Genomic Variant Interpretation Course

Background to the Genomics Education Programme (GEP)

The Genomics Education Programme (GEP) was established in 2014 following an initial investment from the Department of Health to pump prime genomic education and training activity to support the delivery of the 100,000 Genomes Project. At the beginning of financial year 2018/19 the GEP became part of business as usual within Health Education England (HEE) and in collaboration with NHS England (NHSE) continues to support the newly launched NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS). As part of the GMS new patient pathways are being identified and developed. The GEP has a role in providing education and training required to upskill and support clinicians in the delivery of the new service.

Scope of the Contract

As part of the GEP's commitment to fund CPD activity to upskill the specialised genomics workforce we will fund up to 175 individuals within the financial year 19/20 to undertake a two-day course on Genomic Variant Interpretation.

The course will be multidisciplinary and give both clinical and laboratory staff working in genomics an understanding of the skills required to interpret genetic variants identified through whole genome sequencing and other genetic technologies. The course will give the learners confidence to participate fully in MDT discussions on variant interpretation and to understand the laboratory variant report.

We aim to target the course learners from the NHS in England as follows: • 50 Genetic Counsellors (limited to those who have not undertaken the STP in genetic counselling) • 25 Consultant Clinical Geneticists • 25 Consultant Histopathologists • 75 Clinicians in Mainstream specialties