The following information has been designed as a guide for Trust Medical Staffing Departments when planning appointments.
The RCP has a statutory role to play in the appointment of consultants. The NHS (Appointment of Consultants) Good Practice Guidance, January 2005, can be found on the DoH web site:
AAC Regulations - Good Practice Guidance (PDF 172kb opens in new window)
Job Descriptions
Before posts are advertised Medical Staffing Departments should send job descriptions for Consultant, and Specialty Doctor posts to their Regional Advisers (not Specialty Advisers) for comments/advice.
RCP guidance on job descriptions/job plans and setting up an AAC
Academic Posts with Honorary Consultant Status
The College would strongly advise Universities wishing to appoint to Senior Academic posts with Honorary Consultant status to seek comments/advice from Regional Advisers on the clinical component of job descriptions. It should be noted that holders of honorary contracts cannot fill paid NHS consultant posts without fulfilling the provision of the regulations. Universities should also bear in mind the great importance attached by the profession to the inclusion of a College representative on AACs for senior clinical academic staff.
Further information and advice
Email: aac@rcplondon.ac.uk