This section will be a work in progress. I'll add to this using reflections from my ALS group and my own experiences. Please share your tips using the form below.
There's lots of processy-stuff towards the end of training - counting up time in training, getting all the LOs signed off, acting up periods, grace periods, fees and more fees. From friends who've been through it, it sounds like this period rarely goes smoothly and I think the advice would be to save money up in advance, and try to remain calm.
From the FPH CCT guidance linked above:
To be eligible for consultant level positions in public health, applicants are required to be on the GMC Specialist Register/ UKPHR of Public Health Specialists.
The six-month rule (applying for consultant jobs before CCT)
We advise that applicants who are Specialty Registrars in public health, but not yet on the GMC/UKPHR Specialist register, must have fully passed the Final Membership (MFPH) examination in order to be eligible to be short-listed for a consultant grade post. The suitable signed documentary evidence must be provided by such applicants to confirm that they are within six months (i.e. six months beforehand) of being included on the GMC/UKPHR Specialist Register at the date of their interview. The documentary evidence should be:
either ARCP 6 (Final Record of Satisfactory Progress) form or
a letter from the postgraduate dean (or Faculty Adviser) specifying the date for completion of training AND
a letter from FPH confirming that the applicant has fully passed the Final Membership (MFPH) examination
Acting up
Registrars may act up into consultant posts* for a maximum of 3 months before CCT (usually the last 3 months before CCT but not in the grace period). Locally you may have arrangements for extending the period for people working part time (the North East has this in 2025) or where there is agreement from all parties including the employer. This should be agreed with your educational supervisor and the training programme director. This period counts as training so there should be educational supervision in place. Supplementary pay can be negotiated with the placement. See the latest North East England acting up policy here.
*Consultant posts must be established, substantive, college approved posts i.e. a pre-existing post where the consultant has left or is away or alternatively is moving into a new approved post which is pending a substantive appointment.
Beyond
Locally we have a semi-regular "ALS" catch up group of senior registrars and new consultants. Leaving the training programme can be a daunting experience and our group have valued the opportunity to socialise with friends and have a safe space to problem solve. Accessing coaching at this stage is not that common from what I've seen, but the ones who've done it have recommended it. There's probably some advice here around realistic expectation for a first consultant job and having a longer term career plan ; but I wouldn't be the right person to give it... so if you have any tips or comments please let us know below!
The FPH run an interview skills course (link above) and regionally we have a senior who is workforce lead that we have discussions with around possible posts / career planning. The advice in the links above covers finding jobs, filling in applications and interviewing. Have a look at the FPH podcast below and explore consultant readiness resources / training through local deaneries.
There are several sites you can use for your job search. Unfortunately none of them were complete in my experience so I had to sign up to all of them. Here's a list to get started but please check the links and filters yourselves:
You can manage your CVs so employers can find you here:
https://careers.fph.org.uk/resumes/