Stage 5: Develop and Progress
As you become established in NHS Scotland, you may wish to explore opportunities for career development, further training, leadership development or progression within your specialty. This section brings together resources to support doctors at different career stages, including Clinical Fellows, SAS doctors, Consultants and GPs.
This stage covers:
- Building and Developing your Career in Scotland
- Fellowship Opportunities
- Career Planning
- Interview Support
Focus: Developing your skills, growing your career, and progressing towards your professional goals in NHS Scotland.
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Building and Developing your Career in Scotland
NHS Scotland Jobs is the central hub for vacancies across all Health Boards. To find roles in your area of expertise, select ‘Medical and Dental’ from the Job Family dropdown menu on the left-hand side of the page.
For detailed guidance on completing the application form and understanding the recruitment process, visit the NHS Scotland Careers website.
Explore and apply for the latest General Practice vacancies across Primary Care and Out of Hours services within Scotland’s Health Boards.
Fellowship Opportunities
Discover the range of Fellowship roles offered by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), available to apply for either during your training or after achieving your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
Career Planning
Access a range of resources from the Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TWDS) designed to support doctors in training as they explore and plan their career pathways.
TDWS Careers Webinar – Career Planning Towards CCT
This webinar from the Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TDWS) explores key aspects of career planning that doctors in training should consider as they approach their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
Health Education England – Career Planning Guidance for Doctors
This resource offers a wide selection of tools and information to help you reflect, explore options, and make informed career decisions.
Please note: This is an England-focused resource and uses terminology such as ‘Trusts’ (equivalent to Health Boards in Scotland), but the content remains relevant and useful.
Interview Support
British Medical Association – Interview Skills Webinar
Watch this free BMA webinar designed to help consultants, GPs, and SAS doctors strengthen their interview skills ahead of applying for new roles.
Additional resources and guidance are available in the accompanying reading list.
Health Education England – Preparing for Consultant Applications and Interviews
This guide offers insights into what to expect during panel interviews for consultant roles, which may differ from interview formats used in other countries.
It also includes helpful videos on the transition from Senior Registrar to Consultant positions.
Please note: This is an England-focused resource and uses terminology such as ‘Trusts’ (equivalent to Health Boards in Scotland), but the guidance remains applicable.
Scotland-Specific Guidance for IMG Consultant Interview
While dedicated Scottish resources are still being developed, there is helpful guidance available—some adapted from England-focused materials. On the IMG Support Hub you'll find advice on job applications and consultant interview preparation for IMGs.
Useful resources include:
Explore the Medical Workforce Centre
