The flow diagram is a summary of the NIHR ACF recruitment process. It shows different pathways for those who will require clinical benchmarking and those who do not, as they have already obtained an appropriate national training number (NTN) or Deanery Reference Number (DRN) for the NIHR ACF post. Those with an appropriate DRN or NTN should complete an NIHR ACF application form. If they are shortlisted and appointable at ACF interview and the top ranked applicant, they will receive an unconditional offer. If the offer is accepted then the post is considered filled and the NIHR Academy should be informed. If the offer is refused, an appointable reserve applicant can be offered the post. The post should be offered to appointable reserve applicants in order of rank at ACF interview. If the offer is not accepted by any appointable applicant then the post should be readvertised.
Those without an appropriate DRN or NTN require clinical benchmarking. If clinical recruitment is not available for the appropriate ACF specialty and level then the applicant may be ineligible for the ACF and the HEE local office will be able to advise on the process.
If clinical recruitment is available for the appropriate ACF specialty and level then the applicant should complete an NIHR ACF application form and specialty application form when available. If they are shortlisted and appointable at ACF interview and the top ranked applicant, they will be given a conditional offer. If this applicant is also then successful at clinical benchmarking they can be given an unconditional offer. If the offer is accepted, the post is filled and the NIHR Academy should be informed.
If the offer is refused, an appointable reserve applicant can be offered the post. The post should be offered to appointable reserve applicants in order of rank at ACF interview. Applicants can only be appointable reserve applicants if they have also been successful at clinical benchmarking. If the offer is not accepted by any appointable applicant then the post should be readvertised.