Special Interest Training Modules (SITM) Officer | Special Interest Training Committee

Special Interest Training Modules (SITM) Officer, Special Interest Training Committee

Chair, Special Interest Training Committee

Three years from July 2024

The Special Interest Training Committee is responsible for ensuring that all special interest curricula relating to non-subspecialty training support the development of specialist skills and knowledge allowing trained doctors to offer the highest quality of patient care, both in the UK and internationally. It is responsible for developing Special Interest Training Modules (SITMs - formerly known as Advanced Training Skills Modules (ATSMs)) and inputting into Special Interest Professional Modules (SIPMs - formerly known as Advanced Professional Modules (APMs)) that fulfil the need of pre-CCT and post-CCT doctors. The Committee works closely with the Curriculum Committee and the Specialty Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).

1. Attend regular meetings of the Special Interest Training Committee and deputise for the Chair if necessary.
2. Keep the curriculum content and workplace-based assessment of the special interest modules under review.
3. Ensure the system for the quality assurance of SITM and SIPM programmes is ongoing.
4. Monitor the learning and assessment support specific to special interest curricula to the Education Support Group (for example RCOG Learning).
5. Liaise with local SITM Directors (formerly known as ATSM Directors), to ensure they are fully appraised of developments in SITM training and to advise on any issues raised.
6. Advise on issues relating to SITM programmes, delivery of SITM and SIPM training and SITM and SIPM curricula.
7. Offer advice to the Education Quality Assurance Committee (EQAC) to ensure that the appropriate relevant courses are in place for each SITM.
8. Be a member of the Special Interest Training Committee, be involved in developing modular training for UK trained doctors and overseas specialists and report formally on SITM training.
9. Attend the Curriculum Committee meetings.
10. Liaise with the Director of Education, Head of Specialty Education and Training, the Specialty Education and Training and Education Innovation Departments and Vice President for Education regarding future workforce requirements, current service considerations and implications for education, training and assessment in SITMs.

• Special Interest Training Committee
• Curriculum Committee
• SITM Directors
• Heads of School
• Relevant Specialist Societies 

The nature of the role means that the SITM Officer will be required to handle a fluctuating workload. It is up to the candidate to discuss and agree this with their NHS employer.

It will be a requirement of the role to attend the following RCOG meetings:

• Special Interest Training Committee (three times a year)
• Curriculum Committee (four times a year)
• Curriculum 2024 review group

The SITM Officer may be required to attend ad hoc meetings with other Chairs of RCOG Committees. These meetings may be held-face-to-face or virtual.

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.  

Essential

• FRCOG/MRCOG
• Registered with a licence to practice with GMC, in good standing
• Substantive consultant in obstetrics and/or gynaecology in UK NHS practice
• Evidence of annual appraisal
• Evidence of equal opportunities and diversity training within previous three years

Essential

• Experience in delivering SITMs or ATSMs
• Understanding of curriculum developments regarding special interest training modules
• Experience as a SITM/ATSM trainer

Desirable

• Experience as a current SITM/ATSM Preceptor or SITM/ATSM Director
• Knowledge and experience of postgraduate medical education, including the new GMC Standards for Curricula and Assessment Systems ‘Excellence by Design’ and the Generic Professional Capabilities Framework
• Good understanding of the principles of quality assurance and governance

• Good communication skills
• The ability to communicate with College Officers, Committee Chairs, Heads of Schools, and others concerned with advanced training
• An enthusiasm for development of SITM training and its support through appropriate representation and meetings and the time commitment as specified above

The 2019 RCOG CPD Guide 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’.

Reflection is required to claim credits for an Experiential Learning Event. 2 CPD credits are claimable following reflection. In addition 1 or 2 credits are claimable 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.

If you are still using the previous CPD ePortfolio, you can record any new learning that you gain within this role under ‘Reflective Learning’ in the personal/professional CPD category. For some specific activities, credits can be claimed without reflection*.

*

1 credit per hour in the national/international category for giving teaching sessions or leading a workshop on a course

5 credits in the national/international category for giving a formal presentation on a course

1 credit per hour in the national/international category for mock examining

A maximum of 25 credits in each five-year cycle applies for all presentations/teachings sessions given at national/international courses or conferences, and for formal and mock examining.