In this section
The Credential in Breast Disease Management is part of an exciting new initiative designed to support the future delivery of high quality symptomatic and screening imaging services, family history assessment and breast clinical services. The Credential is supported by Health Education England (HEE), and was developed by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), the Association of Breast Clinicians (ABC) and the National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) in 2019.
The posts, which are part of a second cohort, will be funded jointly by HEE, via the NBIA, and the individual employing Trusts. Expressions of interest from sites interested in hosting a trainee are invited.
What is the purpose of the Credential?
The Credential in Breast Disease Management aims to standardise and formalise training for breast clinicians across the UK. The three year programme provides prospective breast clinician trainees with a clearly defined training pathway and scope of practice that is recognised on a national level, and ensures that the breast screening and symptomatic units have the workforce they need to support and lead the service.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be fully registered with the General Medical Council and be eligible to work in the UK. The minimum entry criteria include evidence of Foundation competences or equivalent within the last 3.5 years, but we would welcome applicants with wider experience from other specialties or general practice. For full entry and selection criteria, please see the person specification.
What is the recruitment process?
Applicants will undergo a competitive centralised recruitment process. Candidates will be provided with a list of eligible host sites and asked to rank them in order of preference. Successful candidates will be matched to host sites in order of interview scores.
What is the structure of the Credential?
The Credential curriculum provides a training framework, closely based on the clinical radiology specialty training curriculum, which has been drafted in line with the GMC’s standards for postgraduate training. It delivers run-through training with progression evaluated by formative and summative assessment, with annual review.
How are these posts funded?
Funding of £30,000 per trainee per year, for three years (totalling £90,000) has been approved by Health Education England (HEE) to support employment and training, with the remainder of salary costs paid by the employing trust.
What is the duration of the Credential?
The Curriculum is based on a three year whole time equivalent (WTE) training programme or for the less than full time (LTFT) equivalent duration.
When is the next intake of trainees?
The following are provisional dates:
• Applications for the second cohort February- March 2021.
• Shortlisting for posts March-April 2021.
• Centralised interviews April- May 2021.
• Trainees will start in post by August 2021.
Can my breast unit become a host centre?
Yes, subject to:
• Meeting the host centre eligibility criteria;
• Securing the remaining funding for the post (there is a template business cases to assist with this process);
• Having sufficient training capacity to host a Credential trainee in addition to existing trainees.
• Further guidance for host sites can be found here.
How do we apply to be a host centre?
• Please email credentials@rcr.ac.uk to express your interest and receive further information.
• Prospective host sites will need to secure funding from their trusts to make up remaining salary costs.
How can I find out more?
For more information about the Credential programme and curriculum, please visit the RCR website, or email credentials@rcr.ac.uk
