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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 University Hospitals Bristol and Weston as a chief registrar.
The chief registrar role provides senior doctors in training 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’s) bespoke development programme will be put into practice in a supported environment that provides autonomy and flexibility to develop projects that address key local challenges and priorities. This may include service improvement, engagement and morale, education and training, workforce, and sustainability.
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.
This is a fixed-term role for a 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) – permission to apply must be granted by the TPD.
Main duties of the job
The chief registrar role will suit resident doctors 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 their 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 the modules delivered as part of the RCP’s bespoke development programme. These modules cover key areas including leading change, team culture and development, quality improvement methods and frameworks, and developing self-awareness and understanding of others to enhance leadership effectiveness.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information about the role and the main responsibilities please refer to the Job Description or get in touch for a discussion.
Person specification
Research
Essential
- Understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
- Understanding of research methodology and ability to use basic qualitative and quantitative methods
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice
Desirable
- Evidence of relevant academic achievements, including publications/presentations
Qualifications
Essential
- Full registration with General Medical Council
- Be fit to practice
- Should be NTN ST4 or above - Can include Locally Employed Doctors at experience equivalent to ST4 or above
- Should not already hold a CCT or expected to complete training during the programme
- Must have approval of TPD to apply (NTNs)
- Evidence of satisfactory / more than satisfactory progress through training, including annual review of competence progression (ARCP) outcomes or appraisal
Desirable
- Additional relevant degree (intercalated, masters or doctorate)
Clinical Skills
Essential
- Evidence of clinical competencies in their specialty appropriate for their stage in training (or equivalent)
- An appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
- Ability to prioritise clinical need
- Ability to maximise safety and minimise risk
- Ability to work without supervision where appropriate
Education and Teaching
Essential
- Evidence of interest in and experience of teaching
- Evidence of positive feedback on teaching approaches
Desirable
- Development of teaching programmes
- Participation in teaching courses
- Participation in degree of diploma courses in education
- Action learning sets / simulation instructor
Leadership and Management
Essential
- Evidence of effective team working and leadership, supported by multi-source feedback or workplace-based assessments
- Self-awareness, with knowledge of personal strengths and weaknesses, impact and areas for development
- Interest in and knowledge of the importance of leadership and management for clinicians
Desirable
- Evidence of involvement in local management systems
- Evidence of effective leadership (e.g. evidence of leading innovations or improvements)
- Understanding of the local and national context of the NHS, including economic and political influences
Quality Service Improvement/Audit
Essential
- Understanding of clinical governance, including the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence-based practice, patient safety and quality improvement initiatives
- Evidence of active involvement in quality improvement, audit, research or other activity that focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement and innovation
- Interest in / knowledge of the delivery of safe, effective healthcare services
Desirable
- Evidence of a portfolio of audit / quality improvement projects, including evidence that the audit loop has been closed and evidence of learning about the principles of change management
- Evidence of publications / presentations / prizes in quality improvement or audit
- Good knowledge of the UK healthcare system, including education, research, service provision, regulation, career structures, medical politics and ethics
- Clear insight into issues facing UK healthcare services
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Chief Registrar with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust in Bristol, South West, England. It is listed as a Senior Medical doctor Leadership role. The advertised salary is £67,325 - £76,582 pa pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (Minimum 12 month contract). The application deadline is 03 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (22 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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