Less Than Full Time Training

Contents:

Introduction

NHS England fully endorses the principles set out in the NHS Employers. The term “Flexible” has been replaced by “Less than Full-Time” to avoid confusion. “Flexible” implies that the Resident Doctor can elect when they wish to work whereas this will be determined by their training needs.

Any Resident Doctor in a substantive deanery approved post is eligible for less than full-time training and this will be accommodated as soon as practicably possible.

Application Process

Please note you can only apply to train Less Than Full Time if you have a confirmed substantive post with NHS England. If you are in the process of applying for a post, you may only apply for LTFT training once it has been confirmed.

All Resident Doctors will be able to apply for LTFT subject to completing local processes. All Resident Doctors who wish to commence LTFT training will need to identify one of seven different opportunities they wish to apply for in accordance with National LTFT guidance.

These options are as follows, and are included in the application form:

• Disability/ill Health
• Caring Responsibilities
• Welfare and Wellbeing
• Unique Responsibilities
• Religious Responsibilities
• Non-Medical Development
• Career Development

All applications will need to be fully completed and sent to the relevant specialty school team (by the TPD) with at least 16-weeks’ notice as per National guidance. This is so we can adhere to the 12 weeks code of practice to allow Trusts notice to complete the required work schedules. Contact details for each of the specialty schools can be found on the Specialty School Contacts page.

Although you will not need to re-apply for LTFT at the start of each rotation (unless you wish to change percentage or return full time), you will need to liaise with each host placement regarding your work schedule prior to each placement.

For all opportunities a minimum of 16-weeks’ notice prior to rotation must be provided where practically possible. Exceptions to the notice period may be permitted if there are exceptional circumstances such as ill health/disability or urgent caring responsibilities.

The forms asks for a reason and in the case of ill health it asks for confirmation of engagement with health care /OH (duty of care) – this will allow us to monitor the situation.

You can access the form below. The form should be completed electronically and forwarded to your Training Programme Director (TPD) for approval, who will (if approved) forward your form to the relevant specialty school programme support team.

Please note

Completed form must be sent to the Specialty Schools team by the TPD, and not the resident doctor.

Changes to rotas should not be made until the specialty schools team has processed an application and sent out the confirmation of approval email. Please note that the specialty schools teams have no involvement with arranging your non-working day. Once you have received confirmation of approval from the specialty schools team, you need to liaise directly with the host Trust/GP practice to discuss and mutually agree the day that will be your non-working day(s). You are not guaranteed to be able to have your preferred day as your non-working day, plus your non-working day may need to change when you move to a new placement. You will need to liaise with the host trust/GP practice for each new placement.

LTFT and RTFT Application Form

Returning to Full Time (RTFT) added 16 October 2026

To return to full-time, the same priciples apply as with starting LTFT working and an applicaiton must be made using the LTFT and RTFT pplication form.

Application Deadlines

Progression, ARCPs and CCT Date/Core Training End Date

added 17 September 2026

We appreciate that you might have questions about how the recently agreed resident doctor contract changes may affect LTFT training progression.

National implementation guidance is still being developed, and we are currently awaiting further guidance on how these arrangements will be applied in practice.

Until formal national guidance is received, we will continue to follow our current ARCP arrangements:

• ARCP requirements will be adjusted to reflect your LTFT percentage, and your progress will be assessed on a pro rata basis.
• Your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) date or core training end date will be adjusted when you move to LTFT training.
• Any requests to accelerate training or bring forward your CCT date should be considered in line with your School's acceleration policy.
• If you have questions about your individual circumstances, please discuss these with your TPD or LTFT Lead.

Foundation Training

There is a new process and guidance for Foundation doctors applying for LTFT from the August 2026 rotation. Please read the below guide and use the Foundation LTFT Application form (these are also available at Foundation Policies and Processes page).

Guide to LTFT in Foundation Training

Foundation LTFT Application Form

TIER 2 Less Than Full Time Training Applicants

Please find below a link to the website which identifies important guidance for TIER 2/Skilled workers. Requirements have changed; please ensure you meet all requirements before applying to undertake Less Than Full Time Training.

Go to NHS England Overseas Sponsorship webpages

Implementation

Whenever possible LTFT Resident Doctors will be placed in a slot share occupying a full-time post, with each partner working 60% (to both facilitate effective handover and enable each partner to benefit from the formal teaching programme).

If a slot share is not possible then working reduced hours in a full-time post will be considered. It is possible to work up to 80% (the maximum for LTFT training). On-call should be pro-rata; however, if willing, a LTFT Resident Doctor can do the full-time on-call providing the total hours worked do not exceed 40.

Only if a slot share or reduced hours in a full-time post are impossible will a supernumerary post be considered. Where this is will be determined by the Resident doctors educational requirements. Such posts are the most difficult to arrange as although the basic salary comes from the Postgraduate Medical and Dental LTFT Budget, the host trust has to meet the banding cost.

Trust LTFT Training Champions

NHS England is committed to providing Resident Doctors, who wish to transition to LTFT training, the necessary advice and assistance to ensure the process is relatively seamless, while at the same time also support those Resident Doctors who have already transitioned to LTFT training.

These champions will have an overview of all LTFT Resident Doctors within their trust and will be available to advise and assist any Resident Doctor within that trust, regardless of grade and specialty, on any concerns they have over the LTFT process and the LTFT experience. This role is designed to improve existing support for LTFT training rather than replace existing support to individual Resident Doctors.

It is important that Resident Doctors are aware they will still be responsible for managing the process. They will however now have a senior member of the trust onsite in an advisory role who should have contact with all stakeholders to enable Resident Doctors to fully complete all aspects of the LTFT process, particularly interaction with Medical Staffing.

A list of trust LTFT trust champions along with School Champions can be found under Support and Contact Information section below.

Support and Contact Information

All LTFT Resident Doctors will receive full support and advice from the LTFT champion at the trust where they are training. A list of LTFT champions is available below. In addition, LTFT specialty advisors are also available to provide support and advice.

Trust LTFT Champions

School LTFT Champions

North West Peer LTFT Representatives

Specialty Schools Teams

Lead Employer

The Lead Employer is point of contact for queries that relates to contracts, pay, annual leave, pension, health concerns etc. Please visit the Lead Employer website for further information and contact details of the various teams.

Useful Documents

LTFT Flow Chart

LTFT Policy

Guidance for Locum Work

Frequently Asked Questions

Page Last Updated 16 October 2026