Chief Registrar Programme - 2026/2027

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated senior doctor in training (above ST4 or equivalent) with an interest in leadership, management, and quality improvement to join East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust as a chief registrar based at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

The chief registrar role provides senior trainees with 40-50% protected time to develop skills and confidence in leadership, management, and quality improvement. Learning that chief registrars gain from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) bespoke development programme will be put into practice in a supported environment that provides autonomy, flexibility, and support to develop and support projects that address key local challenges and priorities. This may include service improvement, engagement and morale, education and training, workforce, and sustainability.

Main duties of the job

The chief registrar role will suit trainees who:

• Want to learn about leadership and gain senior leadership experience
• Are comfortable working in uncertain environments and across traditional boundaries
• Relish the opportunity to develop their own ideas and initiatives
• Are committed to and passionate about improving the NHS.

The chief registrar will be mentored by a senior clinical leader within the organisation and gain a unique insight into NHS leadership and management processes, as well as deeper knowledge of NHS structures and stakeholders.

The chief registrar will be expected to attend modules delivered as part of the RCP’s bespoke development programme, which will cover, for example, change management, team culture and development, quality improvement, leadership, influencing and personal resilience.

Applications are open to senior trainees:

• National Training Number (NTN) ST4 level or above
• Locally Employed Doctors (LED) at equivalent experience of ST4 or above
• Working full time or less-than-full-time
• Who have full GMC registration.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is a fixed-term role for minimum of 12 months. For those with an NTN, the role can be undertaken in programme or out of programme (training or experience) and must be discussed with your educational supervisor and training programme director (TPD), and permission to apply must be granted by the TPD. For a discussion about the chief registrar post, especially those in LED posts, please contact Dr Stephen Wilson Chief of Medicine.