The utility of simulation in surgical training is now well-established, with proven validity and demonstrable transfer of skills to the clinical setting. Through a reduction in the technical learning curve, simulation can prepare surgeons for actual practice and in doing so it has the potential to improve both patient safety and service efficiency. More broadly, multi-disciplinary simulation of the theatre environment can aid development of non-technical skills and assist in preparing theatre teams for infrequently encountered scenarios such as surgical emergencies. The role of simulation in the formal training curriculum is less well-established, and availability of facilities for this is currently unknown. This paper reviews the contemporary evidence supporting simulation in surgical training and reports trainee access to such capabilities. Our national surgical trainee survey with 1130 complete responses indicated only 41.2% had access to skills simulator facilities. Of those with access, 16.3% had availability out-of-hours and only 54.0% had local access (i.e. current work place). These results highlight the paucity in current provision of surgical skills simulator facilities, and availability (or awareness of availability) varies widely between region, grade and specialty. Based on these findings and current best-evidence, the Association of Surgeons in Training propose 22 action-points for the introduction, availability and role of simulation in surgical training. Adoption of these should guide trainers, trainees and training bodies alike to ensure equitable provision of appropriate equipment, time and resources to allow the full integration of simulation into the surgical curriculum.

In the past decade surgical training in the United Kingdom (UK) has seen radical overhaul with the introduction of formal training curricula, competency based assessment, and a new Core Surgical Training programme. Despite this, and in common with many other countries, numerous threats remain to sustaining high-quality surgical training and education in the modern working environment. These include service delivery pressures and the reduction in working hours. There are numerous areas for potential improvement and dissemination of best training practice, from incentivising training within the National Health Service (NHS) through top-down government initiatives, to individualised information and feedback for trainees at the front-line. This document sets out the current structure of surgical training in the UK, and describes the contribution to the current debate by the Association of Surgeons in Training. Highlighting areas for improvement at national, regional, local and individual levels, the Association proposes 34 action points to enhance surgical training and education. Adoption of these will ensure future practice continues to improve on, and learn from, the longstanding history of training provided under the guidance of the Royal Surgical Colleges.

Application for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in general surgery includes assessment of a validated logbook. The content of a satisfactory logbook has long been an area of contention. The logbook allows trainees to record their operative experience and to show the level of supervision. It is tempting to set a specific number of procedures to be completed by the end of training. However, such a number must be evidence based rather than chosen subjectively.