What is LTFT (less than full time training)?

LTFT covers any arrangement with reduced working hours for doctors, as arranged with an employer. All postgraduate doctors in training, including those in academic programmes, can apply for LTFT training. 

The only requirement of applying for LTFT is a well-founded individual reason. This includes wellbeing and personal choice.

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. 

Eligibility

• All postgraduate doctors in training can apply for LTFT training, the only requirement being a well-founded individual reason.
• Employment legislation describing the statutory right to request flexible working sets the minimum standards with which an employer must comply. The legislation does not set a priority order around any reasons for requesting flexible working

How to apply

The application process and can take up to three months and applicants should not expect to be granted LTFT arrangement immediately.

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

• All postgraduate doctors in training can apply for LTFT training, either at the point of application for entry to training or at any time once they have been accepted for training. As for all other applicants wishing to enter foundation or specialty training, competitive appointment to training is required but must not be affected or influenced by the applicant’s wish to be considered for LTFT training.
•  Postgraduate doctors in training will need to first submit their application for LTFT training to NHSE WTE, NES, HEIW or NIMDTA, which will be assessed and (where necessary) prioritised according to the provisions of the Equality Act relating to protected characteristics. NHSE WTE, NES, HEIW or NIMDTA will also consider the application in the context of its effect on the training available to other individuals in the training programme.
• Postgraduate doctors in training must inform their college/faculty of their arrangements for LTFT training and ensure that their TPD or head of school is aware.
• Approval of the training plan will normally be given for the duration of the placement and be subject to annual review around renewal. The LTFT placement and funding will also be subject to agreement with the employer/host training organisation before the placement can be approved.

Training and assessments

• All postgraduate doctors in training, full-time or LTFT, need to meet the requirements for progression in training as set out in the relevant GMC-approved curriculum. LTFT postgraduate doctors in training will be assessed in accordance with the ARCP process. LTFT postgraduate doctors in training should have an ARCP not less than annually but at intervals of no more than 15 months.
• LTFT postgraduate doctors in training will be expected to demonstrate the capabilities relevant to their stage of training as described in their relevant curriculum.
• Should a training extension be required after the award of an ARCP Outcome 3/10.2, this extension will be on a pro rata basis.
• The joint royal colleges of physicians training board provides a tool to work out your CCT date if you train LTFT.

Extension to category three LTFT pilot

An agreement to extend flexible-working arrangements to resident doctors was reached in March 2020, following negotiations between the BMA and NHS.

Trainees in England will no longer need to meet specific criteria such as caring responsibilities, health reasons or religious grounds to qualify for the right to work LTFT, following the success of a three-year pilot scheme.

The agreement reached between the BMA, HEE (Health Education England) and NHS Employers as part of the Enhancing Resident Doctors Working Lives group, will ultimately see a third category of LTFT working introduced to all specialties.

Under the terms of the existing pilot scheme resident doctors working in England in specialities such as emergency medicine, obs and gynae and paediatrics are able to work at 50%, 60% or 80% of a full time post.