Flexible Training
We provide a process for trainees who want to train on a less than full time basis - flexible training
These guidelines are intended to address the specific needs of those doctors in training who wish to train on a flexible or less than full-time basis. The terms flexible training and less than full-time training are synonymous and equate to training that is carried out on a part time basis. The term flexible training will be used throughout these pages.
The guidelines apply equally to Dental trainees. Flexible training is now an integral part of Postgraduate Medical Training in Scotland. Flexible training is organised through the relevant Deanery via the Associate Dean responsible for flexible training. They will provide confidential advice and information on working flexibly and all flexible options in medicine.
A new position statement has been issued by the GMC for further clarification on flexible training and educational requirements.
Flexible training is available for doctors who select not to train full-time because of 'well-founded individual reasons' (European Union Council directive 93/16-/EEC 1993) and those with eligible child care responsibilities (Employment Act 2002). It is an important part of NHSScotland's ambition to create family friendly policies and to ensure all members of staff are able to contribute their full potential to the service.
The information contained on this website should be read in conjunction with current guidelines and legislation, ie GMC Gold Guide, European Union Council Directive 93/16-/EEC 1993, Health Department NHS Circular PCS(DD)2005/7 and the Employment Act 2002.
What is Flexible Training?
- Any training undertaken that is not full-time (for details of training grade contract terms and conditions see the BMA website - link below.)
- Doctors must have well-founded reasons for requesting consideration for flexible training (see eligibility criteria).
- Flexible training may be available to all grades of trainee (foundation, specialty registrar, LAT, FTSTA) in all specialties and to both genders.
- The proportion of working hours of the training programme is by mutual agreement with the trainee, the Associate Dean, the appropriate Training Programme Director and the Service.
- Flexible training can be any proportion of the full-time training programme depending on the training grade, the individual circumstances, the needs of the Service and availability of funding. Most flexible trainees train between 50-80% of full time.
- Flexible training allows doctors to train in posts which have educational and the Postgraduate Dean's approval. (See NHS MEL(1999)36).
- Flexible posts may require specific approval from Colleges or GMC and this must be obtained in advance of commencing the post.
- It is possible to undertake an entire training programme on a flexible basis, but trainees may find it beneficial to undertake some of their training on a full-time basis. In some specialties some periods of the training may have to be undertaken on a full-time basis.
Out-of-hours experience must fulfil the minimum educational
requirements (see individual Royal College curricula) but as more
rotas move to shift patterns, detailed job descriptions require
detailed local planning. Generally, out-of-hours work should
be pro-rata to the out-of-hours requirements for full-time
trainees, but this may vary depending on funding and service
needs.
Key Deanery Contacts
NHS Education for Scotland is responsible for education and life-long learning needs of all NHS staff. Each Deanery has a Postgraduate Medical Dean or Associate Dean responsible for Flexible Training whose contact details are;
East of Scotland Deanery
Dr Carrie MacEwen, Associate Dean, East
Email carrie.macewen@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Tel 01382 632 595
North of Scotland Deanery
Mr John Hiscox, Associate Dean, North
Email john.hiscox@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Tel 01224 553 816
South East of Scotland Deanery
Dr Jane Montgomery, Associate Dean, South East
Email jane.montgomery@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Tel 0131 650 2824
West of Scotland Deanery
Dr Jean Reid, Associate Dean, West
Email jean.reid@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Tel 0141 223 1507
