By Professor Madapura Shashidhara, SAS development programme lead, NHSE North West, and Dr Aruna Hodgson, associate dean (hospital and community) NHSE North West.
As the SAS development programme lead for NHS England North West, and an associate specialist in anaesthetics at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a transformative journey for SAS doctors across our region. For too long, the vital contributions of specialty, specialist and associate specialist (SAS) doctors have been under-recognised. Today, through a strategic partnership with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), we are changing that narrative.
The NHSE NW SAS Development vision and objectives
Our vision statement and objectives are very clear. The regional SAS Development Programme is built on a simple but powerful principle: unlocking SAS potential through recognition, leadership and opportunity. With over 30 SAS tutors, specialty leads and 39 portfolio pathway champions, we’ve created a robust support network that spans the North West.
The collaboration with the RCP has been instrumental. Together, we’ve launched a suite of CPD-accredited programmes that blend academic excellence with practical relevance. The flagship RCP Leadership Programme for SAS Doctors offers structured learning over 10 months, covering themes such as values-driven leadership, mentoring, change management and career progression. Delegates undertake impactful leadership projects aligned with trust priorities, and their efforts are fully reimbursed under a transparent standard operating procedure hosted by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
We’ve also introduced RCP teaching and supervisor workshops, equipping SAS doctors with the skills to become accredited educators and effective teachers. These initiatives are complemented by RCP mentor training, which builds mentoring capacity and supports career progression through the portfolio pathway (previously CESR) and specialist routes.
Our efforts align seamlessly with national strategies including the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (2023), the Fit for the Future 10-Year Health Plan (2024), the BMA SAS Charter and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) SAS Development Framework. We are proud to see:
- over 400 SAS doctors across NHSE North West now serve as educational or clinical supervisors
- 28 SAS doctors are enrolled in structured leadership development programmes for 2025–26
- a growing regional mentorship network is supporting portfolio progression and professional growth
- an increasing number of SAS doctors are stepping confidently into roles in leadership, education and quality improvement – shaping the future of healthcare together.
These outcomes reflect our commitment to recognition, retention and reform. They also reinforce the belief that SAS doctors are not just contributors – they are leaders, educators and architects of our NHS future.
As we often say:
‘Recognising autonomous practice is not about hierarchy – it’s about trust, fairness and the belief that SAS doctors are leaders of care, educators of teams and architects of our NHS future.’
Professor Madapura Shashidhara
SAS development programme lead, NHSE North West
