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Overview 

SAS career development in Northern Ireland has continued to evolve since funding was first made available in 2020. Over successive years, SAS doctors and dentists have benefited from coordinated training, leadership development opportunities, bespoke funding, and recently a structured regional professional development programme supported by NIMDTA. 

 

SAS development funding was first made available by the Department of Health in 2020. Between 2020 and 2024, training was coordinated by Trust SAS Leads, with webinars and workshops forming the majority of development opportunities.

Training covered a wide range of professional and clinical development areas:

 

Funded places were also provided for SAS doctors and dentists to attend multiprofessional leadership training, and a bespoke SAS leadership programme with FMLM accreditation was developed.

 

From December 2024, under NIMDTA, SAS doctors and dentists gained access to a Regional SAS Professional Development Programme, delivered on an annual, rolling basis.

This programme continued established training opportunities while also providing ongoing, structured support for career development.

 

For the first time, individual SAS doctors and dentists were able to apply for funding to support bespoke development projects through the SAS Development Fund. These projects may involve: 

  • Extending clinical skills or roles 
  • Developing new or improving existing clinical services 
  • Contributing to the wider HSC system 

Funding applies where support is not otherwise available through local study leave budgets.

 

 

SAS Development 2025–2026 (Current) 

During 2025–2026, the Regional SAS Professional Development Programme continues to build on previous years, with a focus on: 

  • Sustained access to a rolling programme of training and development opportunities 
  • Ongoing support for career progression, including preparation for Specialist posts and the Portfolio Pathway 
  • Continued availability of bespoke development funding for eligible individual applications 
  • Strengthened alignment with appraisal, revalidation and the GMC Generic Capabilities Framework 

Further refinement and expansion of programme content will ensure it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the SAS workforce in Northern Ireland. 

 

 

Looking Ahead: 2026–2027 and Beyond 

Planning for 2026–2027 is underway. Upcoming developments will continue to focus on: 

  • Enhancing leadership, education and service development opportunities for SAS doctors and dentists 
  • Strengthening support for SAS doctors contributing to system‑wide improvement and innovation 
  • Expanding access to high‑quality professional development aligned with career aspirations and service needs 
  • Sustaining a consistent, regionally coordinated approach to SAS career development 

Further details on new initiatives, events and opportunities for 2026–2027 will be shared as they become available.