Eligibility for LTFT training

Employment legislation describing the statutory right to request flexible working sets the minimum standards with which an employer must comply. The legislation does not set a priority order around any reasons for requesting flexible working.  The legislation is supported in Scotland by the Flexible Work Pattern Policy.

The guidance on LTFT training should be considered as providing an additional framework to this legislation, reflecting the tripartite nature of supporting a LTFT Resident Doctor in Training between the Resident Doctor in Training, NES, and the Placement Board (on behalf of the employing Board).

Managing requests for LTFT training

All Resident Doctors in Training can apply for LTFT training, the only requirement being a well-founded individual reason.

All well-founded reasons will be considered. However, support to progress the application may be dependent on the capacity of the programme and available resources as well as compliance with relevant legislation relating to CCT requirements.

Those appointed to Locum Appointment for Training (LAT) posts may apply for LTFT training and must complete the process in the usual way. However, a placement may not be immediately available. Owing to the fixed-term nature of such appointments, if the LAT post is undertaken less than full time, there is no automatic entitlement to an extension of the fixed-term period of training on a pro rata basis.

Progression in training as a LTFT Resident Doctor in Training

All Resident Doctors in Training, full-time or LTFT, need to meet the requirements for progression in training as set out in the relevant GMC-approved curriculum. LTFT Resident Doctors in Training will be assessed in accordance with the ARCP process as described in Section 4 of the COPMeD Gold Guide 10^th Edition.

Key points relating to LTFT Resident Doctors in Training are:

• LTFT Resident Doctors in Training should have an ARCP not less than annually but at intervals of no more than 15 months (to comply with the revalidation requirement) but may need an additional ARCP at a critical progression point in training.
• LTFT Resident Doctors in Training will be expected to demonstrate the capabilities relevant to their stage of training as described in their relevant curriculum. Any workplace-based assessments/supervised learning events should be spread evenly across a training placement.
• Should a training extension be required after the award of an ARCP Outcome 3/10.2, this extension will be on a pro rata basis. There is the option of a fixed-term time extension should there be sound educational reasons for this.
• LTFT Resident Doctors in Training can apply and be interviewed for a consultant post six months prior to their anticipated CCT date; this is on a fixed-term time basis and not pro rata.
• LTFT Resident Doctors in Training can apply for a period of acting up as a consultant in their final year of training. The period of acting up is normally three months and can be extended pro rata to reflect the LTFT training percentage. It can be extended for longer periods with the agreement of all parties, including the employer.
• On achievement of their CCT, and in those programmes where a Period of Grace is offered, LTFT Resident Doctors in Training have the option of a 6-month grace period; this is on a fixed-term time basis and not pro rata.

This page was last updated on: 26.05.2025 at 10.04