SAS Doctor's Development Sessions
NHSE are committed to the continuing development of SAS Doctors in the east of England and offer a number of development webinars and workshops to support this.
These sessions focus on topics that have been identified in the annual SAS Survey or on the Activity and Budget planners submitted by the SAS Tutors. These training opportunities will also be available to LED Doctors.
Please see below for further details on all available sessions, including how to sign up.
If these events are unsuitable or you are unable to attend, please contact NHS England or your trust to enquire about other learning opportunities.
Title: Taking Control of your Career
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 15 September 2025
Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Delivery: Virtual via MS Teams
Overview: This webinar is designed to give you the confidence to take control of your career and making sure that you are shaping what you do and creating possibilities to help you to carve out areas of focus for the future. It will kickstart you into action to help you to manage your career actively. Thinking about your career at any time is a healthy activity to do and the aim of this session is to help you to be more fulfilled, happy, and successful at work.
By the end of this session, you will: -
- Understand more about how your skills and values shape your professional practice
- Discover a structured approach to your career planning - career management cycle
- Discuss individual career transitions and how to carve out career possibilities
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Portfolio Pathway / CESR
Provider: Maguire Healthcare
Date: 22 September 2025
Time: 09:30 - 16:30
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom
Overview: This webinar is designed to give you an overview of Portfolio Pathway (Previously known as CESR), the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved training programme, but who can demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills and experience (KSEs) required for practising as an eligible specialist in the UK.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Understand the application process.
- Recognise who can apply.
- Understand what the must do prior to application.
- Understand the documentation and supporting evidence required.
- Track your royal college requirements.
- Understand what makes an effective CV
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Appraisal for Doctors, Preparing your PDP and Reflecting on your Practice
Provider: Miad Healthcare
Date: 23 September 2025
Time: 09:30 - 13:00
Delivery: Virtual
Overview: This programme is aimed at helping Doctors understand the revalidation process and the accountability of the various roles involved
Learning Outcomes: -
- Understand the purpose of Medical Appraisal for Revalidation: the roles and responsibilities of the RO, the Doctor, the Designated Body and the GMC.
- Consider the preparation required from both parties prior to the annual appraisal meeting.
- Consider the inclusion of “summative” elements within the appraisal process.
- Develop the skills to write a meaningful Personal Development Plan and understand how this is an essential part of the appraisal process.
- Consider the proposed output statements of appraisal to ensure that the appraisal process is successful.
- Reflecting on your practice.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Medical Ethics and Law
Provider: First Thought Training
Date: 25 September 2025
Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom
Overview: All healthcare professionals, and particularly doctors’, are working in an environment which is changing its perception of the doctor/patient relationship, therefore it is important for the profession, and the healthcare system as a whole, to respond to these changing public and political expectations.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Describe the overriding principle of the GMC’s code of conduct.
- Outline the 4 pillars of medical ethics.
- Name the 4 elements of Clinical Negligence.
- Name and describe the 6 elements within Clinical Governance
- Critique your own behaviours and practice in line with the NHS Leadership Competency framework.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Mastering Assertiveness in the Workplace; Skills for Clinical and Non-clinical Conversations
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 8 October 2025
Time: 09:00 - 12:15
Delivery: Virtual via MSTeams
Overview: This interactive and practical session is designed to support SAS doctors in developing greater confidence, presence, and professional courage in the workplace. Through practical exercises, peer discussion and real-world scenarios, we’ll explore what it means to speak up effectively — whether in a team meeting, one-to-one interaction, or challenging situation. We'll unpack the dynamics of power, tone and respect, and practice tools for assertive, respectful communication. This is a safe and energising space to build confidence in holding boundaries, challenging unhelpful behaviours, and advocating for oneself and others. Participants will leave with renewed clarity, courage, and a set of practical techniques to use in everyday clinical life.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Define what assertiveness means in the context of healthcare and distinguish it from passive or aggressive communication.
- Apply practical assertiveness tools in both clinical and non-clinical conversations.
- Recognise how tone, body language, and word choice influence confidence and clarity.
- Set clear and respectful boundaries in professional interactions.
- Navigate power dynamics and respond effectively to challenging behaviours.
- Use assertive communication techniques to respond to and challenge unhelpful behaviours, including bullying or harassment, in a calm and constructive way both for yourself and when advocating for others.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Courageous Communicators - Building Confidence in Team Interactions
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 12 November 2025
Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Delivery: Virtual via MSTeams
Overview: Communicating courageously is not only about what we say but also about inviting others to contribute. It is about how we do the hard things in a human way. We’ll consider some of the emotional triggers to look out for both in yourself and others. Different ways to start off a courageous conversation, overcoming barriers and turning it into meaningful conversations.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Job Planning and Negotiation Skills
Provider: First Thought Training
Date: 18 November 2025
Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom
Overview: All senior doctors have to produce a Job Plan to ensure they are meeting operational goals and targets. It’s Important to note that a job plan is more than a timetable or schedule of where a doctor needs to be at any time of the day or week. Of course, that is an important component, but the idea of a job plan is to enable managers and doctors to work together, to maximise efficiency and productivity for the greater good of the work-place and patients.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Name 4 elements of a Job plan.
- List the 4 PA types and explain each one.
- Define SMART and how it affects the plan.
- Describe 3 ways to show how the job plan and PDP work together.
- List 4 bargaining chips and how to use them in a practical sense when negotiating your job plan terms.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Advanced Communication Skills
Provider: Dedici
Date: 26 November 2025
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual via zoom
Overview: This advanced workshop is designed to build on the foundations of communications between professional and patient without being a workshop all about the process of consultation. The primary focus is on the fundamental elements of rapport and empathy and the barriers that can affect communication and behaviour at a personal level.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Understand other people’s needs and learn to change your perspective based on their view to improve your conversation.
- Prevent misunderstandings by clarifying intentions and avoid common mistakes that escalate the situation rather than resolve it.
- Avoid blaming others and take responsibility for your own contribution to any situation.
- Understand and manage your feelings so they don’t clutter your understanding or affect your conversations with others.
- Handle difficult conversations by monitoring implicit messages and use techniques to gain rapport.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Understanding Workplace Bullying
Provider: Dedici
Date: 1 December 2025
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom
Overview: Accusations of bullying are becoming more common in medicine and this may be the result of a growing appreciation of the right of health staff not to tolerate such behaviour. Anecdotal evidence suggests that doctors are less likely to admit to experiencing bullying compared to other healthcare workers. Some argue that the established culture of the medical professions is one that potentially perpetuates an environment of bullying and harassment, especially during training.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Introduction to Coping with Workplace Conflict
Provider: Dedici
Date: 1 December 2025
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom
Overview: Conflict exists in every organization and to a certain extent indicates a healthy exchange of ideas and creativity. However, counter-productive conflict can result in dissatisfaction, reduced productivity, poor service to patients, absenteeism and increased staff turnover, increased work-related stress or, worse case scenario, litigation based on claims of bullying or a hostile work environment.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Describe how conflict can arise in the workplace.
- Identify personal triggers and frustrations within the workplace.
- Encourage respect through responding to and dealing effectively with difficult situations.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Psychological Safety - A Skills Based Approach for SAS Doctors
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 8 December 2025
Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Delivery: Virtual via MSTeams
Overview:
This interactive webinar is designed specifically for SAS doctors and explores how we can build, protect, and model psychological safety in the NHS workplace. When psychological safety is present, teams thrive and communication is clearer, innovation improves, and people feel more respected and included. You’ll learn the tools to strengthen trust, improve dialogue, and create space for yourself and others to speak up confidently . You’ll leave with practical language, frameworks, and renewed clarity about your influence and presence in shaping a safer, stronger team culture.
Learning Outcomes: -
- A clear understanding of what psychological safety really means in practice.
- Insight into how psychological safety impacts team performance, wellbeing and communication.
- A toolkit of practical strategies to increase trust and openness in your team.
- Awareness of power dynamics, cultural influences and personal identity in shaping safety.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Having Difficult Conversations and Supporting People in Distress
Provider: Miad Healthcare
Date: 11 December 2025
Time: 10:00 - 12:30
Delivery: Virtual
Overview: This interactive session is designed to empower you with the tools and confidence to handle difficult conversations with care and clarity.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Gain essential skills for navigating sensitive conversations with empathy and confidence.
- Learn techniques to identify and support distressed colleagues, students, and patients.
- Develop a compassionate and supportive environment within your team.
- Strengthen your communication toolkit and approach challenging conversations with care.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Taking Control of your Career
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 14 January 2026
Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Delivery: Virtual via MS Teams
Overview: This webinar is designed to give you the confidence to take control of your career and making sure that you are shaping what you do and creating possibilities to help you to carve out areas of focus for the future. It will kickstart you into action to help you to manage your career actively. Thinking about your career at any time is a healthy activity to do and the aim of this session is to help you to be more fulfilled, happy, and successful at work.
By the end of this session, you will: -
- Understand more about how your skills and values shape your professional practice
- Discover a structured approach to your career planning - career management cycle
- Discuss individual career transitions and how to carve out career possibilities
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Advanced Communication Skills
Provider: First Thought Training
Date: 15 January 2026
Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Delivery: Face-to-Face
Overview: Effective communication skills within medicine - or in life generally - are crucial for any successful interaction with people. This programme explores the possibilities of advanced communication within a healthcare setting whilst focusing an areas such as assertiveness, conflict, and different personality styles.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Recognise the 7 ways to influence others.
- Name the percentages used in the TRIAD
- Name your assertive rights
- Discover how assertive you are and the differences between aggression, passivity, and assertiveness.
- Deal with conflict and understand how transactional analysis can be used
- Name three ego states and how to recognise them
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Appraisal for Doctors, Preparing your PDP and Reflecting on your Practice
Provider: Miad Healthcare
Date: 19 January 2026
Time: 09:30 - 13:00
Delivery: Virtual
Overview: This programme is aimed at helping Doctors understand the revalidation process and the accountability of the various roles involved
Learning Outcomes: -
- Understand the purpose of Medical Appraisal for Revalidation: the roles and responsibilities of the RO, the Doctor, the Designated Body and the GMC.
- Consider the preparation required from both parties prior to the annual appraisal meeting.
- Consider the inclusion of “summative” elements within the appraisal process.
- Develop the skills to write a meaningful Personal Development Plan and understand how this is an essential part of the appraisal process.
- Consider the proposed output statements of appraisal to ensure that the appraisal process is successful.
- Reflecting on your practice.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Mastering Assertiveness in the Workplace; Skills for Clinical and Non-clinical Conversations
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 10 February 2026
Time: 09:00 - 12:15
Delivery: Virtual via MSTeams
Overview: This interactive and practical session is designed to support SAS doctors in developing greater confidence, presence, and professional courage in the workplace. Through practical exercises, peer discussion and real-world scenarios, we’ll explore what it means to speak up effectively — whether in a team meeting, one-to-one interaction, or challenging situation. We'll unpack the dynamics of power, tone and respect, and practice tools for assertive, respectful communication. This is a safe and energising space to build confidence in holding boundaries, challenging unhelpful behaviours, and advocating for oneself and others. Participants will leave with renewed clarity, courage, and a set of practical techniques to use in everyday clinical life.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Define what assertiveness means in the context of healthcare and distinguish it from passive or aggressive communication.
- Apply practical assertiveness tools in both clinical and non-clinical conversations.
- Recognise how tone, body language, and word choice influence confidence and clarity.
- Set clear and respectful boundaries in professional interactions.
- Navigate power dynamics and respond effectively to challenging behaviours.
- Use assertive communication techniques to respond to and challenge unhelpful behaviours, including bullying or harassment, in a calm and constructive way both for yourself and when advocating for others.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Resilience and Mindfulness
Provider: Miad Healthcare
Date: 5 March 2026
Time: 10:00 - 12:30
Delivery: Virtual
Overview: Mindfulness has begun to take a higher level of importance within organisations today, primarily because of the fast paced nature of our daily lives. The pace we run at prevents us from taking time to be truly in the moment, to be thoughtful and to allow our own neurological thinking patterns to operate at their optimum. It is wrong to
consider this branch of self-development as a fad. It has its roots in over 1000 years of practiced wisdom so could hardly be called a fad! The aim of the session is to allow the delegates to learn a few simple, yet powerful techniques that allow them to become more resilient, more efficient and to operate nearer their peak performance levels.
Learning Outcomes: -
- Apply mindfulness to improve focus daily.
- Align performance, learning, and environment consciously.
- Reflect using Ribbon and Life Wheels.
- Understand and regulate brain-based emotional responses.
- Identify and reduce daily performance interferences.
- Log feelings to build emotional intelligence.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Courageous Communicators - Building Confidence in Team Interactions
Provider: Susie Edwards
Date: 9 March 2026
Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Delivery: Virtual via MSTeams
Overview: Communicating courageously is not only about what we say but also about inviting others to contribute. It is about how we do the hard things in a human way. We’ll consider some of the emotional triggers to look out for both in yourself and others. Different ways to start off a courageous conversation, overcoming barriers and turning it into meaningful conversations.
Book a space: coming soon
Title: Transitioning to the Portfolio Pathway
Provider: Dedici
Date: 12 March 2026
Time: TBC
Delivery: Face-to-Face
Overview:
Learning Outcomes: -
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Book a space: coming soon
Title: Contemporary Medico-Legal Issues in Modern Healthcare
Provider: Dedici
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual
Overview:
Learning Outcomes: -
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Book a space: coming soon
Title: Portfolio Pathway and CESR
Provider: Doctors Training
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual
Overview:
Learning Outcomes: -
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Book a space: coming soon
Title: AI Essentials for Doctors: Demystifying Technology and Unlocking Potential in Healthcare
Provider: Doctors Training
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual
Overview:
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Book a space: coming soon
Title: Career Management for SAS Doctors and Interview Mastery
Provider: Doctors Training
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Delivery: Face-to-Face
Overview:
Learning Outcomes: -
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Book a space: coming soon
Title: Portfolio Pathway and CESR
Provider: Doctors Training
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Delivery: Virtual
Overview:
Learning Outcomes: -
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Book a space: coming soon