RoboPass® – A BASIC ROBOTIC SURGERY SKILLS COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME
The RoboPass® is an official ALRSGBI initiative, aiming to achieve society-led certification in basic robotic surgical skills.
Upcoming Programme Date
The inaugural event will be held on Thursday, 8th January 2026.
Programme Objectives and Core Competencies
RoboPass® provides a structured and objective framework for assessing robotic surgical skills. It aims to establish national standards for competency in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
Objectives
This is a pilot programme for competency assessment using a structured, standardised framework.
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- Provides quality-assured certification recognised across training centres.
- Can provide baseline objective evidence for trainees’ basic robotic skills.
- Supports patient safety by ensuring all certified surgeons meet agreed standards in technical and non-technical skills.
Competencies
The competency assessment programme is designed to evaluate:
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- Knowledge of robotic systems and safety
- VR simulation performance
- Hands-on robotic technical and non-technical skills (including docking/undocking and dry lab skill tasks)
Assessment Format
Programme Structure
This programme aims to ensure consistency and objectivity in evaluating fundamental robotic surgical skills in line with current training standards.
Assessment-Only Programme
This is an assessment-only programme designed to evaluate competency in basic robotic surgery skills.
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- No teaching or instructional component is included.
- Candidates will be formally assessed and issued a Pass or Fail outcome.
- To successfully complete the assessment, candidates must pass both technical and non-technical components.
- Remedial training courses will be organised for those who do not achieve competency.
- If a candidate is unsuccessful in one part of the assessment, a second attempt may be offered on the same day where feasible.
Programme Eligibility Criteria
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- Resident (ST3–ST8) or Fellow in General Surgery, Urology, or Gynaecology, or other relevant specialties.
- Evidence of VR robotic simulation ≥90% in exercises evaluating camera orientation, manual dexterity/hand-eye coordination, clutch control, advanced energy use, and 4th arm cutting.
As a guidance to candidates the fundamental robotic skill (FRS) modules in SimNow Xi system cover the above competencies. Candidate can send evidence for any of the VR sim exercises covering these competencies.
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- ≥10 assistant robotic cases logged in training portfolio (able to share the evidence).
- Completion of an introductory robotic surgery course is desirable.
Evaluation of all tasks will be on DaVinci Xi system.
Note:
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- Applicants should state their sub-specialty and current level of training on application.
- Early applications with strong evidence of commitment to robotic surgery will be an advantage.
- To meet RCSEng safety guidelines, places are limited to 10 and expected to fill quickly.
How To Apply
Programme Application Details
Please send the below form to Jennifer Treglohan at 📧 jtreglohan@alsgbi.org.
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- Discount for ALRSGBI Trainee Members
- Member Fee: £250
- Non-Member Fee: £300
- Closing date: 8 December 2025
- No refunds after 1 January, unless the place is reallocated.
Please only make payment when your application to attend the course has been approved.
The timed programme will be displayed and shared with participants three weeks before the assessment.
Programme Venue & Details
📍 The Griffin Institute
Northwick Park & St Mark’s Hospital Y Block Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ
(Access via St Mark’s Hospital main entrance, same floor as Endoscopy)
On The Day Contact
Ms Nafisa Musejee
Business Development Assistant, The Griffin Institute
📧 n.musejee@griffininstitute.org.uk
📞 +44 (0)20 3958 0500
🔗 griffininstitute.org.uk
Nearest Transport
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- Underground: Northwick Park (Metropolitan Line)
- National Rail: Kenton (London Euston – Watford Junction Line)
- Bus Routes: 186, 223, H9, H10, H14, H18, H19, N18
Programme Faculty Members
ALRSGBI Faculty
| Professor Nader Francis (Programme Director) |
Consultant Surgeon | Yeovil District Hospital | Lower Gl |
| Miss Asma Afzal (Programme Co-Director) | Trainee Surgeon | ALRSGBI Academy Robotic Lead | Lower Gl |
| Professor Chelliah Selvasekar | Consultant Surgeon | The Christie, Manchester | Lower Gl |
| Professor Jim Khan (Assessor) | Consultant Surgeon | Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth | Lower Gl |
| Mr Jawad Ahmad (Assessor) | Consultant Surgeon | University Hospital, Coventry | HPB |
Programme Gallery
Hands-on technical and non-technical robotic skills assessment in progress at The Griffin Institute.
Join Us Now!
For more information or to apply for the next RoboPass® session, contact us at jtreglohan@alsgbi.org.
Limited seats are available — early applications are strongly encouraged.
ALRSGBI Partners & Supporters