Education Advisory Network (EAN)

The Education Advisory Network (EAN) helps us to shape future educational programmes. Previously the Expert Advisory Network, it is a safe space to share knowledge, discuss new developments and guide educational research and innovation at RCS England.

We are recruiting for the 2025-2027 EAN. There will be three ways in which you can work with us:

(a) joining part of a small core of clinicians carrying out enquiries into specific questions (applications open from 1 March to 1 April 2025);

(b) being part of a broader network championing surgical education and innovation (applications opening in summer 2025);

(c) applying for funding for Proof of Concept work to design and trial a project in any area which enhances our current or future learning offer (applications opening in autumn 2025).

The EAN will provide a platform for individuals with a special interest in education, research and innovation in surgical education to provide expert advice to RCS England Learning Department.

This multidisciplinary group of experts will allow us to capitalise on a wide range of clinical and academic excellence and expertise to inform our strategy and decision-making.

Its role in shaping future educational programmes and keeping us at the forefront of technology, innovation and surgical education will play an important role in creating a safe environment for patients and future-proofing the careers of our members.

Aims of the Education Advisory Network

• Enhance RCS England's courses by feeding the EAN’s learnings directly into our offer
• Develop and test concepts in a safe space to build an evidence base for evolving education.
• Support surgical education through technology and Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL).
• Build a global, diverse team of learners and experts to understand workforce needs.
• Learn from other industries and educational environments to improve surgical education.
• Ensure equitable and sustainable provision aligned with RCS England’s DEI strategy.

The Network will focus on learning from others and other industries, testing technology to support surgical education and creating a safe space to test ideas and build evidence. The focus, as always, is on the learner and their needs, the changing surgical environment, the wider surgical team and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Network structure and membership

There will be a tiered membership structure to the EAN with different expectations, time commitments, accountability and support. Recruitment will take place in two stages.

1. Recruiting from 1 March: An active core of clinicians organised into Special Project Groups undertaking research.
2. Recruiting in summer 2025: A wider pool 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.

The Special Project Groups will conduct enquiries into two areas of focus for a period of up to 2 years. For 2025-27, these are:

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

Special Project Groups will be led by a member of Council or the Learning Committee who will be responsible for coordinating the work of the group and communicating with the Learning Department.

Learn more about roles within the EAN Special Projects Group and wider network

For further information about the ways in which you can get involved, please contact educationinnovation@rcseng.ac.uk

Proof of Concept

Proof of Concept work continues as the safe space for designing, trialing and testing innovations in surgical education. Funding is always open for applications from members and fellows of RCS England or the Faculty of Dental Surgery, although a formal application round will open in Autumn 2025. You can apply for up to £5,000 to support your chosen project that enhances an existing RCS England course or learning experience or form a new offer in our portfolio. Your work's outcome should contribute towards advancing surgical education and complement our existing portfolio.

Apply for funding to support your project