Survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression

The Medical Class of 2023 survey, which the College conducts alongside its sister Colleges in Glasgow and London, has found that less than half (44%) of newly-appointed consultant respondents were offered a mentor or equivalent support and just 21% of respondents knew that their trust/board had a new consultant development programme. More than a quarter (27%) said their trust/board did not have a programme and a large majority (86%) felt that it would have been beneficial to them. 

The percentage of newly-appointed consultants who responded to the survey that were offered a mentor or equivalent support remains unchanged at just 44%. Of those who were offered such support, 73% took up the offer and 89% found it helpful. 

The top five areas of support respondents would expect from their employer at the beginning of their post were appraisal guidance, job planning support and review, mentorship programme, guidance for managing complaints and specific formal induction for new consultants. 

74% of respondents had a job planning meeting prior to or at the start of their consultant post – up 9% on last year. Just 4% received pension advice at the start of their post. 

Almost half of respondents (49%) said they found the transition from resident doctor to consultant very or quite easy, 35% found it neither easy nor difficult, and 16% found it quite or very difficult. 

The survey, which has monitored outcomes and emerging trends for CCT holders since 2009, also found that of those who undertook research during their training, the overwhelming majority (90%) said that it enhanced their training. 

46% of respondents undertook clinical research during their training. 

Almost half (48%) of respondents would like to do some or more research than they currently do but having no time in the working week and prioritising work-life balance were cited as the main barriers to this. 

The College is continuing to call for clinicians of all levels to have more opportunities to contribute to clinical research and training, including protected time in job plans. 

About the medical class of 2023 survey

This is the 16th survey reporting the experiences of, and outcomes for, CCT holders within one year of gaining their CCT. It covers physicians who gained their CCT in 2022. The survey was sent to all 1,096 physicians who gained a CCT in 2023 and 188 completed it fully, with a response rate of 17%. The survey was open for completion from February to March 2024. The full report can be downloaded below.