EAN Special Project Groups

Applications are open from 1 March–1 April 2025.

Are you a surgeon or dental surgeon with a strong interest in education, learning and innovation? Are you interested in advancing your professional development by working with like-minded clinicians to enhance the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s learning offer? If so, joining a Special Project Group in the Education Advisory Network (EAN) would be an excellent fit for you.

The purpose of the EAN is to provide a safe space to share knowledge, discuss new developments and guide educational research and innovation.We are excited to offer a new opportunity to contribute to this crucial area of work. 

The EAN will have two distinct levels of membership:

a) A core of up to 30 clinicians organised in Special Project Groups who undertake an enquiry into one of two specific areas of focus for a period of 2 years (with the option to extend to 3 with agreement from the Learning Department).

b) A wider network of clinicians who are interested in the outputs of the work and we can call upon for peer review. Members of this group will get first look at research findings undertaken.

Members and fellows are invited to apply for either of these roles. Applications for the Special Project Groups are open from 1 March to 1 April 2025 and applications for the wider network will open in summer 2025.

What’s involved

Members of the Special Project Groups will work collaboratively to conduct enquiries into two specific questions. They will review and evaluate academic evidence and advise the Learning Department on appropriate courses of action. This may result in new or revised educational courses and products.

In addition, members of the Special Project Groups will, where appropriate:

• join the Learning Department at regular meetings to discuss research and outcomes;
• have the opportunity to join the Learning Committee to update on progress and findings;
• collaborate with the wider network for advice and guidance, where appropriate;
• and contribute to a newsletter to share progress with the whole EAN.
  

Special Project Groups may also:

• contribute to a webinar series on surgical education;
• contribute to the Surgical Education Conference in 2025;
• contribute to episodes in The Theatre podcast, if appropriate;
• and provide guidance to the Learning Department in the (re)development of educational products and courses.

Commitment

Membership of a Special Project Group has a term of up to 2 years which may be extended to 3 with the agreement of the Learning Department.

It is estimated that one day a month will be required to carry out the role.

The time commitment for each of our enquiry questions will vary based on the question. The two enquiry questions for 2025–27 are:

1. How will the need to enhance the digital literacy and proficiency of trainers and trainees shape our learning offer in the future? An enquiry likely to last 12 months
2. How will the impact of longer and more varied careers shape the education and training we offer in the future? An enquiry likely to last 24 months

Please note, this is a guide only and may alter as the project scope is defined in greater detail.

Benefits

• Contribute to your College and colleagues’ professional development offering and help support training and retention in surgery.
• Collaborate with, and learn from, members, fellows and partners as the College develops its educational offering.
• Earn CPD credits for the development and delivery of educational activities.
• Participate in educational opportunities.

Support

The EAN will be managed by the Learning Content Manager and supported by a dedicated Learning team who provide expertise in educational research, learning design, project management, event operations, sponsorship marking and evaluation. They will also provide administrative support, set up meetings and take minutes.

Who is eligible to be part of a Special Project Group?

To put your name forward for a Special Project Group, you need to be a member or fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. We seek to build a broad and inclusive network which champions a range of interests, skills and perspectives. With this in mind, we want to build an inclusive EAN which reflects the diversity of the profession. As a result, we will:

• limit membership to 30 individuals in Special Project Groups but extend the wider network to up to 300 individuals;
• and ensure that there is a balance of grades, specialties, genders and ethnicities in the network.

In order to achieve this, we have introduced an application process for both levels of membership. We are seeking clinicians who have:

• experience with, and an enthusiasm for, surgical education and professional development;
• experience in research;
• experience evaluating educational courses and products;
• experience in one of the research questions;
• an ability to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders;
• and a clear commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in practice.

You will need to select which Group you would like to join and explain in no more than 500 words why you would like to join. You will also be able to indicate whether you would like to be considered for the leadership role.