National Survey of Trainers 2010

The National Survey of Trainers collects trainers' views on three key issues:

• how effectively trainers feel they perform their duties
• how these duties are recognised in their job plans and training
• the level of support trainers feel they receive

The National Surveys of Trainers is a key opportunity for trainers to tell the regulator about their experiences as a trainer. Whether these are about a need for more time in job plans, more support from the local deanery or education providers, the survey provides the platform trainers need to voice their views. Outcomes help the regulator inform improvements in support for trainers.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, NHS Employers, COPMeD, PMETB and GMC recently came together to discuss the need for improved support for the role of the trainer. Read the joint statement (pdf) issued around this in November 2009.

How the survey benefits training

Results from the trainers’ survey will be used in the context of other evidence to inform development and improvement in the quality assurance of the UK’s specialty including GP, and foundation training.

For consultants and GP trainers, the survey results will demonstrate both their experiences and those of their trainees, as well as the priority given to training within their organisation.

The results will complement this year’s trainee survey and be a vital contribution to the national quality assurance of postgraduate medical education and training.

Why every submission counts

By completing the survey you will help ensure that we can:

• provide a report on training in particular specialties, deaneries and NHS organisations
• enable employers to compare their training standards against each other in order to identify any shortfalls
• give consultants and GP trainers the chance to voice any concerns at local and national levels
• identify areas where trainers need improved support or resources

Note: This use of trainers’ survey data will only be possible if enough trainers send us their responses. Please ensure that you and trainers around you complete a survey form as soon as possible.

Who is required to take part in the trainer survey? For the purpose of this survey, trainers are defined as: All clinical supervisors All educational supervisors; and All approved GP trainers (including GPs with foundation trainees)

What to expect from the survey

The National Training Surveys are online. Trainers will be issued an invitation to take part by email. The survey is multiple choice questions including general questions about training, followed by specialty specific questions. There is also some opportunity to provide further comments.

The 2010 trainers’ survey questions address areas including:

• Patient safety
• Quality assurance, review and evaluation
• Delivery of curriculum, including assessment
• Support and development of trainees, trainers and local faculty
• Educational resources and capacity

Survey reports 2010

The reports from the 2010 National Training Surveys are now available via the reporting tool.  

The National Surveys 2010: Key findings document (pdf) shows national trends from this years trainers’ and trainees’ surveys.