Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated senior doctor in training (above ST4 or equivalent) with an interest in leadership, management and quality improvement to join Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust as a chief registrar. The post is open to any qualified doctor training in all medical/surgical /other specialities supported by the Trust.
The Chief Registrar role provides senior doctors in training with 40–50% protected time to develop skills and confidence in leadership, management and quality improvement. Learning that chief registrars gain from the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP’s) bespoke development programme will be put into practice in a supported environment that provides autonomy and flexibility to develop projects that address key local challenges and priorities. This may include service improvement, engagement and morale, education and training, workforce, and sustainability.
The Chief Registrar role will suit resident doctors who:
· Want to learn about leadership & gain senior leadership experience
· Are comfortable working in uncertain environments and across traditional boundaries
· Relish the opportunity to develop their own ideas & initiatives
· Are committed to and passionate about improving the NHS.
The Chief Registrar will be mentored by a senior clinical leader within their organisation and gain a unique insight into NHS leadership and management processes, as well as deeper knowledge of NHS structures and stakeholders.
Main duties of the job
The Chief Registrar will be expected to attend the modules delivered as part of the RCP’s bespoke development programme. These modules cover key areas including leading change, team culture and development, quality improvement methods and frameworks, and developing self-awareness and understanding of others to enhance leadership effectiveness.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust provides acute hospital services for an area in South West Kent and parts of East Sussex. The main acute hospitals are the Maidstone General Hospital, Maidstone and the Pembury Hospital. The role will be cross site although the training component will be based at one site as appropriate.
Applications are open to senior trainees:
· National Training Number (NTN) ST4 level or above
· Locally employed doctors (LED) at equivalent experience of ST4 or above· Working full time or less than full time
· Who have full GMC registration.
This is a fixed-term role for 12 months. For those with an NTN, the role can be undertaken in programme or out of programme (training or experience) and must be discussed with your educational supervisor and training programme director (TPD) – permission to apply must be granted by the TPD.
For a discussion about the chief registrar post, please contact Dr Bet Mishra, Deputy Director of Medical Education,
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Click here to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Person specification
Qualification/ Training
Essential criteria
1. Full registration with General Medical Council with license to practice
2. Should be ST4 or above
3. Evidence of satisfactory / more than satisfactory progress through training, including annual review of competence progression (ARCP) outcomes or appraisal
Desirable criteria
4. Additional relevant degree (intercalated, masters or doctorate)
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Evidence of clinical competencies in their specialty appropriate for their stage in training
6. Ability to maximise safety and minimise risk
7. Ability to prioritise clinical need
8. Ability to work without supervision where appropriate
Skills
Essential criteria
9. Clarity in written / spoken communication
10. Ability to persuade, influence and negotiate
11. Ability to communicate effectively under pressure
Desirable criteria
12. Leadership skills