Less Than Full Time (LTFT) Training
At‑a‑Glance
Who can apply?
Available to trainees with a “well‑founded reason”. Common reasons include
- disability or ill health (including fertility treatment), caring responsibilities
- welfare/wellbeing, unique opportunities
- religious commitment
- non‑medical development
- flexibility for training
- career development
Typical percentage
Usually 60% or 80%, although discuss with TPD. Timing and percentage is subject to capacity
Notice period
Minimum 3-6 month notice period, unless in exceptional circumstances.
Discuss with TPD as early as possible.
ARCP
Remains annual (by calendar year)
What is LTFT?
LTFT enables training at a reduced percentage while maintaining curriculum progression for trainees who need flexibility.
Common reasons
- Disability or ill health (including fertility treatment)
- Caring responsibilities
- Welfare and wellbeing
- Unique opportunities
- Religious commitment
- Non‑medical development
- Flexibility for training and career development
How to apply
- Discuss your plans with your Educational Supervisor (ES) and Training Programme Director (TPD).
- Submit the Change of Percentage form.
- Allow at least three months’ notice (application windows may apply).
Quick links
Working pattern & rotas
Off‑days
- Departments should aim to respect preferred off‑days.
- Working on an off‑day requires prior agreement.
- Try to avoid routinely setting Monday and/or Friday as off‑days.
- Study leave on an off‑day is returned as time in lieu.
Bespoke Schedule of Work
Determines pay and on‑call contribution; include the relevant percentage of each shift type compared with full‑time colleagues on the same rota; agreed by trainee and trust and prepared in good time.
Weekends
- Shared flexibility is expected of all parties.
- Where possible use common patterns with reduced frequency for LTFT trainees.
- If a non‑working day is Monday/Friday it may be reasonable to be asked to work (e.g. Friday night) with a lieu day.
- Avoid split weekends; bespoke/self‑rostering is preferred.
Pay & leave
- Pay is reduced under complex rules and errors are unfortunately common.
- Training time extends pro‑rata (including some modules).
- Annual leave and bank holidays are reduced pro‑rata.
CCT & progression
LTFT extends training time pro‑rata. Keep your own calculator up to date using the RCoA tool.
Support & contacts
- Trust LTFT Champion
- HEEM LTFT Associate Postgraduate Dean
- Training Programme Directors (TPDs)
- College Tutors (CTs)
- EMGAIT LTFT Representative
Resources & policy links
FAQ
Permitted for LTFT trainees; must be declared on Form R
Yes, LTFT work will delay your CCT. You should assume that you will complete the programme in the appropriate whole time equivalent time.
Under exceptional circumstances, where excellence and outstanding achievement have been demonstrated, the RCoA may permit acceleration to complete the programme in a shorter whole time equivalent.