BMA guidance

Resident doctors' handbook on the 2016 contract

A guide to the new 2016 terms and conditions of service for doctors and dentists in training in England.

Location: England
Audience: Resident doctors
Updated: Wednesday 18 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 2016 resident doctor contract in England.
  • 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. Information is currently in the process of being reviewed and an updated version will be available soon.

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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BMA: the specialty trainee’s safety net

For almost 200 years, we have been supporting doctors from tuition to physician and beyond. Learn more about being a BMA member today.

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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
  • Pay
  • Work scheduling
  • Hours of work and WTR
  • Exception reporting, work schedule reviews and the
  • Guardian of Safe Working
  • Indemnity
  • Transition arrangements
  • LTFT (less than full time) training
  • Locum work in the NHS
  • Study and professional leave
  • Annual leave
  • Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
  • Sick leave
  • NHS pension scheme
  • Travelling and other expenses
  • Removal 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