SAS Week 2026

Delivered in partnership with NHS Employers, SAS Week 2026 will showcase the diverse careers, expertise and contributions of SAS doctors, while highlighting the opportunities, support and resources available throughout every stage of their professional journey.

Throughout the week, we'll be sharing inspiring stories, practical guidance, expert insights, webinars and member resources, all designed to inform, support and celebrate SAS doctors.

Whether you're considering a SAS career, exploring progression opportunities, developing as a leader, or seeking wellbeing support, there will be something for everyone.

Monday, 5 October

Today, we're showcasing the opportunities, rewards and realities of a career as a specialist, associate specialist or specialty doctor. Whether you're considering a SAS career path, recently joined the SAS workforce, or looking ahead to the next stage of your professional journey, discover resources, insights and real-life experiences that showcase the breadth and flexibility of SAS careers across the UK.

For locally employed doctors, learn more about the eligibility permanency framework and the opportunity to attain a SAS contract, helping you take the next step in your career and access the benefits and opportunities available within the SAS grades.

SAS as a career choice

UK | Blog Advice to my younger colleagues SAS doctors committee chair Ujjwala Anand Mohite shares the lessons she has learnt about confidence, representation, career choices and using your voice to create change.

A wide side shot of a patient surrounded by two trainee doctors and the ward manager is in between them with a clipboard discussing results with the patient. The two trainees are in blue scrubs and the ward manager who specialises in nutritional gut health is wearing a smart yellow blouse. They are talking about the woman's gut health and her micro-biome results.

Videos are available similar to this scenario.

UK | Blog A different route, a rewarding career Looking back on 25 years in medicine, Leanne Davison reflects on confidence, leadership and defining success on her own terms.

England | Guidance EPF framework Read guidance on how to move to national SAS terms and conditions if you are a locally employed doctor that is eligible to do so.

England | Article LED doctors eligible for SAS roles EPF provisions open door to doctors on local contracts

England | Guidance Autonomy of SAS grade This guidance clarifies the arrangements on autonomous working for employers and can be used as a tool for SAS doctors, when seeking recognition of their ability to work independently.

Medical academic contract This guidance covers the terms and conditions of contract for medical academics who are employed by universities and other higher education institutions in all nations. It also highlights the implications of and questions arising from moving from NHS to university employment.

Tuesday, 6 October

Today, we're highlighting the specialist grade, career progression opportunities and the experiences of doctors who have advanced into specialist posts. You’ll find practical guidance, personal stories and resources designed to help you understand the role and navigate your own progression journey.

SAS doctors in England, don’t forget to join our live specialist webinar taking place today at 6.30pm.

Register now

Specialist grade

Website article illustrations_Online learning

England | Webinar Specialist grade live webinar This will be a joint webinar co-hosted by the BMA and NHS Employers. Learn more about the Specialist Grade, career progression pathways, and hear first-hand experiences from SAS doctors working in specialist posts. This session is ideal for anyone considering progression into a specialist role, career progression pathways, and hear first-hand experiences from SAS doctors working in specialist posts. This session is ideal for anyone considering progression into a specialist role.

Wales | Blog Growing into a specialist Achieving a specialist post was never part of Kavan Arora's original plan. He reflects on the mentors, opportunities and career choices that shaped his path through the SAS grade.

England | Video Specialist interview To celebrate SAS Week, we're featuring advice from a specialist doctor, offering valuable guidance and encouragement for SAS doctors aspiring to become specialists.

England | Guidance The 2021 specialist grade explained Read our guidance on the roles and responsibilities of the 2021 specialist grade and how you can make a case for meeting the essential requirements.

Wales | Guidance Moving from the 2008 to the 2021 Wales SAS contracts SAS doctors in Wales might have questions about the benefits, downsides, and process of moving from the 2008 to the 2021 contract. Read about what this involves.

Northern Ireland | Webinar recording Unlocking the potential Specialty Doctor to Specialist Watch this insightful webinar recording to learn about the evolution of the associate specialist and specialist roles, understand the eligibility criteria, how specialist posts can help meet workforce needs, and gain practical advice on starting conversations about creating specialist posts in Northern Ireland.

Wednesday, 7 October

Today's theme shines a spotlight on the leadership contributions of SAS doctors across the UK. Discover inspiring career journeys, development opportunities and practical advice to help you build confidence, influence change and realise your leadership potential, whatever stage of your career.

Leadership for SAS doctors

Cropped shot of surgeons performing a surgical procedure

UK | Blog Leadership, choices, and the journey that shaped me Ujjwala Mohite reflects on her journey from international medical graduate to SAS leader, and why ambition, leadership and success do not have to follow a traditional path.

Hospital doctor reviews a old patient's medical report, delivering bed news. Old patient suffering from pain. Banner with copy space.

UK | Blog Building a career on your own terms For SAS Week, Antonino Curatola reflects on more than 13 years as a SAS doctor, the freedom to shape his own career, and why greater visibility is needed to ensure SAS doctors can pursue leadership opportunities on merit.

busy mature japanese doctor stand and check time while hold clipboard

UK | Blog Why being a SAS doctor gave me opportunities to lead Edith Jiwanmall reflects on how being an SAS doctor opened the door to leadership opportunities and helped her make a difference beyond clinical practice.

UK | Seminar Portfolio pathway seminar for SAS grade doctors, Wednesday 4 November A practical half-day expert-led online seminar for those considering applying for specialist registration via the portfolio pathway.

Learning and Development Article Illustration

UK | Learning module Portfolio pathways process This course guides you through the steps of the application process: outlining evidence to be gathered and signposting vital guidance, so that you can start your preparation straightaway.

England | Guidance SAS doctors acting up This guidance addresses the situation where a SAS grade doctor is asked to cover for a senior colleague for a limited period only and is acting up into a senior role.

Thursday, 8 October

Today, we're focusing on the importance of advocacy, wellbeing and support networks. From workplace representation and professional development to health and wellbeing resources, find tools, guidance and communities available to help SAS doctors thrive both professionally and personally.

Join our live webinar next week to find out more about SAS advocacy heroes and how they support SAS doctors.

Register now

SAS advocacy and wellbeing

Surgeon making hand gesture explaining during medical procedure

UK | Blog Making the invisible visible SAS doctors make a vital contribution to patient care, yet their work often goes unrecognised. This SAS week, Professor Madapura Shashidhara calls on employers to make their contribution visible and provide meaningful opportunities for development and progression.

a mid adult female doctor chats to a senior patient on the hospital ward , in the background a young female nurse wearing a hijab is tending to apparatus rack

UK | Blog Why I speak up for SAS doctors Michelle Hatch reflects on returning to medicine, finding her place as an SAS doctor and helping others find theirs.

UK | BMA tool Doctor Diary Track your work and compare it to your job plan, with this BMA tool.

SAS advocacy heroes in the workplace | 14 October This webinar will help you understand the different roles played by SAS advocates, tutors and LNC reps in your workplace, and help you understand who you can turn to for help and advice. We'll also run through how you can get more involved in supporting your colleagues and become a SAS hero yourself.

Friday, 9 October

SAS doctors are at the heart of patient care, bringing expertise, experience and leadership to healthcare teams throughout the UK. As SAS Week draws to a close, today we celebrate the extraordinary contribution of SAS doctors across the NHS. Find out how SAS representatives help improve working lives, support colleagues and champion the interests of the workforce, while highlighting the importance of ensuring SAS doctors are visible, valued and recognised for the work they do.

Celebrating the SAS workforce

UK | Video How reps make a difference to SAS doctors / how to get recognised for the work that SAS doctors do Watch a video featuring two SAS representatives as they discuss how they support SAS doctors, why many still feel overlooked, and their hopes for the future of the profession.