Who is eligible for less than full time training?
Anyone can apply, and most applications will be successful, provided your application is supported by both your TPD and the LTFT APGD. Applications fall into two categories, Category 1: Those with medical needs or caring responsibilities and Category 2: Those with opportunities for personal development/other valid reasons.
How do I apply?
Contact the APGD for LTFT training in your region, and they will advise you on the process, help you complete your Form A, and talk through the pros and cons. You will also need to obtain the support of your TPD. Once you submit your application (Form A) then it will be signed off by the local service (Form B), assuming there is funding available and they have adequate staffing levels to accommodate you. e.g. on the rota on a LTFT basis. Your status will then be updated on TURAS and you will remain LTFT until you apply otherwise.
What is my access to holidays?
Annual leave is provided on a pro-rata basis. e.g., those working 60% LTFT would be entitled to 60% of the annual leave allowance. Your public holiday entitlement will also be reduced pro-rata, e.g. if you work at 60%, you must only take 6 public holidays - any additional public holidays worked should be given back as TOIL at an appropriate time.
Study leave?
Your study leave allowance will be reduced pro-rata, both in terms of days and budget. If you are expected to attend an educational event on a day you are not working, then you should apply for study leave for that day, and then claim the day back as TOIL.
What proportion of on-call will I have?
On-call arrangements will require to be negotiated directly between yourself and the Placement Board. To initiative discussions with the service, you can indicate your preference of on-call hours on your application however the Deanery will not be directly involved in on-call arrangements.
It is vital that you organise your new rota arrangements well in advance of commencing LTFT training or rotating to a new post or Health Board.
What does slot share mean?
Slot sharing involves the division of one full time salary between 2 LTFT trainees at 0.5 wte. These trainees do not necessarily have to be at the same stage of training or co-location within the Deanery. This is used to allow ease of rotation to different rotas and to maximise the use of educational opportunities. Slot sharing mostly accommodated in FY training and GP training (hospital posts).
Posts planned and the length of these?
It is most likely that you will change posts in August and February (apart from IMT and FY which may be August, December and April), but this is dependent on the Training Programme and College. This should be discussed and agreed with your TPD regularly to ensure you receive adequate training and are able to sign-off any specialist competencies.
How do I find out my pay banding?
Pay for LTFT trainees is very hours sensitive and may well change in each part of a rotation. Your pay will not be simply equivalent to your proportion of LTFT E.G. 0.6 whole time equivalent (wte) = 60% salary. Your basic salary is banded to the average number of hours worked. This is paid by the Deanery. You then receive an on call supplement based on your out of hours commitment. This is paid by your NHS board. The BMA provide a pay calculator on their web site. If you have any queries with regards to your banding please contact relevant Placement Board (https://hub.nes.digital/lead-employer-arrangements/placement-board-contacts/).
There is guidance information on pay bands (doc).
Will it alter my CCT?
Yes: Training will normally be the same number of total days - e.g. each month worked at 60% will only count as 0.6 of a month worked. 10 months will then be equivalent to 6 months full time. However, some Colleges/Training Programmes have moved to a more competency based model, rather than time based and so your CCT date may be discussed/reviewed by the ARCP panel at your ARCP, and will be confirmed by the Deanery/College.
Do I still have the same grace period post CCT?
Yes, it remains at six months maximum regardless of LTFT. This remains at the discretion of the Postgraduate Dean.
What do I need to do if I am accepted for LTFT training?
Organise your new rota with the Rota co-ordinator/Rota master/Medical staffing. Contact your College/Faculty - they should be advised early and they will alter your CCT date. Keep in touch with HR and the Deanery regarding your start dates (return from maternity leave, phased return, etc.) and to inform them of your appropriate pay scale. Contact your Clinical/Educational Supervisor to agree the days you are to work.
Can I increase my sessions once I have commenced LTFT training?
You should be able to increase your sessions without any problem, but it may depend on available funding and therefore it will require you to give at least three months’ notice and obtain the support of your TPD / APGD. You will require to submit a Form D to increase sessions with at least 3 months’ notice. Please see https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/trainee-information/less-than-full-time-training-ltft/ltft-application-process/. You will need your TPD to sign the Form D.
How do I increase/decrease my sessions?
You will require to submit a Form D. Please see https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/trainee-information/less-than-full-time-training-ltft/ltft-application-process/. You will require to provide at least 3 months’ notice of your intention to increase/decrease, and you will require your TPD to sign the Form D.
What support is available to less than full time doctors in training?
There are trainee representatives for each region of the Scotland Deanery.
Each region also has an associate Postgraduate Dean responsible for LTFT training. The BMA provides advice, support and guidance on pay and rotas. They also have a LTFT junior doctor forum who represent and champion flexible trainees across the UK. Many of the Colleges also have a LTFT forum and it is worth checking.
The Deanery also provides access to Professional Support and Careers support. OH support can also be accessed, if required.
What is different with the amended LTFT process from August 2021?
You can request, at initial application, on whether you request to train at LTFT for the duration of your current Training Programme or for a fixed period i.e. 6 months (subject to ongoing service approval). You can request to alter your percentage of training at any time by submission of a Form D. Please see https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/trainee-information/less-than-full-time-training-ltft/ltft-application-process/. You will require to provide at least 3 months’ notice of your intention to increase/decrease, and you will require your TPD to sign the Form D.
I am training in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, can I apply for LTFT?
Yes, however it shold be noted that the current the minimum salary threshold for anyone being sponsored by NES under Occupation Code 2211 (Medical Practitioners) is £20,480 basic salary only (exclusive of banding). Any change in hours is required to be communicated by the visa holder to the NES Sponsorship Team via the NES Service Desk (https://nesdigital.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/30/group/121/create/593) as soon as possible and prior to changes coming into effect.
Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/if-you-work-in-healthcare-or-education
This page was last updated on: 17.11.2023 at 14.26
