Eligibility
All trainees, both men and women, are eligible to apply for LTFT training. Those wishing to do so must show that training on a full-time basis would not be practical for them for well-founded individual reasons (EC Directive 93/16/EEC).
It is for the Associate Dean (LTFT training) and, where appropriate, the Postgraduate Dean to determine whether a trainee's request to train LTFT is well founded. If a trainee does not meet the eligibility criteria, they should be encouraged to discuss alternative career pathways with the Postgraduate Clinical Tutor or where necessary, the Associate Dean (LTFT).
Formally, the only requirement to be permitted to train LTFT is a well founded individual reason. In practice at present, reasons for needing to train on a LTFT basis are put into two main categories by COPMeD, and used by deaneries to assess eligibility. However these categories are not exhaustive.
Those doctors in training with:
These result in the individual doctor or dentist being professionally disadvantaged by circumstances, and less able to fulfil their potential on a full-time rather than on a part-time basis.
Category 2
Those doctors in training with:
Summary
Category 1 applicants have priority and Deaneries will support all Category 1 applicants.
In general, non-medical interests will be treated on their individual merits. Access to Category 2 is dependent on individual circumstances and the availability of funding. Where an application is refused by the deanery the applicant has a right of appeal. The appeal process is detailed on the Application process page.
All requests for LTFT training will be treated positively. However the overall training capacity of a training programme and service commitment will have to be taken into consideration.
Access to LTFT training is resource limited. Whilst accepting that there is no automatic right to LTFT training, provisions should be made for those who meet the criteria. Deanery funding provides the educational component of the basic salary, and banding arrangements are the responsibility of the employer. These funding arrangements are intended to avoid financial disincentives for employers.
The availability of LTFT training is ultimately dependant on available funding from both the Deanery and NHS employers; however where possible appropriate measures should be taken to facilitate access.