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
Doctors in training who wish to be considered for LTFT training should firstly read the guidance document. You are not permitted to commence LTFT training until you have had your application approved by NHSE (Wessex Local Office).
For all new LTFT applications please complete the LTFT Application Form and submit any supporting evidence to ltft.wx@hee.nhs.uk.
Applications need to 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.
The window for non-urgent LTFT applications for the August 2024 rotation period closes on 17th April.
Urgent applications on grounds of health, caring roles or religious convictions will be accepted at any time but supporting evidence and HR agreement will be required.
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 it’s 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.
Changing your Less Than Full Time Training Percentage
Doctors in training 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).
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.
The window for non-urgent LTFT applications for the August 2024 rotation period closes on 17th April.
Urgent applications on grounds of health, caring roles or religious convictions will be accepted at any time but supporting evidence and HR agreement will be required.
If for any reason a doctor in training can not 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 doctor in training 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 doctor in training. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved change of percentage.
Returning to Full Time Training
Doctors in training 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).
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.
The window for non-urgent LTFT applications for the August 2024 rotation period closes on 17th April.
Urgent applications on grounds of health, caring roles or religious convictions will be accepted at any time but supporting evidence and HR agreement will be required.
If for any reason a doctor in training can not 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 doctor in training 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 doctor in training. This will also act as their certificate of eligibility throughout their training at the approved change of percentage.