Workforce, training and education
East of England
Frequently asked questions
Application

 

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 an Alternative Certificate (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 an Alternative Certificate (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.

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 shown in the Applicant Handbook. 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.

Further information on types of eligibility can be found in the Applicant Handbook

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

Is there any guidance on the shortlisting process?

The criteria used to shortlist applications may be available on the organisation/LETB/college website leading on that specialty if this is applicable. These criteria are designed to assist you when writing your application and should be used in conjunction with the national person specifications available on Specialty Training Website. Applicants will receive notification of whether they have been successful or unsuccessful at shortlisting. If unsuccessful you will be provided with your score, total score rank and total number of applicants.

For further advice including how to complete application forms, HEE advises that you should speak with your clinical tutor or educational supervisor.

When can I apply?

Round 1 and Round 2 dates are set nationally, however other recruitment campaigns applicable to East of England may have varying opening and closing dates. We will update the website with any information as soon as it is available to us. You will also be able to see closing dates for vacancies on Oriel.

How do I apply?

Oriel is the recruitment portal to be used for applying.

Applications will only be accepted using Oriel. CVs will not be accepted at any stage of the recruitment process.

The specialty I want to apply to is not listed in the vacancies on the Health Education East of England website.

There will usually be 2 rounds of recruitment in a year.  Each of these rounds will have posts re-advertised if there are still gaps to fill.

If the specialty you wish to apply to is not listed in the current live round, it may be available in subsequent recruitment phases and we advise you to check our website regularly. It may be that the specialty you want to apply for is recruited to elsewhere nationally; please see the Specialty Training Website for details

I missed the closing date, can I still apply?

​Should any vacancies be available in the re-advertised recruitment round you will be welcome to apply at that stage.

Health Education England East of England, Lead LETB’s and Colleges have strict policies and will not accept applications after the submission date and time.

How many applications can I submit?
There are no restrictions on the number of specialties you can apply to. However, it is important you ensure you meet the essential criteria for each specialty. You can check on the Specialty Training Website and viewing the person specification for the specialty you want to apply for. Applicants can only submit a maximum of one application for each advertised vacancy

Who is eligible for the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)?

Health Education England - East of England 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 GIS , there will be an option for you to indicate that you would like to be considered under the scheme on your application form. If you indicate via your application form that you would like to be considered under the scheme, provided that you meet the minimum criteria at application and selection testing stages, you will be automatically invited to interview.

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 GIS but do not specify that you have a disability in your application form you cannot be considered under the scheme.

How to apply

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 Handbook a useful resource.

Are person specifications different for each region?

Person specifications are national documents provided by Health Education England. 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 2019 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.

The Applicant Handbook 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 HEE Specialty Training website, to ensure you meet the criteria required for entry to the specialty/level to which you are applying. 

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

The Applicant Handbook has a section on Guidance for Overseas Nationals. 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.

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.

Can I amend my application form once it has been submitted?
 
You will only be able to amend your contact details and referee’s. You will not be able to amend any other section of the application form once you have submitted it. Therefore it is extremely important for you to read through your application carefully prior to submission. Once submitted your application will be automatically acknowledged. Please note this does not indicate that you are deemed eligible to proceed to shortlisting
Competences

Evidence of Foundation Competence

All applicants to CT1/ST1 posts are required to provide evidence of achievement of Foundation Competence within the 3 years prior to the intended commencement date for the advertised post(s).

The acceptable methods for demonstrating Foundation Competences are:

1. Currently on a Foundation Programme

Applicants currently undertaking a recognised foundation programme in the UK [1]   which is due to finish in August 2019, will need to confirm the name of their Foundation School but do not need to submit any other evidence at the point of application. Any offer of a training programme will be conditional upon successful completion of the Foundation Programme and being awarded a Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion (FPCC) before August 2019.

2. Already completed a Foundation Programme

Applicants who have already completed a UK Foundation Programme within the 3½ years prior to the commencement date of the post to which you are applying, we will ask you to confirm that you have been awarded an FPCC (or FACD 5.2 for those who completed Foundation prior to August 2017).  You must attach a scanned copy of your FPCC to your application.  You will be expected to provide the original certificate at a later date

3. Currently on a Specialty Training Programme

Applicants currently in active clinical or clinical and academic practice in a UK educationally approved training post (CT/ST/LAT or equivalent), holding either a National Training Number (NTN) or Deanery Reference Number (DRN) will be considered as having had their foundation competences assessed on entry to their current post and do not need to demonstrate these again, regardless of when foundation competences were signed off. Applicants in this category, who relinquish their NTN or DRN between the time of application and commencement will be required to submit an Alternative Certificate of Foundation Competence for the period out of training.

Applicants who do not fall into any of the above categories will be required to submit an Alternative Certificate of Foundation Competence signed by a consultant who has supervised them for at least 3 months (whole time equivalent and continuous period) since 1st January 2015. Applicants may submit multiple Alternative Certificates, from different posts to show evidence of achievement of all competences. All submitted certificates must relate to posts undertaken for at least 3 months (whole time equivalent and a continuous period) since January 2015. Scanned copies of the certificates MUST be attached to the Oriel application form. Original document(s) will be requested at a later date.

When submitting an Alternative Certificate, all competences must be signed as achieved at the time of application.

Alternative Certificates will be accepted where the assessed post has been wholly undertaken in the 3½ years prior to the commencement of the training post to which the applicant is applying; even if the form is not the one dated 2018. Applicants to General Practice are given an extended deadline. Full guidance is available from the General Practice National Recruitment Office.

The Alternative Certificate should not be used by trainees to circumnavigate the 2 year Foundation Programme early.

Alternative certificates should be uploaded to Oriel and attached to the application form, prior to submission.

The only exception to this is if you are a refugee. Refugees are advised to contact the recruiting organisation for further guidance but should submit an Alternative Certificate, if possible.

In addition, applicants are required to have had 12 months experience after achieving full GMC registration, or equivalent by the start date for the post they are applying for.


[1]: UK Affiliated Foundation Programmes include those in Malta.  The Maltese Foundation School awards FACD 5.2 to the same standards as other UK Foundation Schools and as such is considered equivalent.

I’m applying for CT/ST2 level jobs, what evidence do I need to provide?

In order for an applicant to submit an eligible application for a specialty, you must demonstrate you have achieved the required competency to the level you are applying.

Only the following documents will be accepted:

  • ARCP documents
  • Alternative Certificate of Core Competence

I’m applying for CT/ST3+ level jobs, what evidence do I need to provide?

In order for your application to be eligible, you must demonstrate you have achieved the required competency to the level you are applying.

Only the following documents will be accepted:

  • ARCP documents
  • Alternative Certificate of Core Competence

All competences forms are available here: https://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/Resources-Bank

Interviews

Where will my interview be held?

IN 2021 THERE WILL BE NO FACE TO FACE INTERVIEWS ALL INTERVIEWS WILL BE VIRTUAL USING MICROSOFT TEAMS.  PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE THIS CAPABILITY 

Please check your interview confirmation for details of interview venue, but most HEEoE specialty interviews will take place at:

Victoria House - West Wing, Capital Park​, Fulbourn, Cambridge​, CB21 5XA

Click here for directions.

Upon gaining a place at interview,  you should receive an e-mail confirming the date, and location of your interview. It is your responsibility to ensure that you arrive at the correct time, and that you are in the right location.  If you experience any problems getting to the venue please contact the recruitment team to notify if you are going to be late or unable to attend.

Are there parking facilities at the venue?

No. We have a disabled parking space and very limited staff parking spaces only. 

Will refreshments be available?

Please be aware that there are no food or hot beverage facilities available at Victoria House West Wing.  Water coolers are placed around the building for candidates to use freely. Please feel free to bring food and/or beverages with you if you feel you will need it.

What do stations at interview comprise of and what knowledge/competencies are most frequently assessed?

The structure and content of interviews will vary across specialties and levels. The interview could include a scenario where you are asked to respond to a clinical professional situation. This could be through oral questions or through a written exercise before you meet the interview panel. In some instances, you may be asked to demonstrate a practical skill. The invitation to interview will explain what will be required from you at the interview.

Will interviewers know if I have applied for more than one specialty?

All specialties use core questions and scoring criteria and are extremely unlikely to ask you specifically if you have applied to another specialty.

How do interviewers decide between very similar candidates?

Appointments to training programmes or posts will be offered to the people who ranked the highest at interview. Not all candidates deemed eligible for appointment by their interview panel will be offered a post. This is because there could be several eligible applicants for a particular post, in which case, the post will be offered to the person with the highest score and who gave the programme the highest ranking.

Can I apply for travel costs incurred whilst travelling to interviews?

HEE are introducing a new online expenses system, Selenity, for candidate and panel member interview expenses which will come into effect on 1st January 2019.  Guidance has been produced on what you can claim, how to set up your online account and submit claims. Please follow the link below and see the section called: Expenses:  

https://specialtytraining.hee.nhs.uk/Resources-Bank

ALL CLAIMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE INTERVIEW DATE.  ANY RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

If you have any queries regarding the claiming of expenses please contact recruitment.eoe@hee.nhs.uk

What do I do if I wish to withdraw from the process?

You can withdraw your application at any stage of the process however you must inform the organisation to which you have applied immediately so that your application is not processed to the next stage.

If you wish to reject any offer made, you must do so within the 48 hour response time or it will be assumed you have declined the offer and it will be withdrawn

Can I have the names of the panel members who will be interviewing me?

To ensure the process if fair and equitable for everyone, individual panel member names are not released. This information can be provided to you at the interview, if requested.

 

Offers

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 Handbook  for further details.

Can I choose where I work if successful at gaining an offer of a post?

Applicants may wish to preference a particular geography within the East of England. Applicants are able to select a number of geographical preferences via the Oriel System, and are advised to preference all locations of interest. Following the interviews allocation to posts will be based on the candidates interview score, ranking order and location preferences.

Will my offer include details of where I will be based?

We will endeavour to give you as much information as possible in your offer email. As a principle your offer letter is likely to include the subunit of application that you have been allocated to. Please try and be patient when waiting for details of the Trust you have been allocated, we will update you as soon as we are given this information from your Training Programme Director. 

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 no longer 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 if I want to work less than full time?

Please see Less Than Full Time Training information on our website to ensure you are eligible to apply.

If you are trying to enter specialty training but are unable to train full time, you may apply for less than full-time training (LTFT), providing you can show that training on a full-time basis would not be practical for you for well-founded reasons. Well-founded reasons may include, for example, disability, ill health, carer’s responsibilities, religious commitments and unique opportunities for personal or professional development.

Less than full-time training must meet the same requirements in specialty and general practice training as full-time training, except that there will be fewer hours of work per week.

Please note that you will need to secure a full time post in open competition before you can make an application to work LTFT. You should apply for eligibility in a LETB/Deanery ahead of this and indicate your desire to work less than full time on your application form.

F​orm R’s and National Training Numbers (NTN)

Upon accepting a training post you will be required to complete a Form R in order to be issued with your National Training Number.

Form R information is collected and processed by The Programme and Information team, who are based at Victoria House. They will contact you directly during June/July regarding this. If you have any queries regarding the Form R or receiving your National Training Number, please email the data team in the first instance edit.eoe@hee.nhs.uk

 

Friday, 30 November, 2018
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