Guide news
All Latest News →Current developments
Investment in SAS and LED development supports retention in Romford
Royal College of PhysiciansRCPCH responds to the Medical Training Prioritisation Act
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child HealthFlagship practical guide
Navigating the NHS
Clear, everyday guidance for international, locally employed and SAS doctors—from planning a move to building a senior, sustainable career.
A free practical programme
Use it for one decision—or complete all twelve chapters
Each chapter begins with a quick answer and immediate actions, then provides substantial teaching, realistic NHS situations, a downloadable article, reflection, evidence prompts and a six-question knowledge check. Work through the chapters in order for a complete pathway, or use the starting-point tool for a current problem.
Orientate
Read the short answer and identify which decision you are actually making.
Learn
Work through the detailed sections, examples and practical scripts.
Apply
Use the chapter PDF or workbook with your own current evidence.
Check
Complete the questions and follow the targeted revision advice.
Your guide progress
0 of 12 chapters completed
Progress storage is off. You can still complete every knowledge check, but results will not be remembered.
0/5Coming to the UK0/3Working in the NHS0/4Building your career
Find my starting point
What are you trying to do now?
Choose the closest situation. This directs you to useful chapters; it does not decide your regulatory, immigration, employment or career route.
Complete guide
A practical map, not another textbook
The online guide is intentionally shorter than the book. It helps readers understand the decision, take the next step and reach the correct current source.
A
Coming to the UK
01
Planning to work in the UKStart with the route, the evidence and the likely cost before booking examinations or making a move.
→02GMC registration, PLAB and English testsUnderstand what PLAB proves, which alternatives may apply and what the licence does not prove.
→03Finding and choosing an NHS jobSearch official portals, read beneath the title and check whether the post is safe and developmental.
→04Applications, CVs and interviewsMake your evidence easy to score and your judgement easy to understand.
→05Moving to and living in the UKPlan immigration, money, housing, family and everyday administration as one household decision.
→B
Working in the NHS
06
Starting work safelyTurn an offer into a safe first day through written scope, induction, access and named support.
→07Understanding NHS employmentRead contracts, rotas, pay, job plans and appraisal as connected parts of working life.
→11When work becomes difficultProtect patients, preserve evidence and use the route that can make the decision you need.
→C
Building your career
08
Locally employed doctors and job titlesUnderstand what LED means, decode local titles and keep a temporary post from becoming an accidental career.
→09Building a career as a SAS doctorDevelop autonomy, evidence, leadership and professional contribution without treating SAS as a waiting room.
→10Preparing for a Specialist roleConnect capability, a defined scope and service need—then make the evidence coherent.
→12Leadership and a sustainable careerBuild influence, boundaries and a working life that can last.
→Six practical workbooks
Turn reading into a decision record
Print them, type separately or use the prompts in supervision. Do not enter patient-identifiable or unnecessarily sensitive personal information.
Workbook 01 · Chapters 1-2
UK Entry and GMC Registration Planner
Choose the correct route, assemble documents, sequence applications and build a realistic cost and timing plan.
Download PDF ↓Workbook 02 · Chapters 3-4NHS Job Choice, Application and Interview Workbook
Compare posts, map the person specification, prepare evidence and rehearse safer interview answers.
Download PDF ↓Workbook 03 · Chapters 5-6Moving to the UK and First 90 Days Pack
Plan the household move, first-month administration, induction, scope, supervision and early reviews.
Download PDF ↓Workbook 04 · Chapter 7NHS Employment and Professional Infrastructure Workbook
Audit the contract, rota, payslip, pension, appraisal, study leave, job planning and revalidation arrangements.
Download PDF ↓Workbook 05 · Chapters 8-10LED and SAS Career Pathway Workbook
Decode the current role, prevent career drift and plan evidence for SAS, Specialist or Portfolio Pathway progression.
Download PDF ↓Workbook 06 · Chapter 11Workplace Difficulty and Support Planner
Separate urgent safety from employment and regulatory issues, build a factual chronology and identify appropriate support.
Download PDF ↓Official job portals
Find NHS jobs without chasing stale listings
Create an account, save accurate employment history and use alerts for several relevant titles. The guide explains what to check before you apply or accept.
Before applying
- Save the job description
- Read the person specification
- Check rota and senior cover
- Confirm supervision and appraisal
- Ask about visa sponsorship if needed
The deeper companion
Surviving and Thriving in the NHS
This guide is adapted from Dr N Aziz's published book. The website gives concise, current signposting; the book explores the reasoning, cases, risks and practical frameworks in much greater depth.