What is it?
The retainer Scheme is a time limited scheme to allow qualified GPs on the Performer’s list who
have caring responsibilities (usually for young children) which prevents them
from committing to a more substantive post in GP.
The scheme permits for up to 14 hours per week in a GP practice. There is the option of undertaking up to 2 additional sessions per week either for non-GMS work that would enhance future work as a GP (e.g. OOH or family planning) or as additional GP locum sessions.
The post is time limited to a maximum of 5 years.
Who can apply?
Principal carers who cannot commit to a salaried assistantship, locums or partnership. There must be an intention to return to a GP post at the end of the scheme – it is NOT suitable for those wishing to change careers to another specialty.
The scheme is not confined to female GPs.
The educational component of the scheme is to enable on going career development while working a limited number of hours.
You need to be on the local Performer’s list to be eligible.
Those looking to return to General Practice who have not worked for 2 years or more should consider the GP Returner scheme instead.
The scheme is also not suitable for those with long term health problems if there is not a possibility of returning to more substantive GP work after 5 years.
What is the educational support?
Only suitably approved practices and mentors are permitted to have retainer GPs.
Protected monthly mentoring is provided to help the retainer to maintain his/her clinical knowledge and skills.
A subsidised fee is also available for CPD Connect events.
What is the working week?
Most retainers work the maximum of 14 hours per week (this can be made up of 4 x 3.5 hour sessions but the 14 hours can be worked flexibly.)
The minimum permitted 7 hours per week.
A session usually consists of surgeries/ prescriptions/ telephone calls and house calls.
Keeping up skills by doing some occasional duty doctor sessions is encouraged.
Retainers should be encouraged to attend practice meetings to get some experience of the business aspects of GP.
How do I apply?
Your Regional Adviser will arrange a meeting with you. This is to verify your understanding of the scheme and to ensure you meet the entry criteria.
You will be given a list of suitable practices to approach and once you have found one that meets your needs your new mentor will complete the application form which you return to NES.
The adviser needs to confirm Health Board sessional reimbursement to the practice before the post can be confirmed.
Employment as a retainer
You are employed by the practice. Your Regional Adviser supports the educational components of the scheme.
You should have a contract of employment with the practice. If you are a member of the BMA you can ask them to check the contract for you.
You are paid by the practice.
Your salary should be based on the Salaried Doctors pay scale which has several pay increments, depending on experience and workload. This pay scale is based on a 40-hour week so you need to extrapolate the salary bands down to 14/40ths.
You are entitled to 6 weeks holiday + public holidays pro rata. Maternity and sick leave
entitlement is in line with all other employees.
Benefits of the scheme
The scheme allows those with (mainly) child care commitments to work in a limited, protected educational environment until such time as they are able to apply for more substantive posts.
Feedback has shown that over 90% of retainers find either a part time partnership or salaried post when they leave the scheme. Many have in turn become retainer mentors or GP trainers.
The Retainer Scheme in Scotland provides a safe, protected environment in which to maintain your GP skills which then allows you to return to more substantive General Practice in the future.
This page was last updated on: 17.04.2024 at 08.52
