This page outlines the data that have been collected from Wessex t Local Offices and validated at a workshop (21st November 2023) to map their as-is business processes for Less Than Full Time Training.

Eligibility

All doctors in training can apply for LTFT training, the only requirement being a well-founded individual reason. A list of illustrative examples of reasons for requesting LTFT training is detailed below.

We may need to prioritise requests - if so, this will be in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act related to protected characteristics, favouring applications related to Health and Disability, Caring responsibilities and roles relating to religious convictions.

Reasons for requesting LTFT training – illustrative list:

• · Trainees with a disability or ill health – This may include ongoing medical procedures such as fertility treatment.

• · Trainees with caring responsibilities (e.g. for children, or for an ill/disabled partner, relative or other dependant)

• · Welfare and wellbeing – There may be reasons not directly related to disability or ill health where trainees may benefit from a reduced working pattern. This could have a beneficial effect on their health and wellbeing (e.g. reducing potential burnout).

• · Unique opportunities – A trainee is offered a unique opportunity for their own personal/professional development and this will affect their ability to train full time (e.g. training for national/international sporting events, or a short-term extraordinary responsibility such as membership of a national committee or continuing medical research as a bridge to progression in integrated academic train for more information.

Should a trainee wish to train at a percentage other than 50% up to 80% this will require written support from the TPD and the authorisation of the Associate Dean (AD) for LTFT training. Such applications must be for well-founded reasons. The GMC has produced a position statement on LTFT which states that trainees should be required to train at no less than 50%. In the exceptional cases where less time is requested, 20% is the absolute minimum. It is expected that trainees would only work less than 50% for a maximum of 12 months. Please refer to the GMC position statemen https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/position-statements/less-than-full-time-training for full details

Application Window for Wessex

Doctors in training who wish to be considered for LTFT training should firstly read the guidance document. You are not permitted to commence LTFT training until you have had your application approved by NHSE (Wessex Local Office)

The application window for the February - August 2024 rotation has now closed. We will still accept applications from new starters who have not received placement/Trust information in time. Urgent applications on grounds of health, caring roles or religious convictions will be considered at any time but supporting evidence will be required.

Prior to completing the application form, doctors in training should ensure they have read the relevant information sheets and the BMA guidance on pay. Further guidance can be found on our website: https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/trainee-information-journey/less-than-full-time-training

Applications need to be submitted no less than 16 weeks before the start date of the rotation during which you wish to go LTFT (rather than the date you wish to start your LTFT training).  Applications may be considered outside of this time period for exceptional circumstances but evidence of Medical HR approval will be required as a supplement to your application. 

Application Form for Wessex

The same form is completed for doctors applying for LTFT, returning to Full time and for doctors changing their LTFT Training Percentage

Link to application form: LTFT Application Form (office.com)

Applications are being considered for the following rotations:

February – August 2024 rotation – Application window closes 18th October 2023.

March – September 2024 rotation – Application window closes 15th November 2023.

April – October 2024 rotation – Application window closes 13th December 2023.

Urgent applications on grounds of health, caring roles or religious convictions will be accepted at any time but supporting evidence and HR agreement will be required.

LTFT Categories

Period of Grace

LTFT is available to trainees who are undertaking an agreed period of grace (up to 6 months), with the same principles in the policy adhered to. Supernumerary funding would not be available however to any trainee in their period of grace. Ideally trainees in their period of grace should be accommodated into a full time slot, although this is at the discretion of the TPD and employing Local Education Provider (LEP).

As-Is Processes

In trying to map the LTFT end-to-end process we came up with 4 main stages in the order in which they would occur namely:

1. Pre-application Stage/Discussion and Notifying: 12 weeks or earlier, where a trainee discusses with their TPD / Educational Supervisor and agree “in principle” a post .

2. LTFT Application Stage: With at least 12 weeks notice given and application submitted to HEE.

3. 3.1 Negotiation of Working pattern and agreeing start date /Work Pattern, payroll changes and Start date agreement negotiation with Trust stage, following approval of their application, typically around 8 weeks prior to commencing LTFT.

3.2 Appealing the decision stage, where their application was rejected, typically 8 weeks before commencing

4. Trainee Commencing their training on LTFT basis

As-Is end-to-end LTFT process for Wessex

CCT date Calculation

The programme team, then share/confirm with trainee. An indicative CCT date can be given which will be confirmed at ARCP. Trainee can ask for their CCT date to be brought forward because they have met curriculum requirements. Royal college tools is used (there might be one for GP)

Actors

Application Numbers Feb 2022 to Aug 2023

To be supplied by LO

Rotation and application deadlines

For rotations with a duration of 12 months we will accept an application in time for the 6 month point.

Pain Points in the process

LTFT Email templates

To be sent by LO

These are the email templates maintained on the London & KSS PGMDE Portal and sent to trainees in the relevant events.

GROUNDS FOR REFUSING A REQUES

Documents