FAQ's

The fellowship is open to eligible healthcare professionals and trainees in line with the published criteria for each recruitment round. Please refer to the applicant guidance for details of eligibility requirements and career-stage requirements. 

Yes. Applications are welcomed from LTFT colleagues. Applicants should be able to commit sufficient time to fully engage with the fellowship and its development programme. 

Potentially. Eligibility depends on your profession, career stage, and anticipated completion date. If you are unsure, please contact the fellowship team before applying. 

Yes. Many successful fellows have applied more than once. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply in future recruitment rounds if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 

Projects vary each year and are shaped by host organisation priorities. Fellows work on a range of strategic, service improvement, quality improvement, workforce, education, leadership, and policy-related initiatives. 

Yes. We encourage applicants to highlight their interests and aspirations. Opportunities will depend on host organisation priorities and the scope of available projects. 

No. We are interested in applicants who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, a commitment to improving health and care, and a willingness to learn and develop as leaders. 

Strong applications clearly explain why the fellowship aligns with the applicant's development goals and demonstrate a genuine interest in improving services, systems, and outcomes for patients and staff. 

No. Applicants apply to the fellowship programme. Successful candidates are matched with host organisations through a structured process. 

Applicants will have an opportunity to express preferences. Final placements are determined through a matching process that considers both applicant and host organisation preferences. 

Some host organisations offer defined projects, while others provide greater flexibility for fellows to shape their work within agreed priorities. 

Many fellows maintain some clinical practice during the fellowship. Arrangements vary by profession, employer, and individual circumstances and should be discussed during the recruitment process. Resident doctors and dentists in training sometimes choose to continue some On Call commitments - however remain Out of Programme with regards to progression 

Most host organisations offer flexible or hybrid working arrangements. Requirements vary between hosts, and fellows should expect some travel and attendance at programme activities throughout the year. 

No. The fellowship is designed to minimise the need for relocation, although some travel may be required for programme activities and host organisation commitments. 

Fellows participate in a structured leadership development programme throughout the year, including taught sessions, peer learning, coaching, networking opportunities, and engagement with senior leaders. 

The fellowship does not include a formal academic qualification or examination. Fellows are expected to engage in reflective learning and contribute to programme activities throughout the year. 

Personal Developmental funding akin to Study leave is available throughout the fellowship. Access to external courses and learning opportunities may vary depending on individual circumstances and available funding - there is  personal allowance of £1000 for the fellowship year. 

The recruitment process typically includes a written application and interview. Full details are provided in the applicant guidance for each recruitment round. 

Interviews are normally conducted online Via Teams 

Recruitment timelines, including interview dates and offer dates, will be published during the recruitment process. 

Feedback will be provided where possible. Details will be included in the recruitment information. 

Employment arrangements vary depending on the applicant's professional background and current employment status. Further information is provided during the recruitment process. 

Fellows will be paid on the appropriate NHS Scotland medical or dental pay scale and will normally transfer onto the salary point equivalent to their current or most recent post at the commencement of the Fellowship. Salary will be determined in accordance with relevant NHS Scotland terms and conditions and national pay arrangements in force at the time of appointment. 

Fellows go on to a wide range of clinical, leadership, educational, management, policy, and improvement roles. The fellowship is designed to develop the skills, experience, and networks that support future career development. 

No. There is no obligation to remain in Scotland after the fellowship ends.