Information regarding Less Than Full Time training (LTFT), can be found in the guidance document and the General Medical Council Position Statement (Nov 2017)
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 about to start the GP Training Programme must also read the important information on the dedicated GP Training page
For all new LTFT applications please complete the LTFT Application Form and submit any supporting evidence to england.ltft.wx@nhs.net.
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, but evidence of Medical HR approval will be required as a supplement to your application.
For rotations with a duration of 12 months we will accept an application in time for the 6 month point.
Once received by the LTFT administration team the applications are triaged. If any area of the form is found to be incomplete and/or supporting evidence has not been included with the application it will be automatically rejected. 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 made its way through our local process and is eligible for approval a letter confirming the approval will be sent to the doctor in training. 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 Team who try and facilitate these (ensuring the relevant support from TPD and Trust Medical HR is in place and all the supporting evidence has been provided). They also generate additional work for the Trust who have to re-do rotas and issue a new contract.
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 it will be rejected as an incomplete application. Those who do not have an exceptional reason will need to apply for the next rotation date, ensuring they give 16 weeks’ notice to the next rotation window, as we must give Trusts their rotations at 12 weeks to meet code of practice.
If a resident is making a late request for LTFT, they must first obtain an email with written support from their TPD/Patch AD. 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 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
The LTFT Team will review the well-being status on the applications. Approval under this category is only meant to be for 12 months, to ensure there is capacity for others who may wish to reduce their percentage temporarily. A number of residents apply to renew their well-being applications annually. If there is an underlying health reason, it is better for them to apply under health with the relevant supporting information. They will be supported as LTFT for the duration of their training programme. From a programme management perspective, we assume that residents with well-being applications will go back to full time training at the end of the 12 months, as clearly 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 start date of the normal programme rotation during which you wish to change your LTFT status. 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.
If for any reason a resident doctor cannot give 16 weeks notice then approval will not be given until the Wessex Associate Dean for LTFT has considered the reason and provided consent. 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 Medical HR and Rota Co-ordinators.
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 made it’s way through our local process and is eligible for approval a letter confirming the change will be sent to the resident doctor. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved change of 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 start date of the normal programme rotation during which you wish to return to full time 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.
If for any reason a resident doctor cannot give 16 weeks notice then approval will not be given until the Wessex Associate Dean for LTFT has considered the reason and provided consent. 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 Medical HR and Rota Co-ordinators.
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 made it’s way through our local process and is eligible for approval a letter confirming the change will be sent to the resident doctor. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved change of percentage.