THE COURSES ARE ONLY FOR OUR DOCTORS AND TRAINEES IN THAMES VALLEY REGION
COURSES FOR EDUCATORS
Advance Coaching Skills Workshop: These workshops, while open to all, are aimed at those trainers who already have some coaching experience and/or have attended the Coaching Skills Workshop in the past, giving them the chance to dive deeper into how they might apply a coaching approach to specific scenarios. Those who have recently attended the Experienced Trainers Course might find it particularly useful. Date 28 September 2027 Registration REGISTRATION: Advance Coaching Skills Workshop 28 September 2027 – Fill in form
Coaching skills: Aimed at GP Trainers, new or experienced, these case-based workshops will draw on and demonstrate coaching skills in a highly supportive and safe small group environment. Registration REGISTRATION- Coaching skills workshops 2027 – Fill in form
Combined Supervisor Course: The Combined Supervisor Course (CSC) combines elements of the old ‘Training for non – Trainers’ course, OOH new / refresher courses and the Foundation Supervisors Course. The core part of the CSC course combines the overlapping elements of supervision in the morning then depending your streams you will attend an afternoon session: • New Foundation (Clinical) Supervisors. • GP’s working in training practices who wish to develop greater expertise in the supervision of GP and Foundation trainees. • OOH Supervisors. DATES for 2027 Contact GP admin to be added onto the waiting list.
Educational supervisors’ course for prospective GP Trainers: Replacing the old academic PGCert course for new Trainers, this course prepares the attendee to be a Trainer and educational supervisor for GP trainees in practice. Is a 5-day course, it runs twice a year, and we only take 16 people. Please read the essential criteria to become a trainer in the FAQs section – I am interested in becoming a trainer what do I do next?. If you qualify, please contact GP Admin england.gpadmin.tv@nhs.net for the course dates and registration. Please do not take attendance at the course as guaranteed unless you have had clear confirmation from the GP Admin office
FACULTY DAY: SAVE THE DATE FOR:
16 March 2027
12 October F2F Location TBC
Foundation Coaching skills workshops: A workshop for F2 supervisors, exploring how using a coaching approach and skills can enhance the supervision relationship. This interactive 2 hour workshop will include some presentation content, and also the chance for you to discuss your own experiences in F2 supervision. Expect to be supported and challenged” Facilitated by Penny Moore, Coach and Coach supervisor with PSWS. Dates 23 April 2027 Registration https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ks9Mtf6Gsd
New to Training course: This is a face-to-face workshop with the aim of teaching the craft knowledge needed to be a successful trainer. We will combine practical advice with experiential small group learning and provide plenty of time for questions and answers. The day will offer an opportunity to meet other new trainers, share experiences and discuss the reality of having a trainee in practice. Registration HERE
Nuts and Bolts: For prospective and current GP educational, clinical and foundation supervisors. A hands-on practical sessions on best practice and simple guides for WPBA and the portfolio. Includes instruction, bench marking exercises, Q&A, small group work and expert feedback. Flexible to the needs of the group and often includes changes proposed, updates etc. as requested by attendees. For Dates and Registration Here
Physician Heal Thyself workshop: This programme is aimed at doctors wishing to develop their skills for recognising and managing their stress. This is a practical course with a coaching approach. We aim to equip you with those skills and strategies to help you identify and address symptoms of stress in your life. Dates for 2027 TBC
Programme Directors’ Advanced Course: This course is aimed at Programme Directors of GP Training Schemes with at least one year’s experience in the post. It is advertised across the UK and attended by PDs usually from England and Wales. The focus is to share experiences, new ideas and techniques and keep up to date with the latest developments in GP Training, regulation and assessments. 2 days residential ££. No Dates for 2027
AKT SOX Educator Training: Wanting to help your trainee(s) pass the AKT? Then this AKT SOX training is for you! A virtual interactive session. This training is for any GP Trainer, Educational Supervisor, TPD or AD and will help you feel better prepared to help your trainee(s). Registration HERE
Supporting your trainees preparing for AKT: A workshop to explore the important role of trainers for trainees studying for their AKT, looking at supporting trainees in how they learn and supporting them in what they learn. Dates for 2027 TBC
Differential Attainment, IMGs & Difficult conversations: This online workshop will be a practical, interactive session to discuss how we can best support our international medical graduate trainees in post. There will be opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other. We will cover: A (brief) overview on current differential attainment data for IMG trainees The importance of learning needs assessments and getting to know your trainee. Tips on having difficult conversations with trainees. Common challenges / troubleshooting. Resources available to support IMG trainees – including language support. DATE: 8th Dec 2026 1-230pm & 20th April 2027 1-230pm. 8/12/26 – Meeting Link & 20/4/27 – Meeting Link
Supporting Neurodiversity in Training (for trainers): This half day course will explore the different cognitive profiles that we all encounter in the workplace including dyslexia, autism and ADHD. The session will reflect on neurodiversity from a medical model and a social model perspective and the benefits and pitfalls associated. 14 April 2027 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87247314943?pwd=tqukjDwRkdQC3XWGpYgmdTatybFLGa.1
The Experienced trainers’ course: For current GP Trainers. Designed to provide trainers with an inspiring and revitalizing 3 days, aiming to deepen educational skills. The course is relaxed and mainly experiential, with the opportunity to practise and hone teaching, feedback, and coaching skills; in small groups and pairs, and with role players (real registrars- well trained). There will be maximum 20 attendees. 3 days non-residential. Dates for 2027 TBC
Teaching Consultation Skills Course for Educators: This Programme is aimed at educators who wish to develop their skills for the purpose of teaching consultation skills. This is a practical course and there will be opportunity to work in small groups to develop and practice new skills. 2 days Non residential course. Dates for 2027 TBC
Tutorial Skills for GP Trainers: Aimed for all levels of experience, this will be a fun day combining some learning theory and practical tutorial planning discussions, with interactive group work and a chance to receive feedback on short videos. 23 March 2027 Registration Here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/sp7ReCGqxn
COURSES FOR TRAINEES
AKT Workshop for April 2027 Sitting: This two-hour workshop is for those planning on sitting AKT in April 2027. It will cover strategies for revision and exam to help you plan effectively in the run up to your AKT exam. It is a virtual workshop involving some whole group and some small group work so please make sure you log on with microphone and video working. Dates 12 January 2027,11-1pm Zoom Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83636600575?pwd=I78AuizEstgNAyMkuiCEEWYTL0GpS8.1
FOR ST1s
ST1 INDUCTION: We are delighted to welcome the new ST1 GP trainees to NHS England and congratulations on your success in being allocated to your GP Specialty Training Programme in Thames Valley. You are invited to our mandatory SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday 7 September 2027. Save the date
Consultation skills day for ST1: This is an introduction to GP consulting with feedback to help you develop effective consulting skills in primary care. The facilitators are experienced educators, and our aim is to support you in developing useful frameworks and tools for your consultations. This is best suited to ST1s who are already in a primary care placement. Dates for 2026 TBC
First ESR: For all ST1s. Support for those about to undertake their first ESR. DATE 8 December 2026 11.00am-1.00pm. ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88422383599?pwd=FKeU1cg5TRktghwj8kxfiO2b8Z2WH8.1
First ARCP: For all ST1s. Support for those about to undertake their first ARCP panel. DATE 25 May 2027 11.00am-1.00pm ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86539136256?pwd=Npj3eGtj8dgabEbuss9OLgT3ZNrFJO.1
Eportfolio workshop: eportfolio support workshop for ST1s. Registration for 2027 TBC
New to the NHS: For doctors who are NEW to the NHS. This is targeted at doctors who have worked in the NHS for less than 2 years, however if you would like to attend you are very welcome. This session will share information with you and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. Dates for 2027 TBC
New to England course: This event is for ST1 doctors who are new to the UK in the last few years. This day is an opportunity to explore elements of traditional Englishness, to reflect on the impact of the class system, English humour and other cultural aspects that influence behaviours and interactions. With lots of space to share your own experiences this is a chance to develop cultural awareness and explore ‘The English – what on Earth are they talking about?!’. No registration needed: What on Earth are they talking about? 3 November 2026 1-4 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85004024477?pwd=QBqmqc2I4hHZykBKJ67T5LAbsxukbl.1
New to English – What is being communicated? Learning to analyse verbal and non-verbal communication. For ST1 New to NHS (within 2-3 years). 1 December 2026 1-4pm Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88057770610?pwd=r77waUnAV7TYZvK6m19g1B5TYBsDHI.1
Understanding neurodiversity: Developing a better understanding of neurodiversity to promote a positive working environment for all. For All ST1s . 13 July 2027 Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81284126349?pwd=V9HbOEIDmgvcpDwojavKmQHK9sjQsg.1
FOR ST1/ST2s
British English language and cultural identity: This event is open to all trainees; however, it may be of particular interest to those who have a primary medical qualification from outside of the UK, or if English is one of your range of languages. The aim is to explore nuances of British English and how this knowledge may help you in your GP consultations. DATES for 2027 TBC
FOR ST2s
Enhancing Communication: For ST2. Join us to learn how to ace your communication with patients, colleagues and staff. You get a patient complaint about how your patient manner – even though you thought you were really friendly. You find it difficult to relate with your reception team and they don’t always do what you request. Patients often feedback your management plans were not clear. We will be going through clinical cases, tricky staff scenarios and complaints to explore what goes wrong in these scenarios (and others) to step up your communication skills for the clinic room, SCA and beyond! DATE 2 March 2027 PM Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84906351762?pwd=40ImN9i2k2jCwN9lMAJ1EEWJwqRGB4.1
FOR ST2/3s
Additional AKT Workshops: In addition to the regular AKT workshops before the AKT exams, we are offering monthly AKT preparation workshops throughout the year. This is an opportunity to work through example questions in facilitated groups. To reflect on the strategies involved in reading the question, extracting the right patterns of information from the question stem. Then the process of narrowing down and selecting the final answer. For 2026, No registration simply click here Join the meeting now . It will be the same through out the year. DATES: 3 November, 8 December.
Practice management day for AKT: The workshop will cover the main aspects of practice admin with a focus on your AKT exam and real world’ issues that you need to know as a GP such as finances and employment law. These topics will form 10% of the AKT marks, so this should be a high yield revision session for you. DATES 23 March 2027 & 12 October 2027 Registration REGISTRATION: Practice management Day for AKT 2027 – Fill in form
SCA Course: The course is suitable for any ST2 or ST3 trainees planning to take the Simulated Consultation Assessment between November 2023 and June 2024 Ensure you are prepared for the SCA exam by attending this course. Dates for 2027 TBC
Statistics for AKT: The AKT exam devotes 10% of its questions to evidence-based practice (including evidence interpretation and the critical appraisal skills needed to interpret research data). This course is to help ensure you collect all of those marks. 2 March 2027 & 5 October 2027 . Registration REGISTRATION Statistics for AKT 2027 – Fill in form
FOR ST3s
Enhancing Consultation Skills – ST3: Join us for a focused, practical session designed especially for ST3 GP trainees preparing for the SCA and real-world general practice. In this interactive workshop, we will:- Practise SCA-style cases based on real-life scenarios – Tackle consultations around retirement, identity shifts, and life transitions – Explore conversations about faith-sensitive care – talking confidently about contraception or fasting for example.- Build the cultural capital and advanced communication skills examiners (and patients) value. – Expect practical frameworks, reflective discussion, and safe-space rehearsal of those “tricky” consultations that can feel daunting in both the exam and the consulting room. DATE: 5 Jan 2027 PM ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81579708141?pwd=AgMrZArgY7W8B3ZlxN0FXbKaYKMgvq.1
SCA – Study Skills: For ST3s Join us for this interactive SCA skills workshop for Thames Valley GPST3 trainees, where we’ll cover: An overview of the exam – essential knowledge on case types, formats and practicalities on the day. Explore the MRCGP SCA mark scheme – to make your preparation and role play practice sessions more focused and effective. Practise “marking” an SCA case together with educators Top tips and key resources to help you prepare smarter for the SCA and get the most out of your revision. DATE: 23rd March 2027 PM Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89444560463?pwd=VJzVRQ5n23va2ib1bHIyrvMlfbPU6x.1