GP Retainer Scheme

Find out more about the GP Retainer Scheme run by NES for GPs to maintain their skills whilst unable to commit to full-time practice.

The GP Retainer Scheme enables qualified GPs who are unable for the present to commit themselves to a full-time post, to continue working in general practice to maintain and develop their skills and enter a permanent post when their circumstances permit.

Up to 4 sessions per week are available for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Read the GP Retainer Booklet here

Contact details for the Associate Adviser for your region are below:

• Regional Adviser Contact Details (pdf)

Information and Forms for Retainers

• Introduction to GP Retainer Scheme (doc)
• Person Specification (doc) - For further information, GPs can look at the Less than full time training Section of the website.
• Retainer Application Form (doc)
• Application Process Flow-Chart
• Retainer Annual Renewal Form (doc)
• Annual report from retainer (doc)
• Maternity Leave Form (doc)
• Sick Leave Form (doc)
• Retainer Leaving Form (doc)
• Retainer Application for Non-GMS Sessions (doc)
• Retainer Change in No. of Sessions Form (doc)
• Recommended workload for Retainer Sessions (doc)
• GP Locum Sessions (doc)
• Change of Practice Form (doc)

Information and Forms for Retainer Practices

• Role of the Mentor (doc)
• Retainer Practice Approval and Reapproval Form (doc)
• Purpose of Annual Report (doc)
• Annual report from mentor (doc)
• Recommended workload for Retainer Sessions (doc)
• Employment Arrangements (doc)
• Appeal Mechanism for Practice Approval (doc)
• Extension to 5 year term on GP Retainer Scheme: An Algorithm (doc)
• Retainer Mentor Approval Form (doc)

ALL FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE REGIONAL ADVISER

Frequently Asked Questions

• Frequently Asked Questions (doc)

Educational Agreement

This is an educational agreement (doc) between a retainer doctor and their practice.  It is not a contract of employment and does not supersede any other contracts so signed.  The details of this agreement are designed to indicate the areas of educational responsibility of both mentor and retainer.

Advice About Contracts

Please seek advice from the BMA about current maternity and employment regulations.

This page was last updated on: 22.06.2022 at 12.11