Strategic Training Board (Clinical Oncology)

• Dr S Needleman (Medical Director, Education & Training, Clinical Oncology)

• Dr Z Arif (ORF Co-Chair)

• Dr R Conroy (CO Recruitment Lead)

• Prof P Hoskin (Chair, Fellowship Exam Board)

• Dr M Khaira (Chair of CO Undergraduate Committee)

• Dr N Thorp (Vice-President, Clinical Oncology)

• Dr C Lim

• Dr A Cameron

• Dr D Fackrell

• Dr C Harrison

• Dr A Law

• Dr R Shakir

• Dr S Jagdev (Chair, Medical Oncology SAC)
• Dr C McGibney (Rep of the Faculty of Radiologists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)
• Prof G Menon (Lead-Dean for Clinical Oncology)

Overall purpose

The Strategic Training Board (STB) sets strategy and guides standard setting, to support expansion of the UK clinical oncology workforce to meet needs identified in the RCR workforce census, both domestically and globally.  The STB has delegated responsibility from the Faculty Leadership Team.  

Responsibilities

The STB:

1. Sets the standards for entry to, content of and assessment in training, up to and including recommendation for the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)

2.    Sets standards and supports doctors wishing to join the specialist register via the Portfolio Pathway Route

3.    Leads on and supports global workforce initiatives for doctors wishing to work in the UK

4.    Supports the delivery of EDI focussed initiatives and activities in education and training and work to address specifically differential awarding

5.    Oversees the work of the Curriculum Committee in ensuring the curriculum remains up to date and fit for purpose, including reviewing and developing an integrated programme of assessment  

6.    Receives recommendations from the Curriculum Committee concerning revisions to the curriculum and programme of assessment, and submits updates to the relevant regulatory body for formal approval as required

7.    Supports initiatives to drive up interest in the specialty

8.    Supports NHS recruitment activity to ensure the specialty is attracting and selecting excellent residents

9.    Contributes to the quality management of specialty training 

10.    Ensures the delivery of the Fellowship Examinations for the specialty through the Fellowship Examination Board

11.    Oversees training-related awards, fellowships, bursaries and prizes 

12.    Oversees fellowship opportunities created to support training and workforce from time to time as necessary

13.    Develops for consideration by the Faculty Leadership Team new initiatives in the education and training of clinical oncologists and undertaking any other projects or activities at the request of the Faculty Leadership Team

14.    Works with other RCR committees and groups as appropriate, for example the Academic Committee, to ensure joint approaches to agreed initiatives

15.    Approves for issue any publications associated with its work

16.    Reports at least once a year to the Faculty Leadership Team on its work

Subsidiary bodies

17.    The STB may propose or recommend to the Faculty Leadership Team that sub-committees are formed

18.    The STB may form working groups as are required within the resources approved by the Faculty Leadership Team, and at the discretion of the Chair, in consultation with the Vice-President

19.    The STB should oversee those sub-committees and working groups which have delegated responsibility from the STB, as amended from time to time

20.    The STB should ensure that each such group has clear terms of reference setting out its role, function and delegated responsibility, and that role descriptions are in place 

Membership

21.    Ex-officio members:

• Medical Director, Education and Training (Chair)
• Vice-President
• Chair of Fellowship Exam Board
• Chair of Undergraduate Committee
• Recruitment Lead
• Representative of the Oncology Registrars’ Forum

22.    Up to 4 appointed members, appointed via established College processes.

23.    Up to 2 elected members, elected via established College processes.  

24.    Up to two co-opted members, at the Committee’s discretion, when particular sections of the membership are underrepresented or particular skills or expertise are sought.

25.    A small number of observers may be invited to attend meetings when relevant, by agreement with the Chair.  For example, the Medical Oncology Training Lead.

Chair

26.    The STB is chaired by the Medical Director, Education and Training.  In the absence of the Medical Director, Education and Training, the STB is chaired by another Officer.

27.    The duties of the Chair include

1. Chairing all meetings
2. Agreeing the agenda and meeting papers
3. Ensuring the terms of reference are observed
4. Engaging all members of the STB in the work in accordance with the RCR’s values
5. Ensuring that accurate meeting records are maintained
6. Reporting to the Faculty Leadership Team on behalf of the STB

Operation

28.    The STB will usually meet three times a year

29.    Meetings may be held by virtual means or remote attendance

30.    The STB will conduct its business in line with RCR values

31.    Members will abide by any stated or implied confidentiality that relates to the work of the STB during or after any period of membership

32.    Members will comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 as regards processing of any personal data where it is made available to them as part of their work

33.    At meetings of the STB, three members including at least one Officer will form a quorum

34.    For decisions taken remotely, a simple majority of members will be sufficient for decision-making

35.    Where there is not a clear majority on a decision, the Chair will have a casting vote

36.    A written record will be produced after each meeting, to be approved by the members.  

Approved by Faculty Leadership Team: July 2025
Review date: TBC