1. Less than Full Time Training
Flexible career options for postgraduate doctors in training

2. What is LTFT?
An option to complete a postgraduate medical training programme on a part time basis
GMC standards require Deaneries to provide the opportunity to train P/T
Employment law requires employers to provide flexible working options

3. Who is eligible Must have “well-founded reason” i.e.
Parent of a young child/children
Caring for an elderly or diables relative
Having a disability
Having a health problem
Completing a higher degree, research, service to NHS or “unique” development opportunity
Foundation and specialty trainees in both hospital and GP practice

4. A few rules Can’t engage in other employment
Approval not based on application, requires an eligibility assessment
Must do pro-rata share of nights, on-call etc – not exempt from any aspect of normal working patters
No minimum work requirement (e.g. 50%)
EWTD compliance

5. What it may look like Slot share (like job share)
Working reduced hours
Full days or part days
Supernumerary funding (where a job share not possible) if above not possible
More supernumerary in Foundation to allow trainees to complete F2 competencies (time-based programme)
In current climate, funded posts will become scarcer

6. However… Provision can vary by area or by specialty
An approved application doesn’t guarantee that it will be possible to start LTFT at a date or time you would like
Involves complex management between Deaneries and NHS employers

7. 3544 LTFT trainees -Nov 2010

8. LTFT by Deanery

11. Positive benefits
Same range of experience and education as full time posts
A way of continuing work and training when full time work not possible
Improves worklife balance
Feeling part of the workforce
Improves retention
Seems to improve assessment performance
Many return to full time training

12. What if it hadn’t been possible?
Survey in Wales - trainees would have:
Worked full time
Not worked at all
Undertaken non-medical work
Stayed in staff grade (service only) post
Taken career break

13. It’s not all rosy
Can take a long time to complete an already long training programme
Missing out on some experiences, clinics, training opportunities
Perception – “just a part-timer”
Relationships – some people you never get to work with on team
Financial drawbacks
Lack of continuity (patient care, handover etc)
Study leave also pro rata
Lack of P/T consultant posts

14. Career guidance implications
For some students, being more aware due to known present circumstances that LTFT could be the best option
Year 5 students who want to apply for LTFT should work with medical school to ensure notification of “special circumstances” to Foundation School
For others, realistic time/career planning – life will at some point get in the way and slow things down
Flagging interest as early as possible so that Deaneries and Foundation Schools can plan for demand
Remember – it doesn’t solve everything!