- Consultant posts are appointed by an Advisory Appointments Committee (AAC) that includes a Royal College representative.
- You agree an annual job plan that balances direct clinical care, supporting professional activities, teaching and research.
- Many consultants take on leadership roles: clinical director, medical director, training programme director.
- You can also develop expertise in medical education, informatics, medicolegal work or global health.
The job in outline
A full-time NHS consultant contract commonly has about ten programmed activities a week split between direct clinical care and supporting professional activities (teaching, audit, research, management and CPD), though job plans vary. Many consultants add private practice, medico-legal work or academic time. Confirm current terms with the BMA and NHS Employers.
- Read the job description and speak to the team before applying.
- Understand the on-call commitment, the number of PAs and the support for CPD and leave.
- Plan your first year: induction, appraisal, mentorship and your plans for service development.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.