This document outlines the shared principles and obligations for institutions, funders and clinical trainees involved in UK clinical academic training. It aims to ensure that trainees supported by nationally competitive funding receive consistent, high-quality support throughout their academic and clinical development.
Summary
This publication sets out expectations across three key stakeholder groups:
- institutions responsible for clinical academic training
- clinical academic trainees
- research funders supporting clinical academic pathways
Key findings
- Clinical academic training must be flexible, personalised and jointly overseen by academic and clinical leads.
- Trainees should receive protected time for research, high-quality mentorship and access to relevant skills training.
- Occupational benefits such as family leave and sick pay must be preserved when trainees move between NHS and academic employers.
- Institutions must promote diversity and inclusion across all levels of clinical academic training.
- Funders have committed to supporting trainees through tailored policies and expect adherence to these principles as a condition of funding.
Recommendations
- Institutions should ensure integrated, competency-based training with clear performance expectations and robust support structures.
- Trainees must take responsibility for their development, engage fully with training, and support junior colleagues.
- Funders should provide clear, stage-appropriate guidance and monitor adherence to these principles.
- All parties should collaborate to track career progression and share best practice.
- Regional and national agreements should be developed to embed occupational protections as standard practice.
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