Trainees

About the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme

This section introduces you to the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme.

• Routes through the programme

  Here are the different ways you can progress through the HSST.

• Your HSST curriculum

  Your programme is made up of a number of modules which detail the academic and work-based content, and, where appropriate, the assessment strategy for the module.

• The academic part of the HSST

  Guidance about the academic part of the programme for HSST trainees.

• Approval process for prior PhDs

  Find out if your prior PhD can be used towards the programme.

HSST Induction 2021

In this section you will find information about the HSST induction for trainees due to start their training in September 2021.

• Higher Specialist Scientist Training Induction 2021

  Information and guidance relating to the HSST Induction 2021.

How will I be assessed?

This section covers the different types of assessment you will experience during your time on the programme.

• What will I be assessed on?

  A blend of methods is used to ensure effective capture of robust evidence relating to the three components of the HSST programme.

• Building your portfolio of evidence of activity in the workplace

  Work-place based evidence should be based around real life scientific and clinical activities, relevant to the workplace and specialism.

• Annual review of progression

  We will conduct an annual review of progression (ARP) towards development as consultant clinical scientists with all trainees on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme.

• Annual review of progression common issues

  Here is some guidance for common issues highlighted by the annual review of progression.

• Outcome statements for the HSST Annual Review of Progression

  A HSST trainee will receive one of these six outcome statements for their Annual Review of Progression.

Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS)

• IAPS – the HSST final assessment

  The Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) is the final examination for HSST trainees, prior to becoming a Consultant Clinical Scientist.

• IAPS – Important dates for 2021

  These are the important dates for the Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) final examination for HSST trainees.

• Guidance on the Independent Assessment of Professionals Skills for HSST trainees

  This guidance provides details on the different elements of the HSST final assessment.

• Guidance on booking and preparing for the IAPS

  The Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) is the final examination for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees, to assess readiness to practice at Consultant Clinical Scientist level.

Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)

• Using Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) as an assessment tool

  While on the HSST programme you can use our multi-source feedback (MSF) service in order to initiate MSF assessments and generate MSF reports.

Exiting the programme

This section covers the information you will need to exit the HSST programme.

• Guidance for HSST trainees on exiting the programme

  This guidance provides information for HSST trainees on the types of evidence that is required for exiting the programme, the process for exiting the programme and overall completion outcomes.

• Using the Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances policy to apply for an extension of time or change to training

  Trainees can apply for an extension of time or change to training via the EEC policy when circumstances affect their ability to continue training.

Resources

This section includes resources to help you during your time on the programme.

• How to guidance and videos for HSST trainees using OneFile

  Get help with some of the common tasks in OneFile.

• Training planning resources for HSST trainees

  Your training plan is a bespoke plan, which is particular to you and the environment you work in.

• Guidance on workplace evidence for HSST trainees

  This guidance will help you when planning a submission and give you advice on collecting and creating evidence for your e-portfolio.

Support

This section includes details on extra support during your time on the programme.

• Training support

  We want you to have the best training experience, but you should also take care of your health and wellbeing.

• HSST Trainee networks

  These trainee networks are available to support HSST trainees.

• COVID-19: HSST trainee information

  Information for HSST trainees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

• COVID-19: HSST applications for interruption

  Information about applications for interruption to training due to COVID-19 Pandemic