Each strategic health authority (SHA) has a work force lead and a postgraduate deanery as well as a senior officer responsible for commissioning. These functions work together at an SHA level and also meet at a national level. A work force review team based in the national health service and funded by the Department informs their work. A work force programme group allows work force leads to discuss important matters with senior officials in my Department. Departmental officials also work closely with postgraduate deans and commissioning leads.
SHAs decide on the quantity of training available and this is approved and quality assured by the appropriate regulatory or professional body. For example, the postgraduate medical education and training board holds regular discussions with postgraduate deans to ensure that its standards are met.