Specialty and specialist doctors (SAS)

Information and guidance on the recruitment and employment of SAS doctors and dentists
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Specialty and specialist (SAS) doctors and dentists are a group of experienced doctors and dentists who can form a significant proportion of the medical workforce in any organisation. The specialist doctor grade was created in 2021, giving SAS doctors the opportunity of career progression. This web section provides employers with useful resources and contract information.

SAS and consultant role comparison

News and highlights

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Article

The specialist grade role

Details and information about the specialist grade which formed part of the contract reform 2021 for SAS doctors.

31 March 2025
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News

Save the date for SAS Week 2025

Join us to celebrate #SASWeek25 from 29 September to 3 October 2025.

14 March 2025
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Article

Medical examiners

An overview of the medical examiner role and ways in which trusts can employ them.

10 March 2025
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The new specialist grade hub

To make finding what you need easier for the specialist grade, use our new hub of resources and information.

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Contract documents and FAQs

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Guidance

Terms and conditions of service for specialty doctors (England) 2021

This document sets out version 2 (June 2022) of the full terms and conditions of service (TCS) for specialty doctors in the 2021 contract.

9 June 2022
Someone signing a form with a pen.
Guidance

Terms and conditions of service for specialist grade (England) 2021

This document sets out version 2 (June 2022) of the full terms and conditions of service (TCS) for doctors in the specialist grade 2021 contract.

9 June 2022
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Article

Terms and conditions and resources for the SAS contract 2021

Guidance and resources for employers to use to help with implementation of the 2021 specialty doctor and specialist grade contracts.

18 March 2021
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Article

SAS contract 2021 FAQs

These FAQs have been developed to help employers with questions around the implementation of the specialty doctor and specialist grade contracts.

21 January 2025
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Old terms and conditions for SAS doctors

Details of the old terms and conditions for SAS doctors 2008 and other closed grades.

A doctor using an iPad.

SAS specialist grade resources

Access a range of guidance and resources to support the recruitment and development of specialist grade doctors. Including the grades role and responsibilities, how to introduce the grade into your workforce and many good practice examples.

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Information from the Royal Colleges

Guidance and resources

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Guidance

SAS doctor development guidance

Download this guidance to support the development of specialty and specialist (SAS) doctors in the NHS in England.

18 September 2020
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Article

SAS charter

Resources to help employers and SAS doctors develop an action plan to support the implementation and embedding of the SAS charter.

4 February 2021
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Article

Pay and conditions circulars for medical and dental staff

The page has all the pay and condition circulars for medical and dental staff from 2005 to date.

24 February 2025
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Infographic

SAS and consultant role comparison

Use our infographic that explains the different roles and responsibilities of SAS doctors and consultants, created in partnership with the BMA.

13 February 2025
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Article

Locally employed doctors (LEDs)

Information about locally employed doctors (LEDs), what the roles are, how they work and resources to support employers.

29 January 2025
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Article

SAS contract 2021 FAQs

These FAQs have been developed to help employers with questions around the implementation of the specialty doctor and specialist grade contracts.

21 January 2025
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Video

Empowering SAS doctors: shaping the future of NHS care

Watch this video that demonstrates the capabilities of SAS doctors and how employer support can maximise their potential.

17 January 2025
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Report

In the balance: lessons for changing the mix of professions in NHS services

This new report from the Nuffield Trust provides some lessons for how new and emerging roles could be better implemented and integrated into the NHS.

14 January 2025
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Celebrating the role of SAS doctors and dentists at University Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Trust

Doctors and Dentists

doctorsanddentists@nhsemployers.org

Contact our doctors and dentists team.