About the survey

  1. Summary
  2. About the survey
  1. How we define the SAS and LE doctor population

What we asked

Before developing this survey, we spoke to SAS and LE doctors and the key organisations that work with them. We used their feedback to develop a comprehensive question set that reflected their views.

Question themes included:

  • Career development and access to training
  • Awareness and implementation of the SAS charters
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Team working and support in the workplace
  • Bullying and undermining
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)/Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR)
  • Burnout.

The full question set.

What we found

Over 6000 SAS and LE doctors from across the UK took part in our survey. Their responses gave us a snapshot of their experiences and the specific challenges they face.

Our findings show that SAS and LE doctors are contributing a great deal to working and training environments. The majority are taking on activities and responsibilities in addition to patient care, and many are involved in training other medical professionals, including medicine undergraduates and doctors on formal training programmes.

Many of the doctors surveyed indicated that they are satisfied with their SAS or LE role and feel supported by colleagues and leaders where they work. However, a significant proportion told us that they face challenges related to their role. These include:

  • difficulties accessing training and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
  • unsupportive work environments and bullying and undermining
  • awareness of and access to SAS specific guidance and support is inconsistent
  • feeling burnt out due to their work.

Our SAS and LE doctor initial findings report explores these key areas in more detail, and explains what what we intend to do next. It's accompanied by an online reporting tool with aggregated data from the survey responses.

What's next?

The findings from this survey have improved our evidence base on SAS and LE doctors. We are now working with key stakeholders from the four UK countries to make sure that this feedback is used to drive lasting and meaningful changes for doctors working in these roles.

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Related content

How to contact us if you have any questions about the survey If you have any questions about the survey please email us.
Raise a concern about a doctor Read our guidance on raising a concern about an individual doctor.
Health and wellbeing support for all doctors If you’re worried about your health or think you’re experiencing burnout, find out about the support available to you.