HEIW encourages SAS and locally employed doctors in Wales to take part in GMC survey

Published 8/5/2026

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is encouraging specialty, associate specialist and specialist grade (SAS), and locally employed (LE) doctors across Wales to take part in a new UK-wide survey led by the General Medical Council.

Now open and closing on 2 June 2026, the survey provides an important opportunity for doctors to share their experiences and help shape the future of medical education, training, and workforce development.

Why this matters for doctors in Wales

SAS and LE doctors play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care across NHS Wales. As one of the fastest growing groups within the medical workforce, it is increasingly important that their voices are heard and reflected in how systems are designed and improved.

HEIW is encouraging participation in the survey to ensure the experiences of doctors working in Wales are fully represented. Insights gathered will help highlight both the strengths and challenges faced by this group, including access to training, career development opportunities and workplace culture.

Supporting future improvements

The findings from the survey will inform a UK-wide review of medical education and training. This work aims to create a more inclusive and flexible system that better supports SAS and LE doctors to develop their careers in ways that also benefit patient care.

For Wales, this evidence will be particularly valuable in shaping future approaches to:

• education and training opportunities
• career progression pathways
• workforce planning and sustainability
• creating supportive and inclusive working environments

A quick and confidential opportunity to have your say

The survey is open to doctors who are registered with the GMC and are not currently in training or on the specialist or GP registers. It takes around 15 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential.

Make your voice count

HEIW is asking colleagues and organisations across Wales to support this initiative by encouraging SAS and LE doctors to take part.

The more responses received, the stronger the evidence base will be to drive meaningful change, helping to ensure that the future medical workforce is supported, valued and equipped to continue delivering high quality care for patients.

The survey is open until Tuesday 2 June 2026 and can be accessed here.