This page provides specific guidance on moving SpRs to the single version of the core curriculum and should be read in conjunction with the general RCOG guidance on implementing the single core curriculum.
The RCOG recognises that SpRs present more difficulties in changing to the core curriculum because there are more differences between the SpR curriculum and the ST curriculum – notably the introduction of mandatory ATSMs and two basic ultrasound modules. To attempt to define the extent and effect of the introduction of the single version of the curriculum on this group, the RCOG has identified approximate numbers of affected trainees through the RCOG database and contact with Deaneries.
How many SpRs are affected?
The RCOG has identified 78 SpRs, of whom 4 are not on Deanery databases, so 74 in total. 15 are in subspecialty training, 13 are in out of programme activities or on maternity leave, and we assume the rest are in active training. 32 are in their last year of training and so are excluded.
This leaves a total of 14 SpRs for whom provision will need to be made around the move to the single curriculum from August 2013.
How will the transfer of SpRs be managed?
In considering the transfer to the single version of the curriculum:
- The RCOG undertook a curriculum mapping exercise for those who have completed the SpR logbook (it is anticipated that this is the situation for most trainees); please see the RCOG’s full implementation plan for moving to the single version of the core curriculum (Excel document, 605 kb)
- Those who have not completed the SpR logbook will need to add any competencies not achieved in the SpR curriculum to those defined in the curriculum map
- Many of the competencies in the new logbook are not new competencies but rather are described in more detail – this is true for many obstetric and ultrasound competencies in particular
- All trainees will need to undertake 2 ATSMs
- We anticipate that the area of highest risk is the requirement to complete 2 ATSMs.
Key facts and recommendations
Number of SpRs affected by deanery
| Deanery |
Maternity leave |
OOP |
Need to move to single version August 2013 |
| East of England |
1 |
3 |
0 |
| KSS |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| London |
0 |
3 |
4 |
| Mersey |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Northern Ireland |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Northwest |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| West Midlands |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| West of Scotland |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| North of Scotland |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| Southeast of Scotland |
0 |
1 |
2 |
| Oxford |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Peninsula |
0 |
0 |
0 |
These trainees will need to discuss their transition with a senior deanery trainer. Going forward, those SpRs on OOP/maternity leave will also need to be aware of the need to change to the single version of the curriculum and should be approached to make sure they are aware of this.
Number of SpRs in each deanery who will need to move to the single version of the curriculum in August 2013 and who are registered for ATSMs
| Deanery |
Total |
ATSMs registered |
| London |
2 |
Yes |
| London |
2 |
No |
| Mersey |
1 |
No |
| Northern Ireland |
1 |
No |
| Northwestern |
1 |
Yes |
| Northwestern |
1 |
No |
| West Midlands |
1 |
Yes |
| West of Scotland |
1 |
No |
| North of Scotland |
1 |
Yes |
| North of Scotland |
1 |
No |
| Southeast of Scotland |
1 |
Yes |
| Southeast of Scotland |
1 |
No |
Heads of School have been informed who these trainees are and asked to contact them directly.
Number of SpRs in each deanery who are currently on OOP/maternity leave
| Deanery |
Total on OOP/maternity leave |
| East of England |
4 |
| KSS |
2 |
| London |
3 |
| West Midlands |
1 |
| West of Scotland |
1 |
| Southeast Scotland |
1 |
| Oxford |
1 |
Heads of School have been informed who these trainees are and asked to contact them directly to ensure they are aware of the new requirements when they return to training. The RCOG is unable to accurately determine the CCT date of these trainees – it is possible that some of them will be exempt if they are due to enter the final year of SpR training before 31 October 2013.