Less Than Full Time Training

Recruitment to a Specialty Post: Less Than Full Time Training

KSS provides full guidance on less than full-time training processes. It should be referenced in conjunction with the relevant section of the Gold Guide.

Less than full-time training can work in a range of ways:

Reduced Sessions in a Full-time Post 

A trainee occupies an established full-time post but works reduced hours. No additional funding is required from KSS Deanery as the full-time post is already funded from the educational contract. However, the trainee would still need to complete the less than full time training application and approval forms, and the LEP would need to confirm their approval to fund and support this arrangement, as well as clarifying that the post was secured in open competition.

Slot-sharing

Slot-sharing works on the basis that two trainees share one full-time post and the out-of-hours is managed between them. Each doctor is paid as an individual trainee. Whilst it may be possible to review existing applications in order to identify potential slot-share partners for trainees, it is more likely that the trainee will be better placed to identify a suitable partner who has similar experience and ability with whom s/he feels s/he could share a post.

Supernumerary Placements

KSS Deanery may fully fund trainees in supernumerary placements gained in open competition (subject to funding availability). Once a post has been secured and the employing LEP has agreed to accommodate the less than full time trainee, a new post is created in addition to the full-time post, which can be filled by the LEP. The programme for a trainee working less than full time should contain all the same elements as that of a full-time trainee, including departmental meetings, audit, research and teaching.

In KSS Less than Full Time training is currently limited to ‘Category 1’ applicants, that is those trainees who are:

a. disabled or in ill-health (this includes those on in vitro fertility programmes);

b. caring for an ill/disabled partner, relative or other dependent;

c. personally providing care for young children. 

There are three stages to a successful less than full time training application, as follows:

1: Initial Enquiry

This can be done by telephone, e-mail or letter. Details of the specific person to contact is on the above website.

Foundation Year 1 and 2 trainees and applicants for KSS Core specialty training programmes in Medicine, Surgery, ACCS, GP (grades ST1, ST2), Psychiatry and Paediatrics (up to ST3) should contact KSS Deanery.

Specialist Registrars (SpRs) and applicants for specialty training programmes other than those mentioned above should contact the London Deanery.

Applicants will be sent a less than full time training enquiry pack, which contains an application form to be completed and returned to the Deanery. Once eligibility to train flexibly has been established, KSS will send the applicant:

2: Eligibility confirmation from the Deanery

This confirms that the applicant meet the criteria for less than full time training. The Eligibility confirmation letter includes a:

3: Less than full-time training approval form

Once a suitable post has been secured (it is essential that posts are gained in open competition and the employing organisation will be required to confirm this), this form must be completed in conjunction with the organisation and signed by the Chief Executive and Finance Director (and where appropriate the Foundation School Director) before being returned to the Deanery.