Applying for LTFT

Eligibility for LTFT Training

As described in the Gold Guide, all doctors in training can apply for LTFT training, so long as they have a well-founded individual reason. Please find below illustrative examples of reasons for requesting LTFT training:

• disability or ill health (this may include ongoing medical procedures such as fertility treatment),
• caring responsibilities (e.g. for children or for an ill/disabled partner, relative or other dependant),
• welfare and wellbeing (e.g. reducing potential burnout),
• unique opportunities (e.g. training for national/international sporting events, or a short-term extraordinary responsibility such as membership of a national committee or continuing medical research as a bridge to progression in integrated academic training),
• religious commitment,
• non-medical development (e.g. management courses, law courses or fine art courses),
• flexibility for training and career development with the option to train less than full time with flexibility that might enable development of a broad career portfolio.

All well-founded reasons will be considered. However, support to progress the application may be dependent on the capacity of the programme and available resources as well as compliance with relevant legislation relating to CCT requirements.

Applying for LTFT Training

If you wish to train, LTFT, you first need to obtain a National Training Number (NTN) in open competition with all other applicants at National Recruitment.

When you are a successful, you can then apply to LTFT training by approaching the appropriate NHSE local office, NES, the Wales Deanery or NIMDTA, to where you have been appointed.

Each local office will have a LTFT policy and application process, described in the flow chart below. You should apply at least 6 months before you wish to start working LTFT.

The normal process for acceptance to LTFT training includes the following stages:

As a trainee you can apply for LTFT training either at the point of applying for entry to specialty training or at any time once you have been accepted into specialty training.

You must inform your College/Faculty of your arrangements for LTFT training and ensure your TPD or Head of School is aware.

1. Approval of the training plan will normally be given for the duration of the placement but will be subject to annual review. Therefore, each LTFT trainee needs to resubmit approval from your local lead in NHSE, NES, the Wales Deanery or NIMDTA, for your training post every 12 months, or whenever the post is changed. And to be aware that this process can take a few weeks to finalise.
2. As a LTFT trainee if you wish to increase or decrease your working you should discuss this request with your NHSE local office identified LTFT lead and with your TPD.
3. If you wish to revert to full-time training you must contact your TPD and relevant local office LTFT training lead. And they will be able to revert to FTE training only when a suitable placement is available. A suitable full-time placement may not be immediately available and will depend on the LTFT arrangement for you and the specialty programme. The relevant LTFT training lead in NHSE, NES, the Wales Deanery or NIMDTA must be informed of the planned start date for a return to full-time training.
4. The process of an application can take up to three months and if you apply you must not expect to be placed immediately. Don’t take the inability of NHSE to find you a post at short notice as a refusal of LTFT training; an individual’s needs and expectations must be considered in the context of educational standards and service capacity, and as a result, LTFT training cannot always be guaranteed.
5. If your circumstances change suddenly, and you want to work LTFT as short notice, you need to discuss with your line manager any appropriate actions such as special leave, as well as applying for LTFT.