We want our deanery to hear the voices of all our resident doctors to ensure that our training programmes that are truly responsive to your needs. As part of our Building KSS Together work, the Resident Doctor Engagement Forum (RDEF) has been re-established.
Introducing the new KSS RDEF
What are the aims of the RDEF?
How can I get involved in the RDEF?
Why should I apply to join the RDEF?
How do I get an issue discussed at the RDEF?
Who are the current RDEF representatives?
How can I find out what has been discussed before?
What is the RDEF?
The RDEF is made up of resident doctor representatives from each school in the region. It is chaired by a resident doctor. A senior member of the deanery team will also attend every meeting to hear your feedback.
What is the RDEF for?
The RDEF meets once a quarter to discuss educational issues, share good practice, provide feedback on proposals from the deanery and hear about new educational initiatives. The forum will help us hear directly from resident doctors and improve the quality of training we provide in the region.
What are the aims of the RDEF?
- Provide a forum for two-way communication between resident doctors and the deanery team
- Address educational issues that need escalation above hospital or school board level
- Share good practice that addresses resident doctor education and wellbeing
- Discuss innovative solutions to issues that are relevant across all training programmes
- Provide feedback on educational proposals and initiatives from the Deanery
What doesn’t the RDEF do?
Whilst the RDEF can address a wide range of issues, it is not for the discussion of everything! We will focus on educational issues that can only be addressed at a deanery level. Any other issues should be tackled through the usual channels first. If they can’t be resolved this way, it may well then be appropriate to discuss at the RDEF. If in doubt, speak to your resident doctor representative who can point you in the right direction.
These are some examples of how to address issues you may be having:
- Local educational issues, e.g. access to trust teaching or payment for study leave. Discuss these issues with your local trainee representative, educational supervisor or education department. It may also be appropriate to discuss them at your resident doctor’s forum
- Regional educational issues, e.g. access to regional training days or availability of relevant specialty clinics. Talk to your regional trainee representative or your training programme director
- Employment issues, e.g. working hours or payroll problems. Discuss these with the relevant department in your hospital, your resident doctor’s forum or the Guardian of Safe Working
- Any clinical concerns, e.g. patient safety or bullying. If you are able, talk to your educational supervisor about this. Alternatively, issues can be reported to confidentially to your trust’s Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
How can I get involved in the RDEF?
RDEF representatives are made up of 1-2 elected regional representatives from each school. In order to join the RDEF, you need to be a regional representative for your specialty but there are no other requirements. We welcome people from all backgrounds who are enthusiastic about doing the job well.
We accept applications once a year via this simple online form: https://forms.gle/8WhoYhvvrGw3V7sx7. The form will ask you about your skills and attributes, the work you have done as a representative, and what you want to achieve with the forum. The terms of reference and job descriptions for the RDEF are at the bottom of this page. We recommend taking a read before completing your application.
In the event of us receiving more applicants than there are places, the chair of the RDEF and responsible associate dean will select the candidates who fit the personal specification best.
Why should I apply to join the RDEF?
We want to make the deanery better. RDEF members will play a vital role in this. You will help shape how education is managed in the deanery and gain valuable experience in how the region runs. Members of the RDEF will be able to take part in site visits, quality meetings and ARCP appeal panels too.
The RDEF also offers an excellent opportunity to network with other resident doctors and educators. It is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in education, management or a future portfolio career. We will provide a letter and certificate to to show you have taken part for future job applications.
How do I get an issue discussed at the RDEF?
You should contact your school trainee representative and explain what needs to be discussed. They will take this forward to the meeting, or they can signpost you to a different service if this is more appropriate.
Who are the current RDEF representatives?
The RDEF has only just restarted, so we don’t have any representatives yet! Applications are now open. You can apply here: https://forms.gle/8WhoYhvvrGw3V7sx7.
How can I find out what has been discussed before?
The minutes for each meeting are hosted at the bottom of this page. The forum representatives will also share the outcomes of each meeting with their colleagues.
When is the next meeting?
The next meeting date will be sent once the RDEF representatives have been appointed.
Any other useful information?
The job descriptions for RDEF representatives can be found here:
The terms of reference for the RDEF can be found here:
Minutes
They will be uploaded here after each meeting.