First Conversation and Signposting Planner
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
First Conversation and Signposting Planner
Structure the first contact around safety, purpose, consent and a clear next step.
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.
Opening
Explain role and limits
Check immediate safety
Clarify the doctor's purpose
Identify deadlines and existing processes
Needs map
Health or treatment
Employment or contract
Patient safety or speaking up
Equality or discrimination
Medicolegal or regulatory
Practical and peer support
Closing
Agreed next action
Who owns it
What may be shared and with whom
Review date
What to do if risk worsens
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.