[holding answer 16 April 2007]: In developing the recruitment process, the Royal Colleges agreed the content and requirements of the person specifications for each specialty and level.
When undertaking shortlisting, at least two selectors scored each answer on the application forms against nationally agreed scoring criteria. Selectors are mostly clinicians in the appropriate specialty, but the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board requires lay input into the selection process.
However, as a result of the review of recruitment for specialty training, as outlined in the review group’s statement on 4 April, selection will now honour the aforementioned, but also ensure that all eligible applicants to specialty training in England will be invited for interview in their first affirmed preference.