Working less than full time (LTFT)
All respiratory trainees can apply to be LTFT and the only requirement is a well-founded individual reason. The 10th Edition of the Gold Guide (pg40) gives more guidance.
These are some examples, but the list is not exhaustive:
- Disability or ill health
- Caring responsibilities
- Welfare and wellbeing
- Unique opportunities or development both inside and outside of medicine
- Religious commitment
- Flexibility for training to develop broader career interests.
Dr Abigail MacKintosh presented her experience of LTFT training.
Applying to go LTFT
You will first need to discuss your plans with your Training Programme Director (TPD) and Educational Supervisor (ES). You will need to decide what percentage of full time equivalent you would like to work: 60-80% is the most common. Others are possible but may need specific discussion and approval.
There are some important dates to note:
- 3 months’ notice is required for new LTFT applications. Note that some categories will require evidence.
- 12 weeks’ notice is required if you wish to increase or decrease the number of sessions you do.
How to apply
Application is done through your own deanery, who will be able to provide you with the relevant forms and information about process.
Practicalities of being LTFT
Being LTFT you may be partnered with another LTFT trainee as part of a job share, or placed in a full time slot. You will need to liaise with your department and job share (if applicable) regarding which days you work and how on call shifts are split. Ideally do this as far in advance as possible as it will help with job planning and with your commitments outside of work.
Annual leave and study leave are allocated pro-rata, however, study leave requirements can be flexible from one year to another if specific courses need to be attended.
It may be possible to reduce some of your subscriptions such as MDU/MPS/GMC/BMA according to the hours you are working or your income.
Tracking your progress
LTFT trainees must meet the required competencies to progress, but this is done over a longer time period than full time trainees. Use the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) date calculator Calculating completion dates | JRCPTB to confirm your CCT date for your annual reviews of competence progression (ARCPs). It is not uncommon to be prematurely called for penultimate year assessments (PYAs) or assessed at ARCP at the wrong point of your curriculum requirements, so it is important to keep track of this yourself.