Find out here if you are eligible for LTFT training

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.

Category 1

Those doctors in training with:

• Disability or ill health (this may include those on in vitro fertility programmes);
• Responsibility for caring (men and women) for children;
• Responsibility for caring for ill/disabled partner, relative or other dependent.

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:

• Unique opportunities for their own personal/professional development, e.g. training for national/international sporting events, or short-term extraordinary responsibility e.g. a national committee.
• Religious commitment - involving training for a particular religious role which requires a specific amount of time commitment.
• Non-medical professional development such as management courses, law courses, fine arts courses or diploma in complementary therapies.
• Other well-founded reasons may be considered but it would be dependent on the particular situation and the needs of the specialty in which the individual was training.

 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.

Aims of LTFT Training

• To ensure continued and adequate training for those who cannot work full-time.
• To retain doctors within the medical workforce who are unable to continue their training on a full-time basis.
• To maintain a balance between LTFT arrangements, educational requirements and the Service needs.
• To promote career development and work/life balance for doctors training within NHSScotland.

General Principles

• Access to LTFT training should be considered for all eligible doctors regardless of grade or specialty and dependent only on need.
• Access to LTFT training is resource-limited, and flexible training dependent on available funding from both the Deanery and NHS Board.
• Access is not 'of right' and criteria for appropriate need must be met.
• Deanery funding contributes pro rata basic salary at mid-point, and  F A,B or C banding arrangements are funded by employing Boards (pay information).
• Access to LTFT training is equitable nationally, with a transparent and uniform approach across all Deaneries and with local assessment of applications within a national framework.
• Applications may be made at any time during training.
• LTFT training for each individual is reviewed on an annual basis and may require alteration in hours worked.
• Educational capacity and approval must be available for the post.  There should be evidence of satisfactory ARCP progress to date.