BMA guidance

BMA handbook for resident doctors in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales

Your guide to the main contractual issues which may crop up in your work as a resident doctor in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Location: Scotland Northern Ireland Wales
Audience: Resident doctors
Updated: Monday 23 September 2024
Topics: Contracts
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What you'll get from the handbook

  • Information to help you understand the terms and conditions of the resident doctor contract in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
  • The legal framework you are required to work within as a resident doctor.
  • Example policies, contract and best practice that can be adapted to your situation.

 

How to use the handbook

This guide is not meant to be a comprehensive substitute for the detailed guidance and support available from our advisers. 

Our aim is to provide you with an overview of key areas you need to consider as a resident doctor. Advice tailored to your situation is available from our advisers.

 

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Contract guidance for resident doctors in Wales

BMA members may sign in to view our contract guidance for resident doctors in Wales.

Junior doctors have changed their title to ‘resident doctors’

As of 18 September, all references to junior doctors in BMA communications have been changed to ‘resident doctors’.

 

Making up nearly 25% of all doctors in the UK, this cohort will now have a title that better reflects their huge range of skills and responsibilities. 

 

Find out more about why junior doctors are now known as 'resident doctors'.

 

Topics
  • Training appointments and educational approval
  • Learning and development
  • Recruitment to specialty training – advice for applicants
  • Contracts of employment
  • Salaries
  • Planning working patterns
  • Hours of work and EWTD
  • Pay banding and monitoring
  • Indemnity
  • Prospective cover
  • LTFT (less than full-time) training (also known as flexible training)
  • Locum work in the NHS
  • Study and professional leave
  • Annual leave
  • Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
  • Sick leave
  • NHS pension scheme
  • Travelling, removal, and other expenses
  • Accommodation and catering
  • OOP (Out of Programme) Experiences
  • Medical academic doctors
  • Overseas doctors and international medical graduates
  • Revalidation
  • Raising concerns and whistleblowing
  • The regulatory framework