The Women in Psychiatry Special Interest Group have set up a national register which hopes to fulfil the following functions: document the number of psychiatrists in training who are currently working flexibly or in a job-share; document the number of consultants who are currently working flexibly or in a job-share; and identify psychiatrists who may be interested in job-sharing or in splitting posts into flexible jobs who can be matched on a database with psychiatrists who are interested in the same speciality and a post in the same area.

In order to achieve the above, the group would be grateful if anyone considering flexible training, even if they are not considering a job-share or part-time work at present, registered on the database so that the information provided by the group can be up to date and accurate. Following registration, changes must be communicated so that the information is kept up to date. The database is confidential and only the names of those who have expressed an interest in job-shares to potential matches who are also on the database will be circulated. Those who request information from the data-base will be expected to provide feedback on the outcome of their approaching potential matches. It is hoped that the database will provide information on areas where it is easier to work part-time or to share a job, and also to demonstrate inequalities across the country, thus providing valuable information about how to address potential imbalances. To register on the database, please contact Dr Moira Livingston, Database Coordinator, Women in Psychiatry Special Interest Group, Ash Court, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE29 8NH (telephone/fax: 0191 293 2749).