A Doctor's Guide to the SAS Advocate
HTML edition updated 9 September 2026. This is an educational planning aid, not an official application form or individual advice.
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SAS ADVOCATES | PRACTICAL RESOURCE
A Doctor's Guide to the SAS Advocate
Understand when an advocate may help, what to expect and which other service may be needed.
What this resource contains
Role and confidentiality prompts
Writing space for decisions or review
Independent source and boundary safeguards
Important
Independent general guidance. It does not replace clinical, employment, regulatory, immigration or legal advice. Do not include patient-identifiable or unnecessary colleague-identifiable information in worksheets.
Author: Dr N Aziz
Published and reviewed: 7 September 2026
Role boundary
The SAS Advocate supports, navigates, signposts and raises organisational themes. The role does not replace treatment, union representation, formal investigation or legal advice.
Before contact
What has happened?
What do I need from the conversation?
Is anyone at immediate risk?
Is there a deadline or formal process?
Which other adviser is already involved?
Questions for the advocate
What is your remit?
What do you record?
Who can see it?
What are the limits of confidentiality?
Can you support a contact or signpost representation?
How will we review next steps?
What the advocate cannot replace
Clinical treatment
Union or legal representation
Formal investigation
Defence-organisation advice
Emergency or safeguarding action
Source and confidentiality note
The role was developed through SAS contract reform. Local remit, coverage, line management and resources vary. Check the current joint BMA/NHS Employers SAS Advocate guidance and local agreement.
Confidentiality
Explain role, records, access, aggregate reporting and limits before inviting detailed disclosure. Do not include patient identifiers or case details that could identify a doctor through specialty, site, grade or timing.