Less than Full Time Training Policy - KSS Deanery

1 IntroductionLess than Full Time (LTFT) Training (previously termed flexible training) is themeans by which doctors and dentists undertake their training when they areunable to work and train full time for “well-founded” reasons. The NHS iscommitted to flexible working arrangements across the health economy and LTFTTraining is a method by which trainees can utilise the LTFT Training scheme tobalance their work and personal lives, as well as assisting those trainees who arein poor health or those who have a disability. In preparation of the policy, theDeanery has liaised with the BMA and NHS Employers, as well as a number ofTrust colleagues.2 Purpose and AimsThe purpose of this policy is to clarify how the LTFT Training scheme works, whois eligible to apply and the arrangements necessary to secure approval. Thescheme is also intended to make a meaningful contribution to the principles ofequality and diversity, particularly in relation to working parents and trainees witha disability. The policy also aims to demonstrate that KSS Deanery recognisesthe demographic trends in the medical and dental workforce and we are thereforecommitted to promoting and supporting access to LTFT Training opportunitiesacross KSS for eligible applicants. The Deanery consequently reviews andmonitors the demand for LTFT Training on a bi-annual basis and continues tomake improvements to the application and approval process, as well as themechanisms for constructing slot shares and raising the profile off slot sharingacross KSS by sharing examples of good practice and feedback from trainees.3 ScopeKSS Deanery manages the LTFT Training scheme for eligible trainees across allmedical and dental training grades, although the focus of this policy primarilyrelates to medical trainees in postgraduate training. This policy deals with traineesin medical placements across the following: Foundation, Specialty (including GP,Core Specialty/Run-through and Higher Specialty Training programmes withinKent, Surrey and Sussex NHS Trusts.4 Eligibility4.1 Eligibility CriteriaAll 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 notbe practical for them for well-founded individual reasons (EC Directive93/16/EEC). The Deanery eligibility criteria will determine whether a trainee'srequest to train less than full time is well founded. If a trainee does not meetthe eligibility criteria, they should be encouraged to discuss alternative careerpathways with appropriate educational colleagues, eg. training programmedirector or clinical tutor.Formally, the only requirement to be permitted to train less than full time is awell founded individual reason. In practice, at present, reasons for needing totrain on a less than full time basis are put into two main categories for thepurpose of assessing eligibility. However, these categories are not exhaustive.KSS Less Than Full Time Training Policy.doc Page 3 of 15