When to submit an Appeal 

• An appeal should only be submitted if a Resident Doctor believes the process has not been followed fairly and consistently. 

• An appeal should not be submitted if the postgraduate doctor considers the outcome unfair although this may be affected if the process is deemed to be incorrect. 

• If a Resident Doctor has reason to believe that their study leave application was processed unfairly or incorrectly, they are able to request a review of the process by making a written submission to NHSE SW.  

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Appeal Process 

• Resident Doctors should use the email address england.studyleave.sw@nhs.net with the subject title “Appeal Process for Study Leave”. 

• The email should include the reason/s for the appeal of the process and any evidence to support their appeal. 

• All written submissions must be sent with the original application form and outcome received. This should be made within 10 working days of being notified of the outcome. 

• Receipt of the appeal will be acknowledged within 10 working days. 

• Members of the NHSE SW Workforce, Transformation & Education Senior Team or the members from the SW Study Leave Oversight Group will review the evidence submitted and whether the process was followed fairly, as stated in the Southwest Study Leave Guidance. They will, as a result of this review, consider whether the outcome was fairly and equitably reached. 

• The Resident Doctor will receive a response within 15 working days from the acknowledged receipt of the complaint. 

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Decision Outcome 

• The decision from the senior panel following the appeal is final.