The GP Retainer Scheme

 Overview of the Scheme 

The Scheme provides an educationally supported post and is administered by the GP Department of the KSS Deanery. The Deanery’s role is in approving individual doctors to join the scheme and approving the practices in which they work. We also offer career advice but do not provide legal services for retainers or practices employing them. 

Below is a brief summary but more detailed information is included in The Retainer Handbook (see downloads). 

Doctors are approved for up to 5 years on the scheme but need to undertake an annual renewal. Failure to do this can result in the scheme terminating. Extensions to this time may be sought in exceptional circumstances. 

Doctors may work a minimum of one session per week (but two is usually recommended) up to 4 sessions per week or 52 per quarter. Doctors may work a limited number of sessions in other roles but these must be agreed with KSS Deanery. 

Doctors in the scheme have a supervisor in their employing practice. 

Who can apply to be a retainer? 

• You must be a vocationally trained GP in the UK or a GP trained in the EU.
• You must hold full registration with the GMC and be on the GMC GP Specialist Register
• You must be on a PCT performer’s List
• You must be a member of a medical defence organisation
• There is no age range BUT you must have a declared intention to take up a substantive post in general practice at the end of the scheme

 How can I apply to the Scheme?

We would recommend you read the Retainer Handbook about the Scheme to ensure it is the right scheme for you. 

Applications are made through the GP Department of KSS Deanery using the Retainer Application Form (see downloads). Applications should be sent to Laurainne Copnall on lcopnall@gpkss.ac.uk

The application process is needed to ensure you fit the criteria for selection to the scheme and both you and the practice need approval. In practical terms some doctors first explore whether they are eligible for the scheme before seeking employment with a practice, others wait until they have received a potential offer of work before applying.

 As noted above you MUST renew your application annually to remain part of the Scheme using the Retainer Re-application form (see downloads)

 How are practices approved?

Practices wishing to host retainer doctors must be approved to do so by the GP Department, KSS Deanery.

Training practices are eligible to host retainer doctors.

For non-training practices accreditation is through a visit with the local GP tutor and practices are approved for up to 5 years. For details of the criteria please see the Retainer Handbook and the visit proforma in the downloads section. 

In recognition of the support provided the employing practice currently receives a grant from the PCT to support the retainer.

 Where can I get more advice?

 Laurainne Copnall Retainer Scheme Administrator on 020 7415 3631 and lcopnall@gpkss.ac.uk

 Dr Hilary Diack GP Associate Dean on hdiack@gpkss.ac.uk