropriate part of the Gold Guide early on if they are concerned. 

Outcome 5's

ARCP Outcome 5s may arise for three distinct reasons.

  1. Commonly, a trainee receives an Outcome 5 because they have not presented sufficient evidence to the panel for an assessment to be made, or if a trainee has not submitted a Form R (Part B). This situation should be entirely avoidable if the trainee maintains their portfolio and prepares in a timely manner, meeting their ES and using the ARCP checklist. An Outcome 5 in this circumstance reflects poorly on the trainee.
  2. A trainee may be issued an Outcome 5 because they have an outstanding module/HALO to complete before they progress to the next level of training, and they are still undertaking that module at the time of the ARCP. It may be possible to issue an Outcome 1 in this circumstance provided that the module supervisor (via the ESSR report) indicates that the trainee is progressing satisfactorily in the module and is expected to complete it in a timely manner. However, if this is not clear in the ESSR then the panel will have no choice but to issue an Outcome 5 pending completion of the module if the trainee is at a critical progress point.  If the trainee is not at a critical progression point and no extension to training is needed, the panel may be able to issues an outcome 2 if all other evidence is present.  In this circumstance, the Outcome 5 does not reflect poorly on the trainee who is otherwise well-prepared for the ARCP.
  3. Due to the timing of ARCPs and RCOA examinations, the trainee may be waiting for the results of an examination they need to have passed before moving on to the next stage of training. If the trainee is at a critical progression point, then an outcome 5 will be issued until the result of the exam.

An outcome 5 is not a final outcome and the timeframe for which missing evidence needs to be submitted will be stated on the outcome form. The outcome form will also state what the final outcome will be if the missing evidence is submitted within the time frame and is correct. If evidence is still missing after the deadline, then an Outcome 2 or 3 will be issued.

Out of Programme trainees

For trainees that are out of programme:

If your OOP has not been recognised for training, the panel still needs to receive a Supervisor’s report from the trainee indicating what the trainee is doing during their OOP time, together with their FORM R. An Outcome 8 will be issued if all information is there and correct.

If the trainee is out of programme on a training placement (OOPT or OOPR) that has been prospectively approved by the GMC and that will contribute to the competences/capabilities of the trainee’s programme, an Outcome 8 will not be used. Instead, a routine assessment of progression should be made and an Outcome 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 should be awarded.

Preparing for your ARCP

Good preparation is key to a successful ARCP. The steps to achieving this are detailed below.

STEP 1: Following every ARCP, review the outcome form, make a note of any training recommendations or SMART targets made by the panel and whether the panel have recommended you for an ARCP sooner than the following year

STEP 2: Inform your ES of the when your next ARCP is due to take place at your initial review. Run through the RCOA National ARCP Checklist together so you can plan what you need to do.

STEP 3: Meet with your ES throughout the year and ensure meetings are documented in your LLP

STEP 4: Plan your MSF’s early

STEP 5: Arrange to meet with your ES in advance to prepare the Educational Supervisors Summary Report (ESSR). Complete your FORM R (part B) and link this to your ESSR prior to ES sign off.

ESSR - Please submit one ESSR for your ARCP for the full period under review where the start date is the day following on from the end date set for your previous ARCP.

Form R - The Form R must cover the entire period from the date of your last Form R to this one.  You must include all periods of time out of training in your TOOT declaration.  This includes OOPC, OOPE, OOPR (if not being counted for training and maternity/paternity leave.

STEP 6: Remember to allow time for final ESSR sign off by your College Tutor

Dual Trainees

Dual trainees will have an ARCP in both specialties and will be award 2 outcomes, one for each speciality.  You need to provide the correct documentation that satisfies the ARCP requirements for each programme and to complete the correct documents, it is imperative that your provided with an Educational Supervisor for Anaesthetics and ICM in every trust you rotate with.

Please note: You will need to upload the relevant evidence to both specialty LLP accounts so the respective panels can review the appropriate outcome.

Form R

 

The Form R is a self-declaration form completed by trainee doctors.

The Form R (Part B) asks for information about your recent scope of practice, time out of training, and declarations relating to revalidation. Trainees must declare their full scope of practice i.e., anywhere they have undertaken a role as a licensed doctor (voluntary or paid)

This information informs the ARCP Panel to comment on your fitness to practice, which in turn informs the Dean’s recommendation to the GMC about your revalidation.

You will need to submit your ARCP Form R (parts A, B and Covid 19 self-declaration) using the digital Form R, included as a core part of TSS. Please note that you will no longer submit Form Rs outside TSS, if you have any issues, please contact us via PSP.

  1. Navigate to https://trainee.tis-selfservice.nhs.uk/
  1. Sign-up using the email address we contacted you 
  1. Complete and submit your Form R parts A & B

If you need more information on the TIS Self Service system, please see our website https://tis-support.hee.nhs.uk/trainees/

The Form R must cover the entire period from the date of your last FORM R to this one.

You must include all periods of time out of training in your TOOT declaration.  This includes OOPC, OOPE, OOPR (if not being counted for training) and maternity/paternity leave.  Regarding maternity leave, please note that time off whilst using accrued annual leave should not be included, only the actual dates of maternity leave itself.

Please use consecutive calendar days when calculating/declaring TOOT, not just days that you were rostered to be at work.

Further guidance on completion of Time Out Of Training (TOOT) on Form R is available here.

If your FORM R is missing or the information is incorrect, you will be awarded an outcome 5 and given 2 weeks to upload a new FORM R.

Resources

On completion of your ARCP

You will notified via the Life Learning Platform when your outcome form has been completed by the ARCP panel.  Please remember to review this form and accept it.  The date of your next ARCP is normally 12 months later, but please review your outcome form to see if the panel have suggested an ARCP in less than 12 months time.  Please also note any objectives that have setup by the ARCP panel.  If you unsure if any of the comments on the form or objectives that have been set, please discuss this with either your ES or TPD.

Feedback from your ARCP

If it is determined a trainee is likely to receive an outcome 2, 3 or 4, the trainee will be contacted by their TPD, to be given feedback. The purpose of this discussion is to help the trainee understand the reason(s) for the outcome, to give them an opportunity to ask questions, for the TPD to offer support, and to ensure the trainee has a clear, well-supported action plan, going forwards.

All other ARCP outcome feedback will be carried by the trainee’s Educational Supervisor during a post ARCP follow up review.

ARCP for Dual Specialty Trainees

It is a requirement of training programmes that an Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is undertaken each year and all ARCPs will be held in absentia. Dual Trainees will have a separate ARCP in both specialties and will be awarded 2 outcomes, one for each speciality every time.

 

  1. Please keep an eye out for information about ARCPs from both specialities as the ARCP timings and dates of your ARCPs may be very different.
  2. You will need to provide the correct documentation that satisfies the ARCP requirements for each programme which will be carefully documented in the ARCP invitation email you receive from NHSE.
  3. Please be aware that only your ICM portfolio can be accessed and reviewed at the ICM ARCP and by the ICM TPDs and only your Anaes portfolio can be accessed and reviewed at the Anaes ARCP and by the Anaes TPDs, even if you have linked evidence through from one portfolio to your ESSR.  Therefore, any evidence which needs to be reviewed by the ARCP Panel, needs to be loaded onto both section of LLP (ICM and Anaes) and linked accordingly.
  4. To support you in achieving the best outcome, it is imperative that you are provided with an ES for Anaesthetics and ICM in every trust you rotate through. Please let the college tutor and faculty tutor in Anaesthetics and ICM know that you are working in their trust so this can be organised for you.
  5. Whilst the ARCP process can seem quite daunting, it should be relatively straightforward with steady preparation during each academic year.  In addition to regular meetings with your Educational Supervisors (ES) from both specialities, we recommend liaising with them, your Faculty Tutor, and your College Tutor as soon as you are made aware of your ARCP date(s) so they can support you in your ARCP preparation and compile & submit an Educational Supervisor’s Structured Report (ESSR) with plenty of notice. 

For more information on ARCP’s & FAQ’s please click here

Shielding

Trainees who have been shielding and would like to count time towards training, please contact your supervisor (ES/module lead) to review your evidence collected during this period to see how much can count to training.

Further guidance on support for shielding trainees can be found if you click here

Stage 3 Special Interest Areas (SIAs)

Application Process for Special Interest Area Posts

The London School of Anaesthesia and Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS) School of Anaesthetics jointly provide over 120 Stage 3 special interest area (SIA) posts in 20 specialty areas across 33 different hospitals/trusts.

These SIA posts are split by region and available to trainees during their Stage 3 (ST6/7) years as follows:

  • Trainees in North London rotations can only apply for SIA posts offered in the North London Anaesthetics Programme.
  • Trainees in the South London rotations and KSS rotations can only apply for SIA posts offered in the South London Anaesthetics Programme and KSS School of Anaesthetics.
  • This will be the final year of the joint South London and KSS SIA scheme and over the next two years there will be separation of the SIA allocation process between the two Schools.  This SIA allocation process commencing in September 2024, for SIA posts starting in August 2025 and February 2026, will allocate KSS and South London trainees to either school’s SIA posts.  However, from September 2025, South London and KSS will each run their own SIA allocation processes and by August 2026, we anticipate all South London trainees will be in South London SIA posts and all KSS trainees will be in KSS SIA posts.

 

Please refer to the two separate SIA Handbooks for full details of the individual SIA posts offered within these two regions.

Please read the following guidance carefully on the application and allocation process for posts commencing in August 2025 and February 2026.

  • Trainees can apply to undertake a maximum of 12 months (whole time equivalent) in SIA posts during their Stage 3 (ST6/7) years, as required by the curriculum.
  • Applications are open to all trainees who will have completed Stage 2 training and be ST6/7 (Stage 3) by the time of commencing the SIA post.
  • This is of particular relevance to LTFT trainees or those with interrupted training timelines, who should discuss their timelines with their TPDs to ensure that they apply for SIA posts commencing at the appropriate time.
  • It is also of relevance to any trainee who commenced Higher training in February (rather than August) and will therefore enter Stage 3 in February 2026.  They are also eligible to apply in this round for SIA posts commencing in February 2026.
  • Trainees can apply for a maximum of two SIAs: either two different specialties of 6 months duration each (whole time equivalent) or one specialty of 12 months duration (whole time equivalent).
    • Single specialty 12 month SIAs are available in Anaesthesia for Cardiac Surgery, Anaesthesia for Neurosurgery, Obstetric Anaesthesia and Paediatric Anaesthesia.
    • Trainees who wish to undertake 12 months of Anaesthesia for Cardiac Surgery, Anaesthesia for Neurosurgery or Obstetric Anaesthesia are generally advised to apply for two 6 month SIAs in these specialties at two different sites, to give a diversity of experience.  Trainees considering one of these single specialty 12 month SIAs should discuss available options with their TPD prior to submitting their applications.
    • Paediatric Anaesthesia 12 month SIA posts are only available at GOSH but trainees can also apply for two 6 month SIAs in Paediatric Anaesthesia at two different sites if they wish to.
  • Trainees must complete and submit an online application form to apply for the SIA posts.
    • If applying for TWO 6 month SIAs, you will need to state which is your 1st and 2nd preference.
    • If applying for only ONE SIA, you can still apply for two different SIAs (indicating which is your 1st and 2nd preference) in order to maximise your chances of success.
    • For each SIA, you can then rank your preference for the sites at which the SIA is offered and omit those you do not want to be considered for.

    • The link to the online application form is at the bottom of this page and will be activated for the duration of the application window from 1st - 30th September.

  • Applications will be assessed and scored on two components:
    • A supporting personal statement for each SIA applied for, demonstrating why the trainee wishes to do that particular SIA and their commitment to that specialty [maximum of 1600 characters (~200 words) / maximum score of 20].
    • Three supporting information statements for each SIA applied for, describing the trainees involvement in: (i) Teaching / Training, (ii) Audit / QI / Research, (iii) Management / Leadership [maximum of 1200 characters (~150 words) for each response / maximum score of 10 for each].

Please be aware of the following conditions that apply once you have been offered and confirmed acceptance of an SIA post:

  • A minimum notice period of 6 months from the start date of the SIA is required if you subsequently want to make changes or no longer wish to undertake the post i.e. by the end of January for August start date / by the end of July for February start date.
  • If a post is accepted as LTFT then it may not be possible to subsequently change the LTFT percentage or go full time. Any such requests will need to be discussed with your TPD to ascertain if it may be possible.
  • SIA posts can only be deferred to a future start date for the following statutory leave reasons:
    • Maternity or shared parental leave
    • Long-term sick leave

The deferred start date will be dependent on future availability of the same SIA and cannot be guaranteed if the future SIA posts are already allocated. In this case, an alternative SIA may need to be considered.

In addition, for South London & KSS SIA posts, if a deferral results in an SIA post extending beyond August 2026 when the South London and KSS schemes separate, an alternative SIA may need to be considered as all South London trainees will need to be in South London SIA posts and all KSS trainees will need to be in KSS SIA posts beyond August 2026.

Please discuss any deferral requests with your TPD as soon as possible.

Timetable for 2025 - 2026 SIA Process

Updated 2025-26 SIA information and handbook to be uploaded on London School of Anaesthesia website

8th July

Online application process for trainees will begin and stay open for 1 month

1st September – 30th September

HET to collate and send application forms to TPDs

First 2 weeks of October

TPDs to review and verify applications

Second 2 weeks of October

Applications sent to module leads.

Scores and rankings to be returned to HET and TPDs by SIA group leads as soon as possible.

1st – 30th November

TPD’s to review all information and allocate trainees to posts

1st – 15th December

Trainees informed of allocations and asked to confirm their acceptance

Trainees informed – 1st week of January

Trainee deadline to confirm acceptance – 31st January

Rotational grids sent to College Tutors who will then inform their SIA leads of trainee allocations.

April 2025 (for August intake)

October 2025 (for February intake)

Notice period for changes to allocated SIAs

August 2025 start – by end of January 2025

February 2026 start – by end of July 2025

 

SIA Posts Application and Allocation Guidance Full-time & Less than full time (LTFT) Trainees

SIA Posts application guidance for Full-time and LTFT Trainees.

Please read this guidance carefully in conjunction with the above when considering your SIA applications.

SIA Handbooks

North London 

South London

SIA Application Forms for August 2025 and September 2026 start dates

The application process will open at 00:01 on 1st September 2024 and will close at 00:01 on 1st October 2024.  Please bear in mind that you must be a Stage 3 trainee (i.e. at least an ST6 trainee) by the date that your SIA placement starts.

You can submit more than one application, however only your most recent submission will be scored.  Late applications will not be considered.  For any queries, please contact your TPDs in the first instance.

North London and South London/KSS SIA Handbooks and Links to the Application Form can be found on the London School of Anaesthesia website:  

https://london.hee.nhs.uk/information-anaesthetists-training

Links to the SIA Application Forms can also be found below:

North London Trainees Application Form

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/healtheducationyh/north-london-sia-application-form-august-25-and-february-26-d-1

South London Application Form Link:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/healtheducationyh/sia-application-form-for-south-london-trainees-august-25-and--1

KSS Trainees Application Form

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/healtheducationyh/sia-application-form-for-kss-trainees-august-25-and-february-26

 

 

 

 

Management of CCT dates

Calculation of CCT dates for trainees is now the responsibility of Schools of Anaesthesia, so please work with your TPDs to ensure this date is always remains accurate.

TPDs will communicate your calculated CCT date to the College through the ARCP outcome form and the confirmed CCT date will be visible on your Lifelong Learning Platform (LLP) on your profile page.

The College will provide CCT date calculations when requested from either a trainer or an anaesthetist in training, for e.g., to offer an objectively calculated CCT date, support for complex cases, or to provide retrospective date calculations for the purpose of consultant pay adjustment. There are also a series of existing processes, in which the College has a duty to review and approve changes to training programmes that may impact on CCT dates which are listed on the RCOA website. 

The College does not prescribe methods for TPDs to calculate CCT dates. They have produced the RCoA CCT date calculator which can be used and this can be accessed by following this link. https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/managing-cct-dates

Period of Grace

Please click here for information about Period Of Grace.

In order to submit your Period of Grace dates click here

Recommendation to the Specialty Register

If you are eligible to apply for entry to the Specialist Register with a CCT or a CESR(CP) the College will notify the General Medical Council (GMC) of your completion of training date during your final year of training. The GMC will then invite you to make an application roughly about four months before your completion of training date.

The award of a CCT and inclusion on the Specialist Register are not automatic procedures; you (the trainee) are required to apply for your CCT or CESR(CP) Certificate. It is a legal requirement for you to be on the Specialist Register before taking up a substantive or honorary NHS consultant post.

Visit the RCOA website for more information.

2021 (current) curriculum

  • The Stage 3 certificate in the 2021 curriculum replaces the previous Notification of Completion of Training form. Anaesthetists in training should complete the Stage 3 certificate, detailing the time spent in each SIA (rotations can be combined). Please ensure that these posts total 12 months (WTE) and are accurately recorded on the Stage 3 certificate. The date on this certificate and the final ARCP outcome 6 should match their prospective completion date
  • The Training department will contact anaesthetists in training 4 months before their CCT date to confirm their details, including CCT date and specialty (Anaes, Dual ICM, Anaes with PHEM). Anaesthetists in training have one month to respond if corrections are needed and to provide any further information regarding changes to their programme
  • If these details are correct, no action is required. After one month, the Training department will notify the GMC and the anaesthetist in training will receive an email detailing next steps.

For those completing on the 2021 curriculum, you can still submit a Notification of Completion of Training form, especially for those trainees who have had a complex transition or completed the Stage 3 certificate before the SIA fields were added. This will still trigger the review process at the College.

Please ensure that the following are completed on LLP for 2021 curriculum trainees:

  • Either Higher ICM CUT form or Stage 2 ICM HALO 
  • Stage 3 Certificate, with all 14 HALOs signed off
  • 12 months WTE of training time in SIAs recorded accurately
  • Acceptance of the final ARCP outcome form

Similar to the 2010 curriculum, all ARCP outcome forms should be on LLP, including those that were completed as PDF or paper documents. For missing forms, the School or Deanery administrator may be able to assist. Please inform the College if a start date for a substantive consultant post has been set.

This information is also available in the “Recommendation to the Specialist Register” section on the College website. 

 

Other Useful Information:

You can apply to act up as a Consultant for a maximum of 3/12 in your last year of training. This can count for training. Although this is not in an NHSE numbered post there is still a requirement for a nominated supervisor. Information on acting up is available here. Applications should normally reach the relevant NHSE local office a minimum of sixteen weeks prior to the proposed start date of the ‘Acting Up’ arrangement (in line with contractual notice periods) to meet Code of Practice requirements, however this notice period may be waived in exceptional circumstances and in agreement with the relevant Trust(s) and Postgraduate Dean. Trainees and Trusts are encouraged to have discussions as early as possible to facilitate the approval process, upon identification of acting up opportunities

You can interview for a Consultant post so long as the interview date is within 6/12 of your CCT date. CCTs will not be brought forward to allow application for a Consultant post.

You do not need to resign your National Training Number. This will happen automatically on your CCT date. If this is part way through a placement and you intend to finish on your CCT date, you will need to give appropriate notice to the Trust (usually 3/12, but check with the Trust) of your last day of work.

You are entitled to 6/12 of grace period (NHSE placement) after your CCT. You retain your CCT number but you will be in the post for service and are not entitled to OOP or IDT or an SIA. If you wish to take up your grace period you will need to notify your TPD at least 6/12 before your CCT date. Trainees in-programme will be prioritised for placement according to their training needs. You will be offered choice once all the in-programme trainees have been placed. Should you wish to leave your scheduled grace period early you will need to notify your TPD and give the Trust appropriate notice period (3/12 usually).