West Midlands SAS Doctors Evening

The College in the Regions Through our regional support mechanisms, the College aim to provide: a unified local and national voice for surgery; effective professional leadership for local surgeons; access to informal advice and support to surgeons; signposting to relevant College and specialty association services; job planning guidance and support to individuals, trusts and health boards; expert advice and support to providers and commissioners on service, education and training delivery issues.

Regional Coordinators Coordinators work closely with Directors for Professional Affairs, Regional Council Members, Regional Specialty Professional Advisors, Heads of School and Surgical Tutors to support the delivery of the College’s priorities in the regions. Directors for Professional Affairs DPAs provide advice, support, signposting and professional leadership to you, and facilitate access to specialist clinical expertise to enhance the provision of safe, high-quality clinical care. It is important to note that DPAs are consultant surgeons and not College employees. Regional Specialty Advisors RSPAs have been appointed across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to represent each of the 10 Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC) defined surgical specialties. Your RSPA is a vital link to specialty-specific expertise. Head of School Schools of Surgery exist in each region, led by a Head of School whose key function is to manage the delivery of core and specialty surgical education. The Head of School is usually a joint appointment between the College and the local education commissioner. Regional Council Members Mr David Ward is the Vice-President and Council lead trustee for regional activities and regional policy. He works closely with our regional council members who play a key role in building strong links between the College and its fellows and members. They are tasked with providing direction, leadership and clear lines of communication to the DPAs and PABs. Ensuring a high profile for the College with the local NHS, surgical trainees, surgical consultants and surgical specialty doctors within the region.

Professional Affairs Board Professional Affairs Boards (PABs) exist within each region of England and in Wales and Northern Ireland. Each PAB is chaired by the DPA, and comprises RSPAs, Heads of School, Regional Council Members and other local stakeholders. The PAB meets regularly and discusses various issues: Professional matters relating to the delivery of surgical services Local service configuration issues Standards development and implementation Training and education issues The PABs also host at least one regional event per year.