Can I train Less Than Full Time?
Every Deanery has an obligation to consider you for a Less Than Full Time Training scheme. However, they are not obliged to allow you to train LTFT. Rotas need to be filled and the increasing numbers of females in the profession mean that LTFT training is increasingly popular. Some Specialties such as Paediatrics are particularly stretched and some deaneries have decided that all their trainees must work a minimum of 80% of full time.
LTFT is attractive but many people opt to stay full time and speed through the years of night shift and long days to become a Consultant or GP Partner by the time they’re needed for homework duties.
How do I organise Less than Full time Training?
Find out from your Deanery contact who is the ‘Flexible Training Dean’ and start by emailing them with your requests. They will then arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and start the process.
You must request LTFT training with 8 weeks notice and, if the Deanery agrees, they must then seek approval from the Clinical Lead in your place of work to ensure service provision will be adequate.
Once your LTFT training place has been approved, you must notify the LTFT Advisor at your Royal College so that they can check that the proposed programme allows you to achieve the learning outcomes outlined on your curriculum and that the full-time trainees in the Trust are not disadvantaged.
Most departments, in my experience, are happy to give you a regular day off. Although the particular day may need to be negotiated depending on how the rota rolls. Remember that a huge part of the joy of work is your relationship with colleagues and there are ways you can minimise the amount of work which is loaded onto others.
It does pay to not be too demanding and as flexible as possible.
Once LTFT is agreed, ensure you maximise your pay by sitting at the top of your band. Discuss and calculate your hours with your Boss well in advance so you can secure regular days off, maximising your childcare and minimising the hole in your pocket! It might be worth getting this in writing early, depending on how fluid your department is.
Here is the very complicated way they calculate your pay as a LTFT trainee (LTFT Equitable Pay document). Go through it with your Boss and, for example, if you plan to work 80% but are 1 hour per week short of a 90% banding, it might be worth working an extra day every 2 months to maximise your income!
Many deaneries are now granting LTFT training but with a yearly review date. This is to ensure that those who really need the time at home are getting it. For example someone with a Husband working away from home, may need LTFT work more than a Medic who’s husband works regular office hours.
The latter may be asked to give up their ‘turn’ and return to work full time. Each situation is considered on an individual basis.
As a Consultant or GP you will need to discuss with your individual department and line manager regarding altering your contract if you wish to return less than full time.
More information is available here on the NHS Employers Site and will also be available through your Royal College and Deanery
