The Education Academy

Clinical Observership Programme

Doctors from overseas who want to work in the UK are advised to undertake a period of clinical attachment in which they can observe practice in the UK. Our clinical attachment is an observership programme which helps and supports overseas qualified doctors become a part of the NHS.

Each clinical observer is paired with a supervisor, who acts as a mentor throughout the programme. The supervisor will work with the observer to create a tailored experience, ensuring that our visitors make the most of this unique opportunity.

Overview

The Clinical Observership Programme is designed for overseas-qualified postgraduate medical doctors who wish to gain insight into clinical practice within the NHS.

The programme allows participants to observe healthcare delivery, professional standards, and multidisciplinary working within Barts Health. Each clinical observer is assigned a named supervisor, who acts as a mentor and supports a structured and tailored observational experience.

This programme is intended for doctors who are exploring future NHS employment or postgraduate training opportunities in the UK.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be an overseas postgraduate medical doctor
  • Have completed a minimum of one full year of postgraduate hospital experience
  • Be qualified and registered as a medical practitioner in their home country (UK professional registration is not required)
  • Hold a PLAB 1 pass (required for applicants outside the EEA/Switzerland)
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not the first language:

IELTS or OET at level 7.5

or

equivalent evidence of English language competence

The Clinical Observership Programme is strictly observational. Hands-on clinical activity is not permitted at any stage.

How to Apply, Application Process and Fees

Application windows and observership dates

The programme opens for applications three times per year. Applicants must apply during the relevant window for their preferred observership dates.

The next application window is from 20th April 2026 to 4th May 2026 – this is for observerships in July 2026.

The application form will appear HERE when the application window is open.

  • Applications submitted outside these windows will not be considered
  • Observerships can not be arranged directly with consultants


Application process (step by step)

1. Submit an online application

During the application window, applicants must complete the online application form and upload their CV only.

  • This stage is used to assess eligibility and suitability
  • No payment is required
  • No additional supporting documents are required at this stage

2. Application review and shortlisting

All applications are reviewed by the Trust.

  • Due to high demand, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an offer
  • Applicants are shortlisted based on the application form and CV
  • Only shortlisted applicants will be progressed further

3. Offer of observership and acceptance

Successful shortlisted applicants will receive a formal offer of a Clinical Observership.

Applicants who wish to accept the offer must:

  1. Confirm acceptance within the stated timeframe
  2. Pay a £500 non-refundable deposit

The deposit contributes to costs incurred by the Trust to initiate pre-placement processes, including the Honorary Contract.

4. Honorary Contract initiation and pre-placement checks

Once the offer has been accepted and the deposit paid, Barts Health will initiate the Honorary Contract process on the applicant’s behalf.

Applicants will then be contacted and prompted to provide the documentation required to complete the Honorary Contract and associated pre-placement checks.

The required documentation includes:

  • Passport
  • Proof of address
  • Visitor visa (if required)
  • Evidence of medical qualifications (with certified English translation)
  • DBS / criminal record check from home country (with certified English translation)
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS/OET or equivalent)
  • PLAB 1 pass (if outside the EEA/Switzerland)
  • At least two references from current or most recent employment

All documents must:

  • Be translated into English
  • Include an official stamp of authority

Applicants will also be required to complete:

  • Occupational Health clearance
  • Immunisation checks, where required

If an applicant is unable to meet Honorary Contract or Occupational Health clearance requirements, the offer of an observership will be withdrawn.


Fees and payment structure

Total cost of the 4-week Clinical Observership is £1,600

Payment breakdown:

  • £500 non-refundable deposit payable only after an offer is made and accepted
  • Remaining balance (£1,100) payable after the Honorary Contract process has been completed and the contract issued, in line with the instructions provided by the Trust
  • All fees must be paid before the observership commences

The fee includes:

  • Administration and application processing
  • Honorary Contract costs

The fee does not include:

  • Accommodation
  • Food, travel or personal expenses

Barts Health is unable to provide accommodation.

Honorary Contract

All Clinical Observers must hold an Honorary Contract with Barts Health, which:

  • Provides NHS indemnity cover
  • Is subject to the same pre-employment checks as substantive staff, in line with Trust policy and NHS Employers Checking Standards

Honorary contracts are unpaid and do not include salary, sick pay, paid leave, travel expenses or pension contributions.

Contact

E-mail: clinicalobserver.bartshealth@nhs.net