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Period of Grace

The Period of Grace (PoG) allows resident doctors who have completed specialty training but have not yet secured a Consultant post to remain employed at Specialty Registrar level for a time limited period. This provides continuity of employment before you transition to a substantive role after the PoG.

During the POG:

  • You are not in training; the post is for service only.
  • You retain your National Training Number (NTN) until you resign or accept a consultant post.
  • You cannot access resident doctor-only processes such as Inter-Deanery Transfer or Out of Programme.

Eligibility:

  • Resident doctors who have completed Higher Specialty Training or Run-Through Training and received ARCP Outcome 6.
  • Not available for Foundation, Core, or GP resident doctors.
  • Resident doctors must not have relinquished their NTN.

Duration:

  • Standard period: 6 calendar months from your CCT date.
  • No pro-rata adjustment for less than full time resident doctors.
  • Extensions: Typically not available, but may be considered at the Postgraduate Dean’s discretion in exceptional circumstances (with Training Programme Director (TPD) support).

Requesting a Period of Grace:

  • Discuss your plans with your TPD early.
  • Submit the Period of Grace Intent Form to your relevant programme team ideally 6 months before CCT, but at minimum 16 weeks prior to CCT.
  • If you submit within 16 weeks of CCT, include a covering explanation — requests within 16 weeks of CCT may not be accommodated.

Allocation and Offers:

  • Posts are allocated through the standard rotation process and depend on service availability.
  • Training needs of pre-CCT resident doctors take priority.
  • You will receive your placement allocation at least 12 weeks before CCT.

Important Notes:

  • Sponsored resident doctors must notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) when undertaking a PoG.
  • If you receive an Outcome 3 at ARCP, your PoG rights reset.
  • Statutory leave during PoG suspends the period; you must submit a new intent form to resume (within the 6-month cap).
  • Termination: Once requested, three months’ notice is required to end early, in line with 2016 Junior Doctor Terms and Conditions.
  • No NHS England-funded study leave is permitted, as training is complete, but time for revalidation is permitted.