How to Write a Supporting Statement for a Junior Clinical Fellow in Medicine Post
Updated: 20 hours ago
Junior Clinical Fellow (JCF) posts in medicine are one of the most common first NHS jobs for international medical graduates. Let's take a real one as our example: a Junior Clinical Fellow in Medicine at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust. It's a full-time post rotating through medical specialties, with the acute medical take, ward cover and nights. Great training post, and yes, hundreds of doctors will apply.
Here's the thing most IMGs don't realise. Shortlisting is not about who has seen the most patients. Most applicants are good doctors. It's about who shows the evidence the person specification asks for, clearly and in the right place. And this Trust says it in black and white on the person specification itself: "you must demonstrate your experiences by giving specific examples for the criteria within the person specification."
👉 Applying for other posts too? See our free NHS supporting statement examples for doctors and IMGs, with an example paragraph for every common person specification criterion.
How shortlisting actually works
Picture the shortlister with a pile of applications and a scoring sheet. They don't read your statement like a story. They go through the person specification line by line and ask: "Where's the evidence?"
Essential criteria: you need to show every one of these.
Desirable criteria: your bonus points. The more you clearly evidence, the higher you score.
Specific examples, not adjectives: "I'm a good communicator" scores almost nothing. A real patient conversation, what you did and what happened, scores.
Make it easy: if they have to hunt for it, they may miss it.
In this guide we'll decode every line of this person specification, show you how to bridge the gap if you've never worked in the NHS, and walk you through a full example statement, paragraph by paragraph, with the reasons why each part works.
About this post and the Trust
Before you write a word, read the full job description. Shortlisters can tell straight away who has read it. Here's what stands out in this one:
The rotation: posts rotate through medical specialties, which may include Respiratory, Emergency Medicine, Acute/ITU, Infectious Diseases, Care of the Elderly, Haematology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Diabetes & Endocrine, Renal and General Internal Medicine, mostly at UHCW in Coventry, with some at Rugby St Cross.
The level: Junior Clinical Fellow roles equivalent to CT1/CT2/ST1/ST2, with full on-call: long days, weekends and nights, including the acute medical take and ward cover.
Training support: a clinical supervisor for each rotation, an overall educational supervisor, regular PDP meetings, study leave and support for exams like MRCP. The job description says many fellows have gone on to training posts.
ALS is essential: "ALS certification is an essential requirement for the post."
UHCWi: the Trust's improvement system, built with the Virginia Mason Institute, uses lean methods to remove waste and put patients first. Training such as Lean for Leaders and the Human Factors Programme may be expected.
The Trust's values: the UHCW seven
The person specification makes this essential: you "must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values", as described in UHCW's Values in Action. The seven values are Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect.
Value | What the Trust's Values in Action says | How to show it in your statement |
Compassion | Being approachable, caring and helpful; actively listening to understand individual needs | A patient you listened to and cared for beyond the clinical task |
Openness | Being open and honest; acknowledging we don't always get it right; speaking out when things aren't right | An incident you reported, or a mistake you learned from |
Pride | Giving praise and celebrating personal, team and organisational achievements | Recognising your team's work, a project you're proud of |
Partnership | Working across boundaries; actively working with patients to improve services | MDT working, working with GPs and other agencies |
Improve | Taking personal responsibility to make improvements; acting on feedback | Your audit, a QIP, a change you suggested |
Learn | Taking personal responsibility for your own learning; keeping up to date; learning with and from others | Your CPD, exams, reflection, teaching |
Respect | Treating everybody as individuals; respecting confidentiality and privacy | Using interpreters, dignity, cultural sensitivity |
You don't need a separate paragraph for each value. Name them once, then let your examples show them. Our free Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare and Clinical Governance in the NHS courses back up "Respect", "Openness" and "Improve" really well.
Never worked in the NHS? Here's how to bridge the gap
Good news first: in this post, "demonstratable experience in UK" is only desirable. The essential is "demonstratable post-qualification experience", and your work back home counts. So don't count yourself out. Here's how to make your application strong:
1. Show your post-qualification experience at the right level. If you've worked as a medical officer, resident or registrar in medicine abroad, say it clearly and in NHS terms: "working at a level equivalent to FY2/CT1 in acute and general medicine". Back it up with numbers: how many patients on the take, your on-call rota, the specialties you covered.
2. Bring in your clinical attachment. A UK clinical attachment is your bridge into the NHS and helps with the "experience in UK" desirable. Write about what you actually saw and learned: the acute medical take, post-take ward rounds, NEWS2, SBAR handover, discharge summaries to GPs, MDT meetings. Describe it as a clinical attachment, and focus on what you learned. No attachment yet? Our Clinical Attachment Support can help you secure one.
3. Show NHS knowledge through CPD. The person specification asks for "acknowledgement of evidence-based practice and CPD". Short, NHS-focused CPD courses on Good Medical Practice, clinical governance, audit and QIP, teaching and communication prove you've done the homework, with certificates and reflective notes to back it up.
4. ALS is essential here. You need an ALS certificate or equivalent: the Resuscitation Council UK ALS course, or an equivalent such as ACLS. Put the course, provider and date clearly in your statement. If yours is due or expired, book it now. Our free Advanced Life Support (ALS) revision course is a great way to prepare for the real ALS course and refresh the UK algorithms before your interview, and we've written a guide on how to prepare for the Resuscitation Council UK ALS course as an IMG.
5. Gave up your licence? No problem. If you have your licence, great, just state it. If you gave it up while job-hunting, you don't need to restore it just to apply. Simply make it clear, for example:
"I hold full registration with the General Medical Council. I have recently given up my licence to practise, and I am more than happy to restore it as I fulfil all the requirements."
No need to explain why. Once you get the offer, restoring it is quick, and every step is here: How to Restore Your GMC Licence After an NHS Job Offer.
Put these together and your application tells a clear story: experienced medical doctor, ALS certified, already familiar with NHS systems, actively learning NHS standards. That's exactly what a JCF in Medicine post is looking for.
The person specification, decoded
Here is the person specification exactly as it appears in the job description:
And here is every line in a table, with the kind of evidence that scores it.
Factor | Criterion | Essential or desirable | Evidence that scores well |
Qualification/Training | GMC registered/licenced Medical Practitioner. | Essential | GMC number and registration status in your first lines (licence, or recently given up and happy to restore) |
Qualification/Training | Basic Medical Qualification. | Essential | MBBS or equivalent, university and year |
Qualification/Training | Possession of ALS certification or equivalent. | Essential | RCUK ALS or equivalent, provider and date |
Qualification/Training | Evidence of competence at Foundation level. | Desirable | Internship / house job mapped to Foundation competences, any competence sign-off |
Experience | Demonstratable post-qualification experience. | Essential | Posts, specialties, dates and level since qualifying |
Experience | Demonstratable experience in UK. | Desirable | NHS post, or UK clinical attachment and what you learned |
Management/Audit | Participation in Clinical Audit. | Essential | Audit title, your role, what changed |
Management/Audit | Rota management. | Desirable | Any time you organised a rota, cover or leave for your team |
Research/Publications | Research papers/abstracts. | Desirable | Paper, poster or abstract title and your role |
Knowledge | Knowledge and experience of acute and general medicine including acute unselected medical take. | Essential | The acute take: patient numbers, conditions, independent decisions, escalation |
Academic Achievements | Acknowledgement of evidence-based practice and CPD. | Essential | NICE guidance in practice, journal club, CPD courses with dates, MRCP progress |
Skills & Abilities | Excellent patient communication. | Essential | A real example: breaking bad news, consent, an anxious relative |
Skills & Abilities | Participation in education. | Essential | Teaching students, juniors or nurses, and feedback |
Skills & Abilities | Ability to work in multi-professional team. | Essential | Working with nurses, physios, pharmacists, GPs, other specialties |
Skills & Abilities | Competent basic computer skills. | Essential | Electronic patient records, e-prescribing, discharge summaries |
Skills & Abilities | Participate in on-call rota. | Essential | Your on-call pattern: nights, weekends, ward cover, take |
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours | Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below). | Essential | Name the seven values and show them through your examples |
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours | Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience. | Essential (managerial roles) | Not usually needed at JCF level, but an example of fairness or inclusion never hurts |
Tip: use the person specification's own words in your headings or topic sentences. This Trust literally asks for "specific examples for the criteria", so make it easy for them to tick each box.
How to structure your statement
Follow the order of the person specification, with a short heading for each section so the shortlister finds your evidence in seconds.
Section | What to cover |
Opening | The post, your GMC status, your level, why this rotation and this Trust |
Qualifications and ALS | Primary qualification, internship as Foundation equivalent, ALS or equivalent with date, MRCP progress |
Acute and general medicine | Post-qualification posts, the acute unselected take, on-call, ward cover, your clinical attachment |
Audit and quality improvement | Brief mention, what you learned, what you'll do here (full details in the form's audit section) |
Teaching | Brief mention, what you learned, what you'll teach here |
Research | Heading only, what it taught you, what you'll do next |
Communication, teamwork and on-call | One real case that shows all three |
Evidence-based practice, CPD and computer skills | NICE, journal club, CPD courses, electronic records |
Rota management | Any example, even a small one |
Trust values | UHCW's seven values, linked to your examples |
Closing | What you will bring and your career plan |
Quick tip: Trac and NHS Jobs forms already have separate sections for audit, teaching, research and publications. Put the full details there. In your statement, name them briefly and focus on what you learned and what you'll do in this job.
Writing rules that help shortlisters score you:
Use CARL for examples: Context, Action, Result, Learning.
Put numbers in: patients, shifts, sessions, dates.
Write in the first person and active voice: "I assessed", "I led", "I taught".
Mention your CPD courses where they match a criterion, then say what you did with the learning.
Using CPD courses as evidence
This person specification has an essential line many IMGs skim past: "Acknowledgement of evidence-based practice and CPD." That's where targeted CPD earns you marks, and it also helps you describe your experience in the language NHS shortlisters use.
Our free online CPD courses are built around NHS person specifications. Each takes a few hours, ends with a quiz, and offers an optional verifiable certificate and an appraisal-ready reflective note.
Person specification criterion | Free course | How to use it in your statement |
Possession of ALS certification or equivalent | Refresh the UK algorithms alongside your ALS certificate; great for on-call confidence | |
Participation in Clinical Audit | Talk about your audit cycle and PDSA, which fits UHCWi's improvement culture | |
Acknowledgement of evidence-based practice and CPD | Show you appraise evidence and apply NICE guidance | |
Excellent patient communication | Breaking bad news, consent, complaints | |
Participation in education | Planning sessions and giving feedback | |
Ability to work in multi-professional team; rota management | Leading on call, organising cover | |
Trust values (Openness, Improve) | Incident reporting, learning from errors, safety culture | |
Trust values (Respect, Compassion) | Treating patients as individuals, cultural sensitivity | |
Acute medicine and capacity decisions on the take | Confused or refusing patients on the take | |
Trust values (Learn) and personal development | Reflection, PDP and the GMC standards |
How to write it so it counts:
Keep it simple: in your statement, just give the course title and what it taught you, for example: "I completed the Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement course to deepen my understanding of PDSA cycles." Put the provider, date and certificate in the separate training/courses section of the application form, not in the statement.
Link it to practice: one sentence on what you did differently afterwards.
Keep it real: call it what it is, CPD, and let the learning do the talking. Your actual ALS certificate (RCUK ALS or equivalent) is listed separately.
Keep the evidence: bring certificates and reflective notes to interview and add them to your portfolio.
Worked example: the full statement, paragraph by paragraph
Meet our example applicant: an IMG who worked as a medical officer in internal and acute medicine back home for several years, has done a UK clinical attachment in acute medicine, holds ALS, and has never had a paid NHS job. Sound familiar? Below is their statement, broken into paragraphs. After each one we explain why it works and which course helps you write yours. It's deliberately detailed so you can see what a strong statement looks like; trim it to fit your form's word limit. Swap the details in [brackets] for your own, and keep everything true to you.
1. Opening
I am applying for the Junior Clinical Fellow in Medicine post at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire because it offers exactly what I need at this stage of my career: rotations across medical specialties, regular acute unselected take, structured clinical and educational supervision, and support towards MRCP and specialty training. I hold full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC number [1234567]); I have recently given up my licence to practise and am more than happy to restore it, as I fulfil all the requirements. I bring [four] years of post-qualification experience in acute and general internal medicine, current ALS certification, a recent UK clinical attachment in acute medicine, and a real commitment to safe, compassionate patient care.
Why this works: in a few sentences the shortlister can tick GMC registration, ALS, post-qualification experience and UK exposure, and they can see the applicant has read the job description (rotations, supervision, MRCP support). No life story. Straight to the evidence.
2. Qualifications and ALS
I graduated MBBS from [university] in [2018] and completed a one-year rotating internship, equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme, with rotations in medicine, surgery, emergency medicine and paediatrics, where I achieved the competences expected at Foundation level. I hold the Resuscitation Council UK Advanced Life Support certificate (valid until [month 2029]) and passed MRCP Part 1 in [2025]; I am preparing for Part 2 Written. To keep my resuscitation knowledge sharp for the acute take, I also completed the Advanced Life Support (ALS) revision course.
Why this works: it ticks three essentials (basic medical qualification, ALS, and the desirable "competence at Foundation level") in plain words. MRCP progress shows commitment to medicine. Mentioning the ALS revision course shows you keep your skills up to date, which the Trust's "Learn" value loves.
Course that helps: Advanced Life Support (ALS) revision, plus our guide on preparing for the Resuscitation Council UK ALS course.
3. Acute and general medicine, and UK experience
Since [2020] I have worked as a medical officer in internal and acute medicine at [an 800-bed teaching hospital], at a level equivalent to FY2/CT1. On the acute unselected take I assessed [20–25] patients per shift, including sepsis, chest pain, acute kidney injury, DKA, COPD and asthma exacerbations, strokes and the acutely confused elderly patient. I clerked, formed management plans, requested and interpreted investigations, presented to the consultant on post-take ward rounds and escalated sick patients early. I also covered medical wards out of hours on a [1-in-6] rota of long days, nights and weekends, managing deteriorating patients, sepsis and end-of-life care, and rotated through cardiology, respiratory and care of the elderly.To prepare for NHS practice, I completed a [four-week] clinical attachment in acute medicine at [the NHS Trust]. I joined the acute take, post-take ward rounds, board rounds and MDT meetings, and saw how NHS medical teams work: NEWS2 and sepsis pathways, structured SBAR handover, frailty assessment, discharge planning with therapists and social workers, and clear discharge summaries to GPs. I learned how important timely communication with GPs and community teams is for safe discharge. My supervising consultant has agreed to act as a referee. I am confident I can join your on-call rota and contribute safely from day one.
Why this works: this is the heart of the statement. It covers "knowledge and experience of acute and general medicine including acute unselected medical take" (essential) with real numbers and conditions, "participate in on-call rota" (essential), and "demonstratable experience in UK" (desirable) through the attachment. Naming NHS tools like NEWS2, SBAR and frailty assessment shows you'll settle in quickly. A UK consultant referee is gold.
Course that helps: Clinical Governance in the NHS teaches the safety systems NHS medical teams use, and Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act for Doctors helps with confused and refusing patients on the take.
4. Audit and quality improvement
My audit of sepsis six delivery within one hour in the emergency department (details in the audit section) showed me how small system changes, a sepsis screening sticker and a short teaching session, can improve care measurably, and why closing the loop with a re-audit matters. The Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement course taught me how to move from one-off audits to PDSA-based quality improvement. I was particularly interested to read about the UHCWi improvement system and its lean approach to putting the patient first, and I would welcome training such as Lean for Leaders. In this post, I would like to take part in the department's audit programme and lead a QIP on [discharge summary quality or VTE assessment on the take].
Why this works: "Participation in Clinical Audit" is essential here. The audit itself goes in the form's audit section, so the statement mentions it briefly, then shows learning and a plan. Mentioning UHCWi shows you've really read the job description, and it links straight to the "Improve" value.
Course that helps: Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement, plus our free Audit & QIP Guide to plan your next project.
5. Teaching
I enjoy teaching and see it as part of being a good doctor. For [two] years I taught medical students and new interns (listed in my teaching section), running bedside sessions on chest examination and ECG interpretation, and short teaching on the wards for nurses on recognising sepsis. Feedback taught me that the best sessions are short, practical and focused on what learners need on the ward. The Teaching Skills for Doctors course gave me a structure for planning sessions with clear objectives and giving constructive feedback. In this post, I would like to teach medical students and foundation doctors and contribute to departmental teaching.
Why this works: "Participation in education" is essential. The job description says fellows teach students, trainees, nurses and other staff, so mentioning nurse teaching is a smart touch. Brief mention, learning, future plan.
Course that helps: Teaching Skills for Doctors.
6. Research and evidence-based practice
My poster on [outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults] (listed in my publications section) taught me how data can change practice, and how to appraise evidence critically. I run a monthly journal club and apply NICE guidance in my daily work, for example in managing sepsis and acute kidney injury. The Research and Critical Appraisal course sharpened how I appraise papers. In this post, I hope to contribute to research and present at a regional meeting.
Why this works: it covers "research papers/abstracts" (desirable) with just a heading, and "acknowledgement of evidence-based practice and CPD" (essential) with NICE, journal club and a relevant course.
Courses that help: Introduction to Research and Research and Critical Appraisal.
7. Communication, teamwork and on-call
On a busy night shift I was called to an elderly man with pneumonia who had become confused and hypotensive. I assessed him using ABCDE, recognised septic shock, started the sepsis six and escalated to the medical registrar and critical care outreach using SBAR. Meanwhile I asked the nurse in charge to help reprioritise two other ward reviews. His daughter arrived very anxious, so I found a quiet room, explained his condition and treatment escalation plan in simple language, listened to her concerns and agreed how we would keep her updated. He improved with treatment and returned to the ward two days later. Reflecting on this case, I learned to share my plan clearly with the whole team early, and how much families value honesty and time. The Communication Skills for Doctors course helped me build on this, especially around difficult conversations.
Why this works: one real case ticks four essentials: excellent patient communication, multi-professional teamwork, on-call participation and acute medicine knowledge. It also shows Compassion, Openness and Partnership in action. Smart use of space!
Courses that help: Communication Skills for Doctors and Leadership and Management for Doctors.
8. Computer skills and rota management
I am confident using electronic patient records, electronic prescribing and results systems, and I write clear electronic discharge summaries for GPs. For [one] year I also helped organise our junior doctors' on-call rota, arranging swaps and cover for leave so that the wards were always safely staffed.
Why this works: two short sentences tick "competent basic computer skills" (essential) and "rota management" (desirable). Many applicants forget these easy points. Don't!
Course that helps: Leadership and Management for Doctors covers organising teams and resources.
9. UHCW's values
I share UHCW's values of Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect, and they reflect how I already work. I show compassion by listening to patients and families, as in the case above. I am open: when I noticed a drug chart error on a ward round, I reported it, apologised to the patient and helped change our checking process. I take pride in my team's work and recognise colleagues' contributions. I believe in partnership with nurses, therapists and GPs for safe discharge. I am always looking to improve care through audit and QIP, and I take responsibility for my own learning through CPD, MRCP and reflection. I treat every patient and colleague with respect, using interpreters and respecting privacy and culture. I completed the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare and Understanding Good Medical Practice courses to prepare for practice in the NHS.
Why this works: commitment to the Trust's values is essential, and the person specification points directly to UHCW's Values in Action. This paragraph names all seven values and gives a short, real example for each. Shortlisters love it, because it shows you've read their documents and you mean it.
Courses that help: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare, Understanding Good Medical Practice and Reflective Practice, Appraisal and Revalidation.
10. Closing
This post would give me broad experience across medical specialties, regular acute take, close supervision and support towards MRCP and specialty training. In return, I will bring reliable acute medicine and on-call experience, current ALS, a calm approach under pressure, real enthusiasm for teaching and improvement, and a commitment to compassionate, safe care for every patient. I am confident I would be a dependable member of your medical team from day one, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application at interview.
Why this works: it ends on what they get from you. Short, confident, and linked back to the post.
Common mistakes that cost IMGs the shortlist
Forgetting ALS. It's essential for this post. If you hold RCUK ALS or an equivalent like ACLS, say so clearly, with the expiry date. If you don't have it yet, book it and say when you're doing it.
Not mentioning the acute take or on-call. Both are essential. Give numbers: how many patients per shift, what rota, which conditions.
Saying "I have no NHS experience". Don't apologise! UK experience is only desirable. Show your equivalent experience and your clinical attachment instead.
Writing the whole audit or research project in the statement. Trac has separate sections for these. Mention the heading, what you learned, and what you'll do here.
Generic values. "I am hardworking and compassionate" says nothing. Name UHCW's seven values and give a quick real example for each.
Explaining your licence status at length. Keep it to the simple line: you hold full registration, you recently gave up your licence, and you're happy to restore it as you fulfil all the requirements.
Copying this example word for word. Shortlisters read hundreds of statements. Use the structure, but tell your story.
Missing easy points. Computer skills and rota management take one sentence each. Don't leave marks on the table.
Final checklist before you submit
Every essential criterion in the person specification has clear evidence in my form or statement
As many desirable criteria as I honestly can are covered
GMC registration stated; if I've given up my licence, the simple restore line is included
ALS (or equivalent) named with expiry date
Acute unselected take and on-call experience described with real numbers
Clinical attachment or other UK exposure included, with what I learned
Audit, teaching and research mentioned briefly, with my plans for this post
All seven UHCW values named, with examples
CPD courses named in the statement with what I learned; provider, dates and certificates added in the training section
I mentioned UHCW by name and something specific from the job description (rotations, UHCWi, MRCP support)
No spelling mistakes, no patient-identifiable details, all [brackets] replaced
A friend or reviewer has read it before I press submit
Ready to write yours?
You don't need years of NHS experience to write a statement that gets shortlisted. You need clear evidence, matched to the person specification, and proof that you're ready for NHS practice. Here's how we can help:
Build your evidence for free. Pick the courses that match the gaps in your statement: Advanced Life Support (ALS) revision, Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement, Teaching Skills for Doctors, Communication Skills for Doctors, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare and more on our courses site. Each one gives you a certificate to list as CPD.
Get UK experience. Our Clinical Attachment Support helps you find and make the most of a clinical attachment in the NHS.
Get your statement reviewed. Write your draft using this guide, then send it to us for our Review & Rewrite service. We'll check it line by line against the person specification and help you make it stronger. Email us at cvreviewexperts@gmail.com.
Found this guide useful? Share it with a friend who's applying for NHS jobs. Good luck with your application!
Frequently asked questions
How long should a supporting statement for a junior clinical fellow post be?
There is no fixed length. Check the limit on the NHS Jobs or Trac form, then aim for a focused statement that gives evidence for every essential criterion on the person specification. Clear, specific examples matter more than using every word.
Can I apply for a junior clinical fellow in medicine post without NHS experience?
Yes. Many junior clinical fellow posts welcome doctors who are new to the NHS. Show your transferable medical experience, your GMC registration status and any UK exposure, such as a clinical attachment, an audit or relevant CPD courses.
Should I use the same supporting statement for every application?
No. Tailor each statement to the person specification and the Trust's values in that advert, because shortlisters score your statement against those criteria.
Can I mention free CPD courses in my supporting statement?
Yes, if they relate to a criterion. Briefly say what you learned and how you used it in practice, and list the certificates in the training section of the form.
Related guide: Expression of interest for NHS jobs, with examples
Related guide: What to do after PLAB 2
Related guide: NHS pre-employment checks after a job offer
CareerPro UK is an independent careers support service and is not affiliated with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Following this guide does not guarantee shortlisting.
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