Navigating Autonomous Working, Job Planning & Negotiation

This focused, practical workshop supports SAS doctors to strengthen their understanding of autonomous working and job planning. Through interactive discussion and applied techniques, participants gain clarity on professional boundaries, build negotiation confidence, and learn how to shape roles that align with service needs and career ambitions in today’s NHS.

Participants will explore the principles of safe autonomous practice, including assessing readiness for independent working and applying appropriate clinical judgment. They will also gain job planning and negotiation skills relevant to the SAS role, ensuring they can participate constructively in discussions and advocate for meaningful, balanced, and developmental roles.

To equip SAS doctors with the clarity, confidence, and practical tools to work safely as autonomous practitioners and engage effectively in job planning conversations, ensuring their roles are aligned with NHS expectations, service delivery, and individual career development.

• Define autonomous working within the SAS role and NHS professional guidance.
• Could you assess their current readiness for clinical autonomy and identify next steps?
• Recognise how to manage boundaries, responsibility, and risk in autonomous practice.
• Describe the job planning process and its application for SAS doctors.
• Identify opportunities to align job plans with service priorities and career goals.
• Apply negotiation techniques to communicate needs clearly and constructively.
• Build a personal action plan to progress autonomy and shape a sustainable role.