There are a variety of forums and representative groups within the North West Deanery created with a joint aim of supporting and hearing the voices of Resident Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists in training.
These forums empower trainees to come together to improve their training experience and escalate issues to senior educators within the Post Graduate Team.
If you have an issue you would like raised within a forum, you are encouraged to escalate via the appropriate representative groups or forums below.
North West Foundation Forum (NWFF) updated 20 July 2026
Designed for: Foundation Doctors within the North West
Supported by: Professor Paul Baker (Deputy Postgraduate Dean for Foundation Training and Physician Associates)
Contact: contact.nwff@gmail.com
Overview: The NWFF is a large forum of 100 members, with two FY1 and two FY2 representatives from each hospital in the North West. They meet monthly to discuss ways of improving the lives and training of foundation doctors, including tackling problems in trusts and sharing best practice. There are 7 sub-committees that focus on different areas for improvement, including Academic, Conference, EDI, MedTech, Sustainability, Teaching, and Wellbeing. The NWFF also runs a yearly foundation doctor conference in May to showcase the work of the excellent foundation doctors in the North West.
Other: Please see our LinkedIn and Instagram pages for more information.
Speciality Trainee Representatives Forum
Designed for: Speciality Trainee Representatives (excluding Foundation and GP Resident Doctors in training)
Supported by: Dr Lina See (Associate Dean)
Contact: england.nwdtraineereps@nhs.net
Overview: This is a large active forum with over 100 representatives from different training programmes within the North West. We meet four times a year in a Hybrid Format (Microsoft Teams / at a North West Deanery office) and welcome escalation of issues or best practice related to speciality training. Issues previously escalated have included: study leave applications, study leave funding and ARCP outcome processes. There is smaller sub-committee ‘Executive Committee’ made up of approximately 10 representatives who take on a more senior role within the forum and have strategic oversight.
Other: Please join and see our NHS Futures webpage for updates. added 20 July 2026
Upcoming meetings: added 20 July 2026
| Date | Meeting |
|---|---|
| 3 November 2026 | 2nd Annual Conference |
| 19 January 2027 | TR Forum |
| 20 April 2027 | TR Forum |
| 6 July 2027 | TR Forum |
| 16 November 2027 | 3rd Annual Conference |
GP Resident Doctor (RD) Liaison Group updated 20 July 2026
Designed for: GP Resident Doctors in Training
Supported by: Dr Alison Jayne Caldwell (Head of GP School North West Deanery)
Contact: england.gptraining.nw@nhs.net
Overview: The GP RD Liaison Group meets online every two months and provides a forum for representatives from each of our programmes to come together. Updates are shared with the group, and members have the opportunity to raise any questions, discuss relevant issues, and provide feedback. Minutes are circulated following each meeting to ensure key points and actions are captured and communicated.
Other: If you are interested in becoming a member of this group please contact: england.gptraining.nw@nhs.net
Resident Doctor Peer Leads (RDPL)
Designed for: Hospital / Host specific issues
Supported by: Dr Samer Misra (Associate Dean)
Contact: sameer.misra1@nhs.net
Overview: This is a new forum created in 2026 using the national RDPL framework as part of the 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives. Every NHS trust in region has an appointed Resident Doctor Peer Lead (RDPL). They work with the Senior Lead for Resident Doctor Experience (SLRDE) and the designated Non-Executive Director (NED) to ensure improvements are made and reported at a local hospital/site board level. Issues previously escalated have included parking and rest facilities. Every month an online Network Meeting is held to bring together all the RDPLs across the North West to escalate issues and share best practice.
Other: Please join our NHS Futures page for updates and schedule of upcoming meetings. added 20 July 2026
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Representatives
Designed for: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Representatives
Supported by: Dr Lina See (Associate Dean)
Contact: england.nwdtraineereps@nhs.net
Overview: This forum brings together Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Representatives from the region. We meet twice a year online. This is a safe space to raise any EDI issues and initiatives.
Other: If you are interested in becoming an EDI Representative, please contact england.nwdtraineereps@nhs.net added 20 July 2026
Peer SuppoRTT Representatives added 20 July 2026
Designed for: Less Than Full Time (LTFT) and Return to Training (RTT) Representatives
Supported by: Dr Ruth Gottstein (Associate Dean for SuppoRTT)
Contact: england.supportt.nw@nhs.net
Overview: Peer SuppoRTT Representatives work with School SuppoRTT Champions to provide peer support, advice and guidance.
Other: To find your local RTT/ LTFT Representative please see our webpage.
Last Updated 20 July 2026