Training Locations in the East of England

The geographical delivery of the specialty training programme is organised into a North and a South zone. The North zone covers the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and Bedfordshire. The South zone covers the counties of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Each location has an Clinical Supervisor "Training Location Lead" (TLL) who has responsibility for the training environment in the location for the specialty training programme, but, depending on the location, more broadly across the department or unit. The TLL understands the current capacity for training - clinical supervisors, office facilities etc. A list of all GMC approved locations and their training leads can be found in the downloads section below. 

Each training location is required to conduct an annual quality assurance self-assessment questionnaire to ensure that locations meet the HEE and TP requirements for delivering high quality training.  This is reviewed by the Specialty Training Committee where best practice is shared and areas for improvement identified with an action plan. The training location self-assessment questionnaire is also available in the list of downloads below. Each location will seek feedback from StRs to contribute to this quality improvement exercise, as well as an exit interview just before completion of a placement. 

Each training location will provide a comprehensive and accessible induction for each new StR (Placement Induction checklist available to download below).

Placements throughout training

​Documents on this page also describe the various training locations and the process for requesting a new placement. Placement panels are held twice a year in April and October, when all registrars must complete an online form to enable the panel to make timely decisions. Registrars are encouraged to plan their placements early in discussion with their trainer, training location co-ordinator and the programme director. The final decision on placements rests with the programme director.

It is a requirement of the curriculum that all StRs are exposed to a variety of organisations and learning environments and registrars are encouraged to experience a variety of training placements to widen their understanding of public health practice. After the first Local Authority placement of 24-30 months, placements in phase 2 can be of any length but are typically 6-12 months. These placements give an opportunity to consolidate core skills and to develop breadth and depth for a future specialist career.  Most typically health protection and academic public health specialist training opportunities can be offered.

During the course of training, depending on individual interests and career aspirations, a registrar may identify the need for a specialist training opportunity not available within the East of England. These "Out of programme" (OOP) placements are available for senior registrars who are progressing satisfactorily with their training  - please note that OOP training placements are not allowed in ST5 except in exceptional circumstances (see link below for further information on the OOP HEE policy).

Time out of training is occasionally allowed by individual negotiation depending on personal circumstances and educational need. There are HEE policies for application and return to training.