The GP International Induction and Return to Practice Programmes
Would you like to return to general practice or have your overseas GP qualification recognised to allow you to join the NHS GP workforce? There are now even more reasons to apply.
If you have previously worked as a GP in the UK, or if you are seeking to have your overseas GP training experience recognised to allow you to apply to join the NHS GP workforce, the GP International induction and Return to Practice Programmes provide straightforward routes to safely induct you back into practice.
Any doctor wishing to work as an independent and unsupervised GP in the UK is required to:
- be on the GMC’s GP Register
- hold a GMC license to practise
- be on the National Performers List (NPL).
There is now a single entry point to the programme operating in England and Wales through the GP National recruitment Office website. This provides candidates with a clear guidance about the programme, who can apply, how to apply and what you can expect in the assessments.
Scheme Leads in the South West
Dr Nicola Swanborough for Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and Swindon.
Dr Sarah Robbins and Dr Ben Tutty for Somerset, Devon & Cornwall.
Should you have any questions or queries about applying to the scheme in the South West please contact england.Iandrtp.sw@nhs.net
GP Retention Scheme
The GP Retention Scheme is a package of financial and educational support to help doctors, who might otherwise leave the profession, remain in clinical general practice.
The GP Retention Scheme replaces the Retained Doctors Scheme 2016. The scheme continues to be managed jointly by the local offices of NHSE (through the designated NHSE RGP Scheme Lead).
About the Scheme
The scheme is aimed at doctors who are seriously considering leaving or have left general practice due to personal reasons (caring responsibilities or personal illness), approaching retirement or requiring greater flexibility. The scheme supports both the retained GP and the practice employing them by offering financial support in recognition of the fact that this role is different to a ‘regular’ part-time, salaried GP post, offering greater flexibility and educational support.
Full details regarding the scheme including FAQ’s and the application form to apply are available are on the NHS England website
Where to get Advice
For more information on applying to the scheme in the South West please contact: england.gpretention.sw@nhs.net
Scheme Lead for Bristol, Gloucestershire, Swindon & Bath is Dr Nicola Swanborough
Scheme Leads for Somerset, Devon & Cornwall are Dr Sarah Robbins & Dr Ben Tutty
GP Retention Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions
How much CPD is a retainer entitled to?
The Retention Scheme salaried GP contract states that the retainer “will be entitled to the pro rata FTE of one protected session per week for Continuing Professional Development (“CPD”). Your CPD is inclusive of the minimum number of 8 sessions of CPD per year”. A full time salaried GP contract is 9 sessions per week of 4 hours 10 mins each.
Sessions per week Max worked sessions per year CPD sessions* of 4 hours 10mins each
One session 52 8
Two sessions 104 11.5
Three sessions 156 16
Four sessions 208 22
*assuming maximum sessions are worked
What counts as CPD?
CPD activities may include:
• Self-directed/private study.
• Developing and/or updating a personal development plan.
• Practitioner or self-directed learning groups.
• Local protected-time learning events.
• Practice quality improvement activity.
• In-house practice based educational meetings.
There should be an appropriate balance of CPD sessions spent in the practice (such as in-house educational meetings, SEA and prescribing meetings, quality improvement activities) and activities outside the practice (such as learning groups, e-learning, self-directed learning, talks, courses and locality protected learning events).
When may CPD be taken?
CPD time should be planned on an annual basis.
Practices may choose to incorporate some protected CPD time within regular weekly sessions.
If CPD activities fall outside the RGPs contracted time, the CPD time can then be taken on an “in lieu” basis on a mutually agreed date.
It is helpful if a running total of CPD time is maintained by the practice.
How much Admin time should be included in retainer job plan?
The BMA recommends that the proportion of clinical to admin time worked should be a ratio of 3:1.
What count as Admin?
Duties during admin time include signing prescriptions, processing results, incoming correspondence, dictating letters and completing reports. Duties during clinical time include all patient contact time (including phone calls and visits), and discussion with colleagues about patients (e.g., MDT meetings).
What are the reimbursements during maternity and statutory leave?
The practice and RGP will continue to receive payments under the terms of the scheme as long as the RGP remains contracted to the practice and the practice continues to pay the RGP.
Can I do more or fewer sessions than I agreed at the beginning of the scheme?
The standard GP Retainer contract states: ‘The number of sessions can be annualised with the expectation that you work for a minimum of 30 weeks out of the 52. If there is a substantial variation in the number of sessions per week, the prior agreement of the HEE RGP Scheme Lead is required.’
Can I do locum work whilst on the Retainer Scheme?
The guidance states: ‘You may work a number of additional sessions in non-primary medical services outside the practice with the prior approval the HEE RGP Scheme Lead, for instance as a clinical assistant, medical director or GP Tutor. Work as a locum is specifically excluded and not permissible under the terms of the GP Retention Scheme, unless a change of place of work (practice) is expected to occur (e.g. due to redundancy, or resignation), or you are in the final 12 months of your scheme. Then limited locum work (26 sessions / 6 months) is allowed.’
How long will my application take/ When can I start?
Once the application is sent to HEE, it will be checked by the administrator then must be considered by the local HEE clinical lead for the scheme. Once approval is given from the lead, it will then be passed to NHSE for a final check and funding approval. Each application is different, but it is wise to allow at least 6 weeks from when your application is sent in to when you intend to start. Putting ‘ASAP’ on the form is not acceptable, a date must be recorded.
Where can I get further information?
Links
NHS England GP Retention Scheme – Handbook/FAQs and Application form
BMA Employment and Careers advice, including advice on contracts
GMC – Applying to join the medical register
NHSE – Applying to join the Performers List
Local Medical Committees