Advisory Appointment Committees
Advisory Appointment Committees (AACs) are the process through which non-Foundation Trusts in England advertise and fill consultant level posts and function in accordance with the NHS (Appointment of Consultants) Regulations 1996 and Good Practice Guidance 2005.
Whilst the Regulations and Guidance only formally apply to non-Foundation Trusts, we believe AACs provide a robust framework that all healthcare organisations should use when recruiting consultants. We are therefore keen for all NHS bodies throughout the UK to adopt AACs.
AACs have a core membership that includes a nominated Royal College representative whose primary role is to evaluate the training, qualifications and experience of each candidate and judge whether they are suitable for appointment and meet the standard required for the role to which they have applied.
This is done by shortlisting (checking whether candidates meets the essential criteria in the person specification for the post), questioning each candidate at interview on their training, background and experience and then helping to decide on which candidate should be offered the post based on their training and experience.
Assessors should also ensure that the AAC process is conducted fairly and any issues of potential discrimination are raised with the Trust.
Become an AAC Participant
We actively encourage Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh who are interested in promoting surgical excellence to participate in AACs.
In order to be eligible, consultants should
- Hold Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and be in good standing
- Be currently registered with the GMC, have a licence to practice and not be subject to any sanctions
- Have at least five years’ experience as a surgical consultant
- Have proof of current revalidation and be engaged with a current appraisal process
- Have relevant experience in educational and / or service Quality Assurance (QA)
The College’s Professional Standards Office will provide FRCSEd’s with guidance and support throughout the AACs they participate in.
For further information, please contact the PSO via standardsoffice@rcsed.ac.uk or call 0121 647 1564.
