Introduction: We aimed to assess the current standard of successful applicants for substantive ENT consultant posts in the UK.

Methods: A postal survey of recently appointed substantive ENT consultants in the UK.

Results: 12 out of 17 newly appointed consultants returned the survey. At time of appointment they had a mean of 19.4 peer-reviewed publications, 12.5 posters and presentations and 5.08 published audits. All had undertaken Fellowships. 58% had undertaken a Higher Degree. 66% had a formal teaching qualification or had attended a ‘Training the Trainers’ course. Subjectively, respondents felt a Fellowship was the most important factor in securing their appointment.

Conclusions: Substantive ENT consultant posts in the UK are competitive and this paper will hopefully act as a guide for current ENT surgical trainees to aim for.