Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated senior doctor in training (ST4 or above or equivalent) with an interest in leadership, management, and quality improvement to join University College London Hospital as a chief registrar. Successful applicants will work in a leadership role across one of the three Boards: Medicine, Specialist Hospitals, or Surgery and Cancer.
The chief registrar role will suit trainees who:o want to learn about leadership and gain senior leadership experienceo are comfortable working in uncertain environments and across traditional boundarieso relish the opportunity to develop their own ideas and initiativeso are committed to and passionate about improving the NHS.
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's) 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 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.
Key duties includeo leading service improvement and quality improvement initiativeso using data to diagnose problems and evaluate changeo delivering tangible operational and patient-experience outcomeso regularly attending departmental and divisional meetingso representing resident doctor perspectives at Trust-level forumso engaging in reflective leadership developmento completing the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Chief Registrar development programmeo supporting an excellent training experience for resident doctorso helping improve efficiency and reduce wasteo mentoring other resident doctors and engaging with postgraduate medical education structures.o acting as a bridge between resident doctors, senior clinical leaders, and managers, improving communication, engagement, and morale across the medical workforce.
About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more informationregardingthe main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
Please note, due toanticipatedhigh volumes of applications, this vacancy may close earlier than the listed closing date.You areadvised not todelaysubmittingyour completed application
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 (up to ST8) Working full time or less than full time Who have full GMC registration.
Nodal point 4 (MT04)Nodal point 5 only paid to ST6 plus
Applications from internal candidates and applicants due to join UCLH from Aug 2026 will be prioritised.
This is a fixed-term role for 12 months. For those with an NTN, the role can be undertaken in programme (by moving to LTFT), 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.
The chief registrar post is a 12-month appointment open to doctors from any medical specialty who have not yet completed training or taken up a consultant post. Clinical work remains within the individuals parent specialty and accounts for approximately 5060% of their time, with the remainder protected for chief registrar responsibilities. The role may be undertaken in-programme or out-of-programme, subject to local agreement and training approval.Chief registrars are accountable to the Medical Director (or nominated deputy) of the relevant Board and are supported by a named mentor and educational supervisor.
The role is based across Trust sites as required and includes participation in on-call rotas where appropriate.
The postholder is expected to demonstrate leadership capability, professionalism, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, safeguarding, and continuous improvement. Duties may evolve in response to organisational needs, and performance is reviewed through appraisal and agreed objectives.
Further information about the Chief Registrar Programme is available at:
https://www.rcp.ac.uk/events-and-education/education-and-professional-development/leadership-cpd-courses/chief-registrar-programme/
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
*UCLH top trust to work at in England- In the most recentNHS staff surveyUCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.
UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit:Flexible working.
To discover more about what makes UCLHa great placeto work, visit:Why Choose UCLH?
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more informationregardingthe main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
Please note, due toanticipatedhigh volumes of applications, this vacancy may close earlier than the listed closing date.You areadvised not todelaysubmittingyour completed application
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 (up to ST8) Working full time or less than full time Who have full GMC registration.
Nodal point 4 (MT04)Nodal point 5 only paid to ST6 plus
Applications from internal candidates and applicants due to join UCLH from Aug 2026 will be prioritised.
This is a fixed-term role for 12 months. For those with an NTN, the role can be undertaken in programme (by moving to LTFT), 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.
The chief registrar post is a 12-month appointment open to doctors from any medical specialty who have not yet completed training or taken up a consultant post. Clinical work remains within the individuals parent specialty and accounts for approximately 5060% of their time, with the remainder protected for chief registrar responsibilities. The role may be undertaken in-programme or out-of-programme, subject to local agreement and training approval.Chief registrars are accountable to the Medical Director (or nominated deputy) of the relevant Board and are supported by a named mentor and educational supervisor.
The role is based across Trust sites as required and includes participation in on-call rotas where appropriate.
The postholder is expected to demonstrate leadership capability, professionalism, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, safeguarding, and continuous improvement. Duties may evolve in response to organisational needs, and performance is reviewed through appraisal and agreed objectives.
Further information about the Chief Registrar Programme is available at:
https://www.rcp.ac.uk/events-and-education/education-and-professional-development/leadership-cpd-courses/chief-registrar-programme/
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
*UCLH top trust to work at in England- In the most recentNHS staff surveyUCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.
UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit:Flexible working.
To discover more about what makes UCLHa great placeto work, visit:Why Choose UCLH?
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Full registration with General Medical Council
- Be fit to practise
- 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 be expected to leave the programme before completion
- Must have approval of TPD to apply (NTNs)
Desirable
- Additional relevant degree (intercalated, masters or doctorate)
Experience
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
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
Quality/Service improvement
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
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 or diploma courses in education
- Action learning sets / simulation instructor
Team working, leading and managing others
Essential
- Can build effective teams and partnerships
- Ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams
- Understands and values contributions of others
- Ability to show leadership, make decisions, organise and motivate other team members through, for example, quality improvement.
Values
Essential
- Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving
Communication
Essential
- Clarity in written / spoken communication
Desirable
- Leadership skills gained within the NHS or elsewhere
- Writing experience: oclinical and/or non-clinical topics
- Writing experience: opeer-reviewed publications and/or other communication (e.g. blog, letters to journals)
Personal and People Development
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
Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Demonstrable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Full registration with General Medical Council
- Be fit to practise
- 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 be expected to leave the programme before completion
- Must have approval of TPD to apply (NTNs)
Desirable
- Additional relevant degree (intercalated, masters or doctorate)
Experience
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
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
Quality/Service improvement
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
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 or diploma courses in education
- Action learning sets / simulation instructor
Team working, leading and managing others
Essential
- Can build effective teams and partnerships
- Ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams
- Understands and values contributions of others
- Ability to show leadership, make decisions, organise and motivate other team members through, for example, quality improvement.
Values
Essential
- Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving
Communication
Essential
- Clarity in written / spoken communication
Desirable
- Leadership skills gained within the NHS or elsewhere
- Writing experience: oclinical and/or non-clinical topics
- Writing experience: opeer-reviewed publications and/or other communication (e.g. blog, letters to journals)
Personal and People Development
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
Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Demonstrable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
