SAS Celebration Week 2026: Empowering SAS Psychiatrists in Wales - A Vision for Equity, Leadership and Opportunity

As part of SAS Celebration Week 2026, Dr Gathoni Kamau (Chair of the SAS representatives in Wales) outlines the SAS three-year strategy for 2025-2028, discussing the importance of this framework in supporting the development of SAS psychiatrists in Wales.

Specialty and Specialist (SAS) psychiatrists are a highly skilled and experienced part of the psychiatric workforce, delivering high-quality care to patients and making a significant contribution to services across Wales. As the role of SAS doctors continues to evolve, it is essential that they are supported to develop, lead and contribute fully to the future of mental healthcare. To help achieve this, the RCPsych Wales SAS Representatives have launched an ambitious three-year strategy for 2025-2028, led by Dr Gathoni Kamau and Dr Antonino Curatola. The strategy sets out a clear commitment to advancing equity, strengthening representation and creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

The plan is built around a simple but powerful vision: empowerment and equality. It seeks to ensure that SAS psychiatrists have a stronger voice in shaping decisions, improved access to career development opportunities and recognition that reflects their contribution to psychiatric services across Wales.

Four strategic priorities will guide this work over the next three years

The first focuses on improving access to Section 12 approval and Approved Clinician pathways. By identifying barriers, addressing variation between Health Boards and developing practical resources, the programme aims to make progression routes clearer and more accessible for SAS psychiatrists. The second priority is to support more SAS doctors to become Clinical and Educational Supervisors through clearer guidance, structured development opportunities and greater consistency in approval processes.

The third priority centres on increasing engagement with the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Through dedicated guidance, regular engagement events and an annual SAS conference, the plan aims to raise awareness of College opportunities and encourage greater participation in College activities, leadership roles and professional networks. The fourth priority focuses on strengthening the Wales SAS network by developing local connections, creating clear pathways for involvement and supporting future SAS leaders.

Underpinned by the values of fairness, dignity, solidarity and stewardship, the strategy places collaboration at its heart. Working alongside RCPsych Wales, Health Boards, HEIW, medical education leaders and SAS psychiatrists across the nation, the programme aims to deliver tangible and lasting improvements for the SAS workforce.

Ultimately, this is about turning representation into action. By creating clearer career pathways, improving access to opportunities, strengthening professional networks and increasing engagement with the College, the strategy seeks to support a confident, connected and empowered SAS community. By 2028, the ambition is to leave SAS representation in Wales stronger, more sustainable and better positioned to support future generations of psychiatrists.

Dr Gathoni Kamau

Chair of the SAS Representatives in Wales