Responsibilities of the Externality Lead include:
- To support in the recruitment of Specialty Assessors and to endorse and encourage the work of the specialty assessor group
- Conduct annual specialty assessor report to provide SEAC with relevant data and feedback on good practice and concerns
- Attend regular meetings of the Specialty Education Advisory Committee and provide regular updates
- To be a point of contact for the Specialty Training Manager who acts as the Externality Administrator
The Specialty Education Advisory Committee is responsible for the content, structure and delivery of the Specialty Training Programme and advises on the eligibility of doctors for the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). SEAC meets four times a year (three online meetings and one in person meeting).
This appointment is for a three-year term and will be appointed by interview.
UK Fellows and Members in a current substantive post at Consultant or SAS level are eligible to apply for this position.
Please see the role description, person specifications and other information at the bottom of the page.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the form via the button below. Once completed, you will be asked to share a CV with us.
Should you have any additional enquiries please email specialtytrainingcct@rcog.org.uk
Application deadline: Monday 21 September 2026
What our volunteers say
"Networking with colleagues, feeling part of the important work being done by the College and being recognised for your contribution. It makes me feel so honoured and valued"
"Volunteering gives you the opportunity to develop personally through sharing your experiences and supports you to maintain your wellbeing by having time to relax among friends who understand the work you do"
"These relationships have been some of the most rewarding in my career. I would thoroughly recommend these roles to any aspiring colleagues with an interest in education and training"
"In my personal experience, committee roles and experiences gave me more motivation and passion to remain involved as an effective mentor, educator and trainer for my trainees"
Role description
Externality Lead| Specialty Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Specialty Education Advisory Committee
Three-year term
- To provide effective support to the RCOG Specialty Assessors and to the Specialty Training Manager on issues relating to Externality,
- To produce an annual report for SEAC that provides an overview of externality activity, identifying trends, highlighting examples of good practice, and drawing attention to any areas of concern.
- Support the Specialty Assessors
- Promote the role of Specialty Assessor and participate in recruitment
- Advise on training, resources and quality assurance
- Attend SEAC meetings to discuss relevant issues relating to Externality
- Participate in regular reviews of the Externality Policy and associated guidance
- Provide an annual report to SEAC
- Work with the Specialty Training Manager
- Members of the Specialty Education Advisory Committee
- Specialty Assessors
- Specialty Training Manager
The nature of the role means that the Externality Lead will be required to handle a fluctuating workload. It is up to the candidate to discuss and agree this with their NHS employer.
This role reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop the role description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder. The role description will be re-evaluated at the end of the term.
Person specification
- MRCOG/FRCOG
- Registered with a licence to practice with GMC, in good standing
- Substantive consultant in Obstetrics &/or Gynaecology in UK NHS Practice
- Evidence of annual appraisal
- Evidence of equal opportunities and diversity training within previous 3 years
- GMC recognised Educational Supervisor
- Extensive involvement in training in an educational/deanery capacity (Head of School/Training Programme Director/ Educational Supervisor/ College Tutor/ Subspecialty Assessor
- Must be familiar with the Gold Guide to Specialty Training
- Involvement in the Deanery structure, education governance and ARCP panels
- Management of education at regional level
An interest and an understanding of the issues relating to ARCP panels and externality
CPD information
Information about the RCOG CPD Framework can be found here.
Committee Chair/Member/Course Convenors and Organisers
If within your committee role or work as course convenor or organiser you gain knowledge which enhances patient care or leadership and technical skills (including, for example, giving presentations, teaching sessions or mock examining) credits can be claimed as an ‘Experiential Learning Event’.
CPD users can now freely select and record the number of credits for all their CPD activities. For Experiential Learning Events, a Reflection is required to claim the selected credits. In addition, 1 or 2 credits can be claimed for an action following the learning (1 credit for a simple action, 2 credits for a complex action). To claim credits for an action, the individual needs to demonstrate how they have applied their learning to their practice, the service they provide and/or the potential impact of the learning.
For those who prefer to follow RCOG recommendations, the CPD Framework still provides a suggested number of credits that can be claimed for different CPD activities.
Further information can be found in the RCOG CPD Framework document.
Volunteering with the RCOG is a rich and rewarding experience which offers a range of professional and personal benefits:
- Professional recognition
- Build networks and friendships
- Career development
- Make meaningful change
- Wellbeing