Specialty Recruitment 2025

Can I apply to as many specialties as I like?

You can apply to as many specialties as you wish, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria and required competences of the post for which you are applying.

 

What sort of evidence is required to support applications?

Ensure that you have gathered all the dates and titles of qualifications, publications, research, audits, presentations etc. Every statement that you make on your application form should be able to be backed up by evidence (either on the application form or at interview) to prove that you meet the requirements of the person specification for the post(s) you are applying for.

 

How do I demonstrate achievement of Foundation or equivalent competencies?

The National Person Specifications for entry to all ST1/CT1 specialty training programmes require applicants to provide evidence of achievement of foundation professional capabilities (formerly foundation competence) within the last 3 and a half years. Applicants who have not undertaken a UK foundation programme within the last 3 and a half years will be asked to submit a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training unless they are currently in a training post holding either a National Training Number (NTN) or Deanery Reference Number (DRN) . If a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training is required this must be submitted as part of the online application.

 

Who should I list as my referees on my application form?

You will need to provide details, including up to date email addresses, of three referees who have supervised your clinical training in the last 2 years.  If you are applying to more than one specialty you may opt to nominate different referees for each specialty.

It is important that you confirm referee email addresses prior to completing the application form.  Referees will be contacted by email with details of their referee account.  It is therefore important that email addresses provided are correct and are for email accounts that are regularly accessed.

If you are applying for an Academic Clinical Fellowship post, one of your referees must be able to provide the academic reference.

You should contact your clinical/academic referees in advance to confirm that they are willing to provide a reference and are available and able to do so in the time period required for selection and appointment.

In some cases you may be able to amend your references after you have submitted you application. To do so, go to the My Applications tab within your Oriel dashboard, click on View application for the application you wish to update, and then click on the References tab. If these fields are editable, you are able to amend your references.  Please refer to the Oriel user guide for more information on this.

 

If I want a job in a specialty but haven't completed a placement during the foundation programme - what should I do - will it hinder my chances?

The Foundation Programme is about equipping you with generic competences; hence it is not a requirement to have experienced the specialty itself prior to applying to it, however it would be useful for you to have thought about what the specialty involves and have insight into how you are going to demonstrate that understanding; for example, what transferable skills have you got? What have you done so far that shows insight/ understanding of the specialty? e.g. taster days, kinds of patients/illnesses encountered in work/outside of work, voluntary work that is relevant, journal clubs, presentations that are relevant, special study module in medical school. See our Careers Support section  of the website. Also look at the person specifications to assist with skills/attributes and qualities being sought.

 

Who is eligible for the Disability Confident Scheme(DCS)?

NHS England - East Midlands is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and are covered by the Equality Act (formerly DDA ), details available from the Directgov website, you have the option to be considered under the DCS , there will be an option for you to indicate that you would like to be considered under the scheme on your application form. 

You will be contacted by a member of staff to ascertain as to whether you require any adjustments at the interview stage. Please consider any adjustments that may be necessary based on the information available about the interview process.

Please note: If you indicate that you would like to be considered under the DCS but do not specify that you have a disability in your application form you cannot be considered under the scheme.

 

Can you link applications in any way with a partner/spouse?

There is currently no facility on Oriel to 'link' specialty training applications with that of a spouse or partner.

 

Should I declare road traffic offences on the fitness to practise section of the application form?

You do not need to tell us about parking offences, but other driving offences must be declared (excluding fixed penalty notices).  If you have answered "YES" to any of the questions, please provide full written details, including dates and outcomes and email the details to the address for the relevant lead recruitment office as listed here. Please indicate clearly which questions you are answering. Please mark the e-mail as "CONFIDENTIAL"

 

What are the long listing criteria?

Long listing is carried out by our administrative staff. There are strict eligibility requirements when applying for specialty training. These are those requirements listed as “Essential” in the person specification for the post you are applying for. If you are applying to more than one specialty make sure you read the person specification for each specialty/level you are applying to.

 

What are the English language requirements?

If your undergraduate training was not undertaken in English and you do not have a current International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate at the level specified in the person specification, you will need to provide other evidence of English language skills.  Examples of suitable evidence can be found on the General Medical Council website: http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/language_proficiency.asp.

 

Who will be looking at my application form for longlisting and shortlisting?

Longlisting will be based on the information in your application meeting the Person Specification requirements.

Shortlisting Panels, where used, will comprise of suitably qualified and experienced medical staff (i.e. consultants with relevant specialty experience). All panel members will have undergone equal opportunities for recruitment and selection training within the previous 3 years.

 

Is there a capping arrangement in place?

No, at NHS England - East Midlands neither we nor our partners in 'Lead Trusts' will be operating random selection systems or 'capping' application numbers.

How do I apply for a post?

Before completing your application you must make sure that you are aware of the deadline for applications and familiarise yourself with the person specification for the job/training post as this will assist you with answering questions in a focused manner.

Prepare a draft of your responses, using the information you have previously collected. Application forms must be error free as they cannot be changed once they have been submitted. Forms should be well considered before being submitted.

Your application form is an opportunity to make it clear that you understand what the job entails and that you have the necessary skills and expertise required. You must abide by the word limits set in the application form.

Once you have completed the form check it again before submitting. You should print a copy of your application form as it may be useful to review it before your interview. You may be required to bring a signed copy of your application form with you to interview.

Any evidence of plagiarism or fraudulent statements will be referred directly to the Postgraduate Dean and the General Medical Council (GMC).

You may find the applicant guidance a useful resource.

 

Are person specifications different for each region?

Person specifications are national documents. Person specifications describe the knowledge, skills, and attributes that are required in order for a candidate to be successful in their application to a programme or training scheme. Person specifications are broken down into “essential” and “desirable” attributes. All 2025 person specifications are available here

 

What makes me eligible to apply?

Eligibility should be determined at the closing date for the receipt of applications for the post being applied for unless otherwise specified.

Applicant guidance contains detailed information on eligibility requirements including English language, GMC registration, right to work, college exams and entry to specialty level.  You should also check the person specifications, published on the Medical Specialty Recruitment website, to ensure you meet the criteria required for entry to the specialty/level to which you are applying. 

Person Specifications describe the knowledge, skills and attributes that are required in order for a candidate to be successful in their application to a programme or training scheme. NHS England - East Midlands will be using the nationally agreed person specifications for each specialty and level.

 

I am an overseas applicant, am I eligible to apply?

Applicant Guidance has a section on Right to Work in the UK. We also recommend you visit the UK Visas and Immigration website for further information.

 

If I apply for a certain job then turn it down, will it affect me if I apply for the same position again?

No, each recruitment process is treated individually. You may have had valid reasons for turning down a post in the specialty when it was first offered and this should not have any bearing on how a further application is considered providing you meet person specification requirements.

How does the offer process work?

All offers will be made and managed through the Oriel system.

If you receive an offer through Oriel, you will be able to accept, reject or hold (until a set date).  In responding, this implies acceptance of certain conditions. Please refer to Applicant Guidance for further details.

 

How long do I have to respond to an offer?

You will have 48 hours from the time of your offer, excluding weekends, to decide whether to accept, reject or hold the offer.

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO YOUR OFFER WITHIN 48 HOURS, THE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AND IT WILL BE OFFERED TO ANOTHER APPLICANT.

However if you intend to reject, please do so as soon as possible as this will allow the offer to be made to another applicant. If you were not offered a post in the initial release of offers, this does not mean you will not be offered one later on, as offers are recycled if other applicants reject them.

 

Can I defer entry?

Under the guidelines published in The Gold Guide, deferral is only permitted for statutory reasons which include personal ill health and maternity leave.  Deferral for other reasons such as being registered for a higher degree is not permitted.  In these cases you should only apply for the round of recruitment in which you would be available to commence your training programme.

 

What are Coordinated Offers?

In 2025 we will be working to a coordinated offers timetable.

All Round 1 first offers will be issued by 5.00 pm on 25 March 2025 and successful candidates will have 48 hours to respond to their offer(s) confirming if their decision is to accept, hold or decline the offer. Candidates can hold one offer until 1.00 pm on 3 April 2025 while waiting for the outcome of a preferred application elsewhere.

All Round 2 first offers will be issued by 5.00 pm on 15 April 2025 and successful candidates will have 48 hours to respond to their offer(s) confirming if their decision is to accept, hold or decline the offer. Candidates can hold one offer until 1.00 pm on 23 April 2025 while waiting for the outcome of a preferred application elsewhere.

 

Can I apply for IMT and GP then decide later depending on acceptance?

Applicants will need to make a decision on an offer within 48 hours of receiving it. You will be able to hold one offer from any specialty in the UK while waiting for other offers in Round 1. All first offers will be issued by 5pm on 25 March 2025 and you will be able to hold an offer until 1.00 pm on 3 April 2025.

You can hold an offer, while waiting for a preferred offer, and you can change the offer you are holding for a later offer, but you can only hold one offer at a time. You will need to make a decision on any held prior to the hold deadline or the offer will be considered automatically rejected.

 

When will I know which Trust I will be working in?

Each specialty training programme rotates in a slightly different way; similarly allocation to a rotation will be different in each specialty. You may be asked to make a preference for certain Trusts, specialty posts or sections of the region depending upon the specialty. Your offer may include which preference has been assigned to you where appropriate. We will aim to let you know 12 weeks before you are due to start and the Trust should let you know 8 weeks before however this will be dependent upon the timing of information we receive.

 

What are the options if I do not get a job?

There may be LAS (Locum Appointment for Service) posts available in some specialties. Some doctors may choose to take non-training jobs available (e.g. Trust Grade) or jobs in research or abroad. These jobs may be taken as a permanent career move, or may be considered as a stepping-stone to a future training post.

Your Educational Supervisor may be able to offer individual careers advice and support you in your career decision making. You may also be able to speak to the Clinical Tutor or Director of Medical Education in your local hospital. Many of the Colleges have general advice on their websites for doctors considering a career in their specialty. Some of the Colleges and specialty organisations also offer a counselling/advisory service for individuals with career difficulties. The BMA also offer a careers guidance service.