Period of Grace

The Period of Grace (PoG) enables doctors who have completed training and not yet obtained a Consultant post to continue in the Specialty Registrar grade contract for a time limited period whilst they find employment. The standard Period of Grace is six calendar months following the date the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR CP) is issued. The doctor is no longer considered to be in training, but in post for the purposes of service.

PoG is not available to trainees in Foundation, Core Training Programmes or General Practice Training Programmes.

Access to PoG is not automatic and must be requested with a minimum of six months notice by submitting an application to the Education Programme Manager or Officer in the relevant specialty.

If the PoG Request form is not submitted by the required deadline the Training Programme Director will not arrange a Period of Grace for the trainee. The trainees National Training Number (NTN) will be relinquished at point of sign off for CCT or CESR CP.

For queries on the Period of Grace request process please contact the Programme Manager or Officer for your specialty.

How to Request Period of Grace (PoG)

  1. Read the Period of Grace Guidance 
  2. Complete Period of Grace Request Form and submit to the Education Programme Manager or Officer for the specialty requested.