Information regarding Less Than Full Time training (LTFT), can be found in the guidance document and the General Medical Council Position statement (Dec 2024)
Applying to Train Less Than Full Time
Resident doctors who wish to be considered for LTFT training must first read the guidance document. No-one is permitted to commence LTFT training without having their application approved by NHSE (Wessex Local Office).
Doctors who are already in or are due to start the GP Training Programme must also read the important information on the dedicated GP Training page.
Applications must be submitted no less than 16 weeks before the start date of the normal programme 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; please refer to the late application process.
For all LTFT applications please complete the LTFT Application Form and submit any supporting evidence to england.ltft.wx@nhs.net.
For rotations with a duration of 12 months we will accept an application in time for the 6 month point.
Please review the attached table which clearly indicates when your programme rotation date is and the deadline date for your application. Any applications submitted after the deadline will follow the late application process.
Once received by the LTFT administration team the applications are triaged. A successfully submitted application will take up to 4 weeks to process.
Any rejected application which is then re-submitted will be subject to the 16 week notice period. Please be aware that this may result in a delay to the intended start date for LTFT training.
After the LTFT application has been processed and approved, a confirmation letter will be sent to the resident doctor. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved percentage.
Late Applications
Late applications place a considerable administrative burden on the LTFT team who facilitate the process. Late applications also generate additional work for the Trust who have to redo rotas and issue new contracts.
Late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and these will now require prospective email approval from the Associate Dean for LTFT before the resident doctor applies. If this is not in place, the application will not be processed. Those who do not have an exceptional reason will need to apply for the next rotation date, ensuring that they apply more than 16 weeks ahead of their next rotation.
If a resident doctor is submitting a late request for LTFT, they must first obtain an email with written support from their Training Programme Director (TPD). GP resident doctors must obtain written support from their Patch Associate Dean. This email must state the following:
– Reason for the request
– Reason why it is late
– Details of the change (e.g. new application, change in percentage, return to full-time)
The resident must then forward this email from their TPD (Patch AD if in GP) to the Associate Dean for LTFT (england.ltft.wx@nhs.net) and request permission to make a late application for LTFT. The resident should include details of why they are making an exceptional late request. The Associate Dean will review the request and confirm whether a late application can be submitted for consideration.
Applications for Welfare and Well-being Reasons
Approval under the welfare and wellbeing category is only for 12 months to ensure that there is capacity for others who may wish to reduce their percentage temporarily. A number of residents apply to renew their wellbeing applications annually. If there is an underlying health reason, it is less administrative work for both the resident doctor and LTFT team for the doctor to apply under the disability and ill health category with the relevant supporting information. They will be supported as LTFT for the duration of their training programme.
Resident doctors who have been approved under the category of welfare and wellbeing will automatically resume working full time at the end of the 12 months, as stated on their LTFT approval letter.
Changing your Less Than Full Time Training Percentage
Resident doctors should refer to the guidance document if they are considering changing their working percentage. Any request to change training percentage must be made by completing and submitting the LTFT Application Form for approval. You are not permitted to commence your change of percentage until you have had your application approved by NHSE (Wessex Local Office).
Doctors in the GP Training Programme should also read the important information on the dedicated GP Training page.
Applications need to be submitted no less than 16 weeks before the start date of the normal programme rotation during which you wish to change your LTFT status.
Late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and are subject to the Late Application Process. These will now require prospective email approval from the Associate Dean for LTFT before the resident doctor applies. If this is not in place, the application will not be processed. Those who do not have an exceptional reason will need to apply for the next rotation date, ensuring that they apply more than 16 weeks ahead of their next rotation.
Once received by the LTFT administration team the applications are triaged. A successfully submitted application will take up to 4 weeks to process.
Any rejected application which is then re-submitted will be subject to the 16 week notice period. Please be aware that this may result in a delay to the intended start date for LTFT training.
After the LTFT application has been processed and approved, a confirmation letter will be sent to the resident doctor. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved percentage.
Returning to Full Time Training
Resident doctors should refer to the guidance document if they are considering returning to full time training. All requests to return to full time training must be made by completing and submitting a LTFT Application Form for approval. You are not permitted to commence full time training until you have had your application approved by NHSE (Wessex Local Office).
Doctors in the GP Training Programme should also read the important information on the dedicated GP Training page.
Applications need to be submitted no less than 16 weeks before the start date of the normal programme rotation during which you wish to change your LTFT status.
Late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and are subject to the Late Application Process. These will now require prospective email approval from the Associate Dean for LTFT before the resident doctor applies. If this is not in place, the application will not be processed. Those who do not have an exceptional reason will need to apply for the next rotation date, ensuring that they apply more than 16 weeks ahead of their next rotation.
The Training Programme Director and Programme Manager will then identify a suitable placement on the programme to accommodate the change which may require the resident doctor to wait until arrangements can be made with Trust personnel.
Once received by the LTFT administration team the applications are triaged. A successfully submitted application will take up to 4 weeks to process.
Any rejected application which is then re-submitted will still be subject to the 16 week notice period which may then cause a delay to the intended start date for LTFT training.
After the LTFT application has been processed and approved, a confirmation letter will be sent to the resident doctor. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved percentage.