Less than full time (LTFT) Training

TVEM supports all trainees wishing to apply for Less Than Full Time Training (LFTT) at any point during or prior to starting their training.

 

The aim of LTFTT is to retain a workforce who might not be able to or wish to train full time, to promote diverse career opportunities, and to encourage a sustainable home: work balance on an individual basis whilst enabling doctors to continue in a training programme.

 

Eligibility for LTFTT application

 

Since the successful implementation of the 2019 trial to increase access to LTFTT all Emergency Medicine Trainees currently in post are eligible to apply for LTFTT. 

 

This is under one of three categories:

• Category 1:

  • Disability or ill-health

  • Responsible for children under the age of 18

  • Other caring responsibilities

• Category 2:

  • Unique opportunities for personal/professional development

  • Other services to the NHS

• Category 3:

  • Personal/general reasons with no further details required on the application

 

Trainees can request an unspecified length of time at 50, 60, 70, or 80% full-time equivalent. 

 

Approval of applications is subject to service conditions via TPD approval after discussion with your Educational Supervisor.

 

Further details and the application process can be found on the Thames Valley Deanery website here.

 

 

Effect of LTFTT on pay, leave and training

 

Pay is calculated at each Trust according to an individual schedule of work.  Full-time hours are reduced proportionate to the percentage full time Equivalent (FTE) worked, and base salary adjusted accordingly.  Out-of-hours supplements are calculated from the number of nights/weekends/lates worked on your schedule of work, calculated by HR.  This is proportionate to your FTE.  For example, as an 80% FTE trainee you will be rostered for 80% of the number of nights/weekends / day shifts / EDT compared to a FTE trainee at the same trust.   There is also a flexible trainee pay supplement. 

 

Here is a helpful link to the BMA which fully explains LTFT pay.

 

Annual leave and study leave allocation is reduced in proportion to the percentage FTE worked, although LTFTT will naturally have more ‘off’ days in their schedule.

 

The possibility of ‘fixed’ off days to enable regular non-work commitments are not guaranteed but can be negotiated with the specific department.

 

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine suggests that trainees should complete the required training time ST1-6 in full.  If trainees are working on a LTFT basis this will prolong their total time in training in order to equal the same number of training days.

 

For example, ST4-6 takes at FTE trainee 3 years (36 months) to complete. A LTFTT will take increased time in proportion to their percentage FTE:

• 80% FTE (36/0.8) = 45 months

• 70% FTE (36/0.7) = 51 months

• 60% FTE (36/0.6) = 60 months.

 

In view of the RCEM Faculty Governance Standard assessment process for trainees - where consultants in a department agree on observed competencies of trainees  - and the inherent nature of shift work, it is suggested that LTFT trainees ensure they are raising awareness with consultants on shift of their time in resus and competencies therein. 

 

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine should be updated with any time out of training and change in the rate of progression through training training@rcem.ac.uk in order to accurately calculate the anticipated CCT date.

 

The application process

 

Are you considering becoming less than full-time?

 

1. Discuss with your Educational Supervisor and Training Programme Director

2. Complete the application form - access through the Thames Valley website

3. Send the completed application with detailed supporting documents to LTFT.TV@hee.nhs.uk

4. Allow at least 3 months notice from submission of application to planned change in schedule.

 

Resources & Information

 

Your local TV LTFTT rep - please contact via email

 

Thames Valley Deanery guide to LTFTT

Includes link to the TV application form and submission guidance

 

EMTA guidance on employment

 

BMA guidance for flexible working

 

NHS LTFT information

 

The Gold Guide 8th edition p38

Academy of Royal Colleges’ agreed standard on LTFTT

 

GMC statement on LTFTT

2017 Current legal position

 

 

FAQ

Can I change the percentage I work, including returning to full time work?

This is normally possible but requires advanced notice (minimum 3 months) and discussion/agreement with your training programme director.  Some trainees at 60% may be in a slot share for the year and increasing hours will depend upon the local trust agreeing to fund the increase in hours due to clinical need.

 

How much will I get paid?

This will depend on your base salary, out of hours commitments, and percentage FTE.  The BMS explain in more detail here

 

Will I receive the same study budget?

There is currently no fixed individual study budget. Percentage worked and previous applications are considered on an individual basis within the application process.

 

Can I have fixed days off?

This will depend on your local rota coordinator and departmental policy.

 

At my ARCP will I be expected to have the same sign off achievements as a FTE trainee? 

No, the panel will look for evidence that you are progressing at a rate proportionate to your %FTE work.  You will be aiming for an Outcome 1 - Satisfactory Progress - more in this RCEM learning post

 

Can I progress between years of training at a time other than August?

Yes, this is becoming increasingly common.  You may need an ‘out of synch’ ARCP (ie at a time other than June) if you are progressing from one stage of training to another (core to intermediate, etc.) or finishing training - please discuss with your TPD if this is the case. Remember there is a salary increase ST3 to ST4, and ST5 to ST6.  If you transition whilst working in the same trust you may need to remind HR of this.

 

Can I work locum shifts if LTFT?

The Gold guide states that trainees should not be precluded from other work, but that the full scope of practice should be reflected on the Form R for discussion at ARCP.

 

I appear to be working the same number of nights and weekends as a full time trainee in my department despite being LTFT.  Is this right?

No, according to the gold guide your schedule should reflect the same balance of work as your full time colleagues.  Day-time working, out of hours, EDT, study leave and annual leave should all be undertaken on a prorata basis.

 

I have concerns about my rota.  Who can I contact?

Try to discuss with the rota coordinator in the first place, and potentially your Educational Supervisor.  Other local contacts include the Thames Valley LTFT rep and the training programme director (see resources for contact details).  The BMA will also provide advice on rota compliance.

​

Questions, edit or comments?  Please email us here