BASHH proudly endorses the #SASsix campaign

21 January 2026 (Last updated: 21 Jan 2026 15:29)

BASHH is proud to endorse #SASsix, a campaign founded by the SAS Collective to work on our shared goals to encourage and facilitate the career development and retention of specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors across the UK. 

The #SASsix campaign is a strong initiative to ensure that these doctors, who play such a vital role in healthcare, get the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve The #SASsix asks are:  

1. Every early career SAS doctor should have access to an educational supervisor.
2. All SAS doctors should have equity of access to professional development opportunities relevant to their stage of career.
3. All specialty doctors who meet the required capabilities should have the opportunity to become specialists.
4. Senior SAS doctors should be offered the opportunity to be educators at every level on a par with consultants e.g. educational supervisors, clinical supervisors, directors of medical education.
5. All extended roles in leadership and management should be open to all substantive medical staff that is, consultants and appropriately experienced SAS doctors.
6. All LEDs employed for more than two years within one NHS employer should be offered the opportunity to transfer to the appropriate SAS contract.

Each of the six policy calls seems focused on promoting equity, career development, and leadership roles for SAS doctors. We appreciate educational supervision is not something usually available to doctors working within sexual health services. However, we also understand that doctors earliest in their careers in our specialty might benefit from some guidance and mentorship to acquire new skills and experience, in whatever format employers are able to provide this. We would therefore encourage employers to find ways of offering support and mentorship to these doctors, with the goal of every doctor working in sexual health being able to achieve their potential as Specialists, leaders and educators.

The #SASsix principles reinforce so much of what BASHH is passionate about—empowering SAS doctors and ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Through our ongoing advocacy, led by our SAS Committee, we are proud to continue driving these goals forward. With active representation across all our committees, Specialist Interest Groups, and the BASHH Board, we’re committed to making these principles a reality. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for SAS doctors in sexual health, where every doctor has the chance to succeed and lead with confidence. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality!