Chief Registrar

Role overview

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust is looking for an energetic and committed senior doctor in training to take on a Chief Registrar position. This opportunity is aimed at doctors at ST4 level or above, or locally employed doctors with comparable experience, who are keen to build capability in leadership, management, and quality improvement.

The post offers 40–50% protected time so the appointed doctor can strengthen leadership skills while applying learning in a practical, supported setting. The role is designed to give space for independent working with enough structure to help shape projects that respond to important local priorities.

What the role focuses on

The Chief Registrar will work on areas such as service improvement, staff engagement and morale, education and training, workforce, and sustainability. The postholder will also gain first-hand exposure to NHS leadership and management systems and develop a deeper understanding of how the NHS is structured and how stakeholders operate.

Training and development

Postholders are expected to take part in the Royal College of Physicians’ dedicated development programme. The programme covers leading change, team culture and development, quality improvement methods and frameworks, and increasing self-awareness and understanding of others to improve leadership effectiveness.

The role includes mentoring from a senior clinical leader within the organisation, along with the opportunity to put learning into practice while contributing to meaningful improvements within the trust.

Eligibility and appointment details

This post is open to senior trainees with a National Training Number at ST4 level or above, and to locally employed doctors with equivalent experience at ST4 level or higher. Applicants may be working full time or less than full time, but all candidates must hold full GMC registration.

This is a fixed-term appointment of at least 12 months. For applicants holding an NTN, the placement may be completed in programme or out of programme, either for training or experience, and must be discussed with the educational supervisor and training programme director. Permission to apply from the TPD is required.

About the trust

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust is among the largest acute trusts in the UK, employing more than 13,000 staff across over 100 clinical services and 10 sites, and supporting a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. The trust has a CQC rating of Good overall and is recognised as a forward-looking, award-winning digital exemplar with a strong focus on patient care, research, and innovation.

Its hospitals are based across Bristol and Weston, offering a mix of city life, countryside access, and proximity to the seaside, all within reach of what South West England has to offer.

Equality, safeguarding and recruitment approach

The trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It is an equal opportunities employer working towards a diverse workforce and aims to recruit and retain staff that reflects the diversity of the local population at every level. Anonymous application information may be used to help monitor progress against this commitment.

Contact for informal enquiries

For further details or an informal discussion, contact Ashleigh Harvey, Deputy Divisional Director - Specialty Medicine, at ashleigh.harvey@uhbw.nhs.uk.