The Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) is an advisory body to the four surgical Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland for all matters related to surgical training, and works closely with the Surgical Specialty Associations in Great Britain and Ireland. The JCST is the parent body for all ten Specialty Advisory Committees (SACs) responsible for surgical specialties, the Core Surgical Training Advisory Committee (CSTAC), the Training Interface Groups (TIGs) and the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP). Our mission is to develop, promote and ensure the highest standards of surgical training for the benefit of patients.

Our 4 main work streams are specialty training, non-CCT specialist registration, curriculum development and quality improvement. The curriculum for surgical training is delivered through the ISCP. It provides the approved UK framework for surgical training from completion of foundation through to consultant level.