Withdrawal of Funding for TIG Hand Fellowships in England

21 January 2026

In the 2024 BSSH strategy survey, training and education received the highest priority among members. A central part of this training is our Training Interface Group (TIG) Hand Fellowships. Established in 1992 as advanced training posts (ATPs), the Fellowships represent the pinnacle of Hand Surgery training in the UK and serve as the breeding ground for future leaders in the speciality. In August 2022, these positions were officially recognised as JCST-approved post-CCT fellowships, with funding secured, including resources for central recruitment managed by the Severn deanery. 

In September 2024, central funding for the TIG Hand Fellowships was suddenly withdrawn by NHS England. This does not affect the current group of fellows who were appointed before funding, but it means that no new fellows can be centrally appointed by the Seven Deanery for NHS England units in 2026. Fellowships in Edinburgh and Swansea would continue as they are funded separately from NHS England.

The BSSH, together with the BOA, BAPRAS and JCST, are currently in negotiation with NHS England to reverse this process and to inform them of the full implications of this withdrawal. The consequences are not just an impact on training and education, but on patient care. 

We are aware of the concerns from members and associates about the future of training and education in the UK. We would therefore encourage trainees who are keen to pursue a fellowship to look at fellowship options, particularly in Edinburgh and Swansea, which remain under the educational governance of JCST and the BSSH TIG committee. There is also a list of non-TIG fellowships for both the UK and abroad on the BSSH website: https://www.bssh.ac.uk/professionals/uk_hand_surgery_fellowships.aspx. Please note that the BSSH is unable to advise on the educational experiences or standards of these fellowships. 

We remain hopeful that the decision will be overturned and that central funding will be restored in England. Concurrently, plans are underway to develop a future BSSH badging criteria for all Hand fellowships. Badging for ‘BSSH approved fellowships’, as guided by the JCST, aims to provide educational governance and uphold standards for fellowships in the UK and abroad. 

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