Surgical training
Shelford Surgical Training in Advanced Robotic Technology (START) programme.
Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Shelford START programme provides the opportunity for surgical trainees to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise in robotic-assisted surgery, across multiple platforms, at an earlier stage in their career.
About the Shelford START programme
As stated in the 10 Year Health Plan for England and the National Cancer Plan for England, the NHS is committed to the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) as standard for an expanded range of procedures over the next ten years.
Partnership
Developed with the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre
To support this ambition, the Shelford Group partnered with the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre to develop the Shelford START programme. The programme provides the opportunity for surgical trainees to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise in RAS, at an earlier stage in their career, across Intuitive’s da Vinci, CMR Surgical’s Versius and Medtronic’s Hugo™ RAS surgical systems.
The programme meets the recommendations of national guidance on the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery in England and is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This accreditation helps ensure the programme provides trainees with the highest standards of surgical training and education in this dynamic and fast-developing area of healthcare.
Where is the Shelford START programme available?
Launched at Cambridge, piloting across England
Formally launched at the Cambridge Surgical Training Centre in December 2025, the programme is being piloted in the North East, North West and East of England. Taking place over three to four years across four different phases, the programme reflects the complex and evolving skill set required for the safe and effective performance of robotic surgery, providing sustained, progressive development.
Over 50 surgical trainees registered for the programme pilot, with plans for expansion to additional regions and specialties in future years.
What are the unique features of the Shelford START programme?
01
Platform-agnostic training
Experience multiple robotic systems rather than training on a single platform.
02
National collaboration
Delivered with the Shelford Group, the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Association of Surgeons in Training.
03
Quality assurance
Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England and monitored by its Quality Assurance department.
04
Continuous improvement
Feedback-driven updates and benchmarking to keep the programme current.
05
Skills tracker
Access to a personal online dashboard for programme tracking, supervisor feedback and milestone badges.
Qualifications for trainees
The programme meets the recommendations of national guidance on the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in England and is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England). This accreditation helps ensure the programme provides trainees with the highest standards of surgical training and education in this dynamic and fast-developing area of healthcare.
On completion, trainees will be able to
- Demonstrate proficiency in robotic and minimally invasive surgical skills across multiple leading platforms
- Apply advanced intraoperative judgment and ergonomic principles in robotic-assisted surgery
- Exhibit competence in simulation-based and hands-on surgical tasks, including port placement, docking, suturing and energy dissection
- Progress through a structured, multi-phase curriculum designed to enable safe integration into clinical service
- Achieve a START programme completion certificate, supporting career progression
Find out more
For more information about the START programme, including time commitments and course content, please get in touch with Eleanor Carter, START Pilot Programme Director.