Information for trainees
New animations to help you understand work-based assessments
The school has published a series of 3 animations about the various types of work-based assessment, to help trainees, their trainers and assessors to swiftly understand the purpose of each type of assessment and how they should be completed.
The series comprises animations about:
- training activities
- observed assessments
- case-based discussions
Watch the animations about work-based assessments
Do you need support with your specialist modules?
If you are in phases 2 or 3 of the STP, you will be undertaking specialist modules where you will undertake Developmental Training Activities (DTAs) and /or Entrustable Training Activities (ETAs).
The following resources will help you to get started with your specialist modules:
- A guide to reflection for the DTAs using the four-dimensional approach (NHS Learning Hub)
- A guide to reflection for the ETAs using the four-dimensional approach (NHS Learning Hub)
- Developing evidence to demonstrate achievement of training activities (NHS Learning Hub)
We are offering the following online session to help you with developing evidence for your specialist modules.
Developing evidence for specialist modules in the STP
Thursday 11 December 2025 – 10:30am to 12pm
This session is for STP trainees in phases 2 and 3 of the programme. The main aims are to:
- Introduce you to the principles of what makes ‘good’ evidence
- Apply the principles to developing evidence for the specialist Developmental Training Activities (DTAs) and
- Entrustable Training Activities (ETAs)
- Explore reflective practice in relation to specialist DTAs and ETAs
View further details and register for this webinar
Getting started with your rotational modules
The following resources will support you in getting started with your OTAs:
- Thinking reflectively for Observational Training Activities (OTAs) (NHS Learning Hub resource)
- Developing evidence for Observational Training Activities (OTAs) (NHS Learning Hub resource)
- The NSHCS work-based assessment standards, which outline the evidence requirements for OTAs
Do you need support with developing evidence for the module S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science?
We are offering the following online session to help you with developing evidence for the core module S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science.
Developing evidence for the STP module: S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science
Wednesday 21 January 2026 – 10:30am to 12pm
This session is for STP trainees. The main aims are to:
- Introduce you to the principles of what makes ‘good’ evidence
- Apply the principles to developing evidence to the core module ‘S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science‘
- Explore reflective practice in relation to the module S-C1
View further details and register for this webinar
The Wessex Trainee Network returns
Having been absent for several years, we are restarting a trainee-run network available to all healthcare science trainees in the Wessex region. We are motivated by you and what you would like to achieve from the network. Whether that’s gaining useful contacts, seeking advice on training activities, or simply being welcomed by a friendly face.
We aim to:
- Offer a platform to showcase the work of trainee healthcare scientists within the Wessex region
- Provide socialising and networking opportunities
- Promote education and training, allowing for development of professional skills and an opportunity to complete training activities
If you are interested in being part of the network or joining the committee, please complete the following form to be added to our mailing list: https://forms.gle/xEARpEG3p6LfFHh99
If you have any questions, please email wessextraineescientistnetwork@gmail.com
Genomics STP curriculum survey
Georgia Murphy is a 3rd year STP Genomics trainee whose STP research project is focused on exploring the ethics teaching that STP trainees receive. Georgia is interested in what 2nd and 3rd year Genomics trainees think of the current ethics teaching in the STP.
The project is titled ‘Investigating perceived ethical preparedness and desire for ethics training amongst trainee genomics clinical scientists and alumni’. Georgia would really like 2nd and 3rd year Genomics trainees to complete the survey linked to below. Responses will be analysed and outcomes fed back to the National School for future curriculum updates.
Complete the Genomics STP curriculum survey
Listen to trainee experiences of the STP
We have recently heard from inspirational past and present STP trainees as part of our Sharing Good Practice series of webinars. The recordings can be found on our website in the Sharing Good Practice catalogue.
Watch the recordings of STP trainees’ Sharing Good Practice talks
Are you interested in the use of Generative AI in Healthcare Education and Training?
Dr Nicholas Hickson recently delivered a Sharing Good Practice session on the ‘Practical applications of Generative AI tools in Healthcare Education and Training’.
Watch a recording of the ‘Practical applications of Generative AI’ session
Sharing Good Practice webinar series
Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST)
Thursday 22 January 2026 – 1pm to 2pm
View further details and register for this webinar
Search and browse our catalogue of Sharing Good Practice resources
Information for Training Officers
New animations to help you understand work-based assessments
The school has published a series of 3 animations about the various types of work-based assessment, to help trainees, their trainers and assessors to swiftly understand the purpose of each type of assessment and how they should be completed.
The series comprises animations about:
- training activities
- observed assessments
- case-based discussions
Watch the animations about work-based assessments
Curriculum reviewers needed for a periodic review of the Genomic Sciences and Clinical Engineering STP
This academic year, the Genomic Sciences and Clinical Engineering STP will undergo a periodic review to consider the changes required in the curriculum content. If you are involved in the delivery of the programme you can join a Curriculum Review Group as a Curriculum Reviewer. Your role will be to contribute scientific expertise to the development and maintenance of the curriculum.
Express your interest in getting involved for Genomic Sciences
Express your interest in getting involved for Clinical Engineering
Supporting your trainee with their rotations
The following resources will support you in supporting your trainee with their rotations:
- Supporting and assessing your trainee with reflection for Observational Training Activities (OTAs) (NHS Learning Hub resource)
- Supporting trainees with Observational Training Activities (NHS Learning Hub resource)
- Read the NSHCS work-based assessment standards, which outline the evidence requirements for OTAs
Do you need help with supporting your trainees with their specialist modules?
In phases 2 and 3 of the STP trainees will be undertaking specialist modules where they will need to undertake Developmental Training Activities (DTAs) and / or Entrustable Training Activities (ETAs).
The following resources will help you and your trainee to get started with the specialist modules:
- A guide to reflection for the DTAs using the four-dimensional approach (NHS Learning Hub)
- A guide to reflection for the ETAs using the four-dimensional approach (NHS Learning Hub)
- Developing evidence to demonstrate achievement of training activities (NHS Learning Hub)
We are offering the following online session to help you to support your trainee with developing evidence for their specialist modules in phases 2 and 3 of their training.
Supporting trainees with developing evidence for specialist modules in the STP
Wednesday 10 December 2025 – 10:30am to 12pm
This is for trainers and assessors of STP trainees in phases 2 and 3 of the programme. The main aims are to:
- Introduce you to the principles of what makes ‘good’ evidence
- Apply the principles to developing evidence for the specialist Developmental Training Activities (DTAs) and Entrustable Training Activities (ETAs)
- Explore reflective practice in relation to specialist DTAs and ETAs and how this can be assessed
View further details and register for this webinar
Do you need help with supporting your trainees with S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science?
We are offering the following on-line session to help you to support your trainee with developing evidence for the core module S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science.
Supporting trainees in developing evidence for the STP module: S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science
Friday 23 January 2026 – 10:30am to 12pm
This session is for STP trainers and assessors. The main aims are to:
- Introduce you to the principles of what makes ‘good’ evidence
- Apply the principles to developing evidence to the core module ‘S-C1 Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science‘
- Explore reflective practice in relation to the module S-C1
View further details and register for this webinar
Have Your Say: HCPC Consultation on Education and Training Standards
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) are consulting on proposed changes to their Standards of Education and Training (SETs), which underpin the quality of programmes for the 15 health and care professions they regulate. These standards are central to the HCPC’s role in protecting the public by ensuring that anyone qualifying in the UK has the skills and knowledge to deliver safe, effective care. Proposed changes include:
- A new structure
- Stronger EDI focus
- Technology readiness
- Applies to all learning models
The consultation is open for 13 weeks, closing 16 February 2026.
Share your views via the consultation survey
Listen to trainee experiences of the STP
We have recently heard from inspirational past and present STP trainees as part of our Sharing Good Practice series of webinars. The recordings can be found on our website in the Sharing Good Practice catalogue.
Watch the recordings of STP trainees’ Sharing Good Practice talks
Are you interested in the use of Generative AI in Healthcare Education and Training?
Dr Nicholas Hickson recently delivered a Sharing Good Practice session on the ‘Practical applications of Generative AI tools in Healthcare Education and Training’.
Watch a recording of the ‘Practical applications of Generative AI’ session
Sharing Good Practice webinar series
Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST)
Thursday 22 January 2026 – 1pm to 2pm
View further details and register for this webinar
Search and browse our catalogue of Sharing Good Practice resources
New opportunities to upskill in genomics knowledge for NHS colleagues
We are excited to announce 2 short courses designed to enhance workforce development within genomics.
PgCert in Haematology Genomics
This Level 7 programme, developed by the National School of Healthcare Science and Healthcare Scientists working in genomics and haematology, is designed for Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, and Genetic Technologists working in NHS genomics laboratories. The course blends academic coursework with hands-on learning in the workplace, covering topics such as clinical bioinformatics, molecular diagnostics, and genomic data interpretation in haematological malignancies.
PgCert in Histopathology Genomics
This Level 7 programme, developed by the National School of Healthcare Science and Healthcare Scientists working in genomics and histopathology, is designed for Biomedical Scientists and Genetic Technologists working in NHS histopathology and genomics laboratories. The course blends academic coursework with hands-on learning in the workplace, covering topics such as preparation of tissue samples for genomic testing and the interpretation of results.
The goal of these programmes is to enhance both flexibility and expertise in genomics services. The programmes are set to launch in January 2026, and both will be supported by an NHS England training grant.
Find out more about these 2 new genomics programmes
Do you need speak to someone at the School?
If you’re involved in training for the Scientist Training Programme (STP) we have planned drop-in events throughout the year. You can drop in any time during these sessions to speak to us.
View for further details, including the dates of the drop-in sessions
Missed a previous edition of the STP Monthly Memo?
You will find previous copies of the STP Monthly Memo on our website.