Types of training programme
A Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) is
awarded on successful completion of higher specialist training.
‘Type 1' programmes lead to the award of the CCST- normally held by
Specialist and Visiting Specialist Registrars who are issued with NTN/VTNs.
‘Type 2’ programmes do not lead to the award of the CCST-normally held by
trainees in Fixed Term Training Appointments (FTTAs) who are issued with FTNs.
Locum Appointment for Training posts do not lead to the award of the CCST
but can count towards this if prospectively approved by the relevant
College/Faculty. No training number issued.
The Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA) process
The Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA) is an annual review of the progress
of a trainee through the Specialist Registrar grade. All trainees holding a
National or Visiting Training Number (NTN/VTN), or Fixed Term Training Number (FTN),
or LAT (Locum Appointment for Training) are reviewed. The purpose of RITA is to
ensure that trainees are making satisfactory progress with their training, that
they are able to move to the next year of training and that they are satisfied
with the progress they have made.
Each specialty has a Speciality Training Committee (STC) within the region which
organises higher specialist training programmes and conducts the annual
assessments for Specialist Registrars. Each STC’s membership includes junior
doctor representation.The review process is carried out by a small panel, which
includes the STC Chairman or Specialty Adviser, and training programme
directors. The review is based on the information and evidence received
(including log books) from any local assessment . Currently for most trainees it
is the only formal assessment they have with the exception of examinations. Each
specialty establishes fixed times during the training programme when the RITA
panel or a sub-committee will meet with the trainee in person to discuss their
training programme. There are seven forms (A-G) available for the RITA process
(see below). Appeals may be made if a trainee disagrees with a decision to
intensify or target training, or delay the CCST date. Full details can be found
in the
Guide to Specialist Registrar Training (Orange Guide).
Form A - Core information on the trainee, issued on appointment and once
signed by trainee and Training Programme Director/STC Chairman, sent to relevant
Faculty/College to register start of training
Form B - Used to record changes in core information
Form C - Record of Satisfactory Progress within the Specialist Registrar
grade
Form D - Recommendation for Targeted Training -stage 1 of ‘required
additional training’'
Form E - Recommendation for Intensified Supervision/Repeated Experience-
stage 2, `required additional training'
Form F - Record of Out-of-Programme experience
Form G - Final Record of Satisfactory Progress