Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellowship

What is the Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellowship?

The Scottish Clinical Leadership Fellowship (SCLF) is an immersive, year-long programme. If selected, it will allow you to work on high-impact projects at a national or regional level within NHS Scotland or with partner organisations. It’s a chance to gain hands-on experience, while maintaining a connection with your profession, in areas like:

• healthcare policy
• service improvement
• education and training
• strategic planning

These fellowships are vital to clinical leadership development in Scotland. They offer a unique perspective on the wider health and social care system.

Who is the SCLF programme for?

The SCLF programme is open to resident doctors who have completed CT2, ST2, or equivalent. However, specific eligibility criteria can vary each year. While not exclusively for psychiatry trainees, it’s a significant development opportunity if you can demonstrate:

• a strong interest in leadership and management beyond direct clinical care
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• a commitment to improving patient care and health and social care services at a wider level
• potential for future leadership roles within NHS Scotland

Guidance on the eligibility criteria for SCLF is available on the Scotland Deanery website.

Discover more about SCLF eligibility.

What does the SCLF involve?

As a fellow, you’ll be seconded to host organisations such as the Scottish Government, NHSScotland Health Boards, or the RCPsych. You’ll work on a defined project or portfolio of work, which could include:

• developing national policies related to mental health services
• leading quality improvement initiatives across health boards
• contributing to the educational strategy for medical training
• researching and implementing new models of care

Fellows usually maintain some clinical sessions to retain their connection to patient care.

Why you should consider the SCLF programme

As a psychiatry trainee, developing your leadership skills is fundamental. You’re likely to lead teams, shape services, and advocate for patients during your career.

The SCLF provides:

• System-level insight—Understand NHSScotland's complex decision-making processes and strategic challenges.
• Skill diversification—Develop project management, policy analysis, communication, and organisational change skills. These skills are valuable in a consultant psychiatrist role.
• Networking opportunities—Build relationships with senior leaders and policy makers across the health and social care system.
• Personal and professional development—Become a confident, resilient leader in psychiatry, able to drive change effectively.

The SCLF is a unique pathway to developing the leadership capabilities NHSScotland needs to innovate and adapt. 

Find out more about the recruitment process for the next SCLF cohort.