Doctors Direct Aspiring Consultant Webinar Series
Doctors webinar: preparing middle grade doctors for consultancy

Doctors Direct

Aspiring Consultant Webinars Series

Preparing middle grade doctors for consultant practice

Progress your medical career by developing essential non-clinical skills, including leadership, governance and service improvement.

Our consultant-led webinars focus on the professional knowledge required for senior practice. Through expert guidance, practical examples, and peer discussion, you’ll gain the insight and skills needed to take the next step in your medical career.

Each interactive session runs for three to four hours and costs £120 per person per session.

Who are these webinars for?

  • Middle grade doctors who aspire to progress into senior and consultant roles
  • Doctors working towards their portfolio pathway (CESR)
  • Roles may include Registrar, Specialist Registrar, Staff Grade and Associate Specialist

Why attend our webinars?

  • Develop key non-clinical skills, from leadership to service improvement
  • Learn directly from an experienced NHS consultant
  • Gain clarity on the expectations and responsibilities of consultant roles
  • Build confidence navigating senior appointments and decision making
  • Gain relevant CPD, with attendance certificate
  • Strengthen your portfolio pathway (CESR) progression

Upcoming Webinars

The consultant's role in workforce planning

When: Wednesday 9th September, 1 pm – 5 pm

Senior doctors play a critical role in recruiting, managing, and supporting resident medical staff. This webinar provides practical insight into how non‑consultant posts are funded, how recruitment decisions are made, and how effective rostering supports patient safety, staff wellbeing, and service delivery.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand how resident and middle‑grade posts are funded
  • Learn the principles of fair and effective recruitment and selection
  • Gain insight into rota design, rota gaps and workforce management
  • Understand the consultant’s leadership role in supporting resident doctors
  • Improve confidence in operational and managerial responsibilities

Register now

Financial leadership: understanding budgets, income and savings

When: Wednesday 30th September, 1 pm – 5 pm

This session introduces the fundamentals of NHS finances, helping you understand how services are funded, how budgets are set and managed, and how financial decisions affect clinical services. 

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand key financial terminology used in NHS management
  • Learn how NHS Trusts generate income and allocate revenue
  • Gain insight into budget setting, monitoring and financial planning
  • Understand how expenditure is managed at service and departmental level
  • Explore how Trusts identify and deliver savings, and the role senior doctors play in this process
  • Improve confidence contributing to financial and business planning discussions

Register now

Understanding NHS leadership and decision-making

When: Wednesday 7th October, 1 pm – 5 pm

Understanding how NHS organisations are structured is essential for doctors aspiring to consultant roles. This session explores how acute Trusts operate, the key leadership roles within organisations, and how strategic and operational decisions are made. 

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand the structure and functions of an acute NHS Trust
  • Learn about key leadership and management roles within healthcare organisations
  • Gain insight into how decisions are made
  • Understand the relationship between strategy, governance and service delivery

Register now

Understanding regulation, commissioning and performance

When: Wednesday 4th November, 1 pm – 5 pm

In this session, we explore external regulation of Trusts, how services are commissioned, and how contracts and performance measures influence service delivery. The session will help doctors develop a broader understanding of the wider healthcare landscape and the consultant's role within it.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Understand the role of external regulators in the NHS
  • Learn how healthcare services are commissioned
  • Gain insight into contracts, commissioning arrangements and service agreements
  • Understand key performance measures used across NHS organisations

Register now

Practical time management for aspiring consultants

When: Wednesday 18th November, 1 pm – 5 pm

Balancing clinical, managerial, educational, and administrative responsibilities can be a challenge. This session explores proven approaches to managing workload effectively, prioritising competing demands and how to utilise available support. 

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Learn practical techniques for prioritising and managing a busy workload
  • Understand common time management pitfalls and how to avoid them
  • Gain insight into managing ward rounds, clinics, emails and administrative tasks efficiently
  • Understand how to work effectively with secretaries and support staff
  • Develop confidence in setting boundaries, managing expectations and responding appropriately to competing demands

Register now