Less Than Full-Time Training

What is Less than Full Time Training?

Flexible Training is available to all doctors regardless of gender, so long as their reasoning is well-founded and they can prove that training on a full time basis would be unsuitable, e.g. Disability or ill-health, role as a primary carer. For a more comprehensive list, see Eligibility and Funding.

Less than Full Time Training is available to trainees at all grades and can be a percentage of the full time training programme, depending on grade and individual circumstances. Out of hours work must fulfil the minimum educational requirements, but should generally not exceed pro rata out of hours requirements for those in full time training.

The relevant Deanery adviser, Specialty Educational Adviser, your Clinical Leader and the trainee will all contribute to the creation of a suitable training programme. However, some specialty training may have to be undertaken on a full time basis.

Aims (as per NHS Guidelines)

• To ensure continued and adequate training;
• To retain within the medical workforce doctors who are unable to continue their training on a full-time basis;
• To maintain a balance between flexible arrangements, educational needs and the service needs;
• To promote career development and work/life balance fir doctors training within the NHS.