I have been approached by a trainee who thinks s/he may need to train flexibly.  What do I do next?

The trainee can find out about flexible training, who is eligible and how to apply, by reading the information on this website, particularly the FAQ section.

If the trainee decides they do wish to train flexibly, they need to first email the Flexible Training team requesting an eligibility form.  Once the Deanery has confirmed their eligibility, they should then talk to their Training Programme Director, Head of School and/or the Medical Workforce Officer for their specialty at the Deanery to arrange the Flexible training placement.

A trainee in my team would like to work flexibly but I am concerned about the service impact of not having a full-time person in a full-time training post.  How can I accommodate the trainee?

If you have more than one flexible trainee, they can slot-share the post.  If there is only one flexible trainee at the moment, they can become a supernumerary flexible trainee and you can apply to the London Deanery for a full-time trainee for the empty post.  If the Deanery is not due to recruit for a few months, you may be asked to advertise the post locally but please check this with the relevant Medical Workforce Officer.

Please remember that all supernumerary flexible trainees need to apply to the London Deanery for educational approval for their post (see below).

It’s worth trying to work out a slot-share if possible as this is often the best arrangement financially from the Trust point of view (see below).

 I need a full-time trainee for service reasons but if the post is vacant, can I employ a locum in the full-time slot and have a supernumerary flexible trainee?

 Yes.

 How does the funding for flexible trainees work?

 If a flexible trainee is working reduced sessions in a full-time post, then the Trust already has funding to cover the salary and on-call for that trainee.  No funding is received from the flexible training budget in this situation but the Flexible Training Approval Form still needs to be completed and returned to the Deanery.

 Two trainees can share a training post (called slot-sharing).  They can overlap or work completely separately.  The MADEL SLA provides basic pay funding for the post and this is matched by the flexible training budget.

 Supernumerary flexible trainee posts are funded at the same rate as full-time trainees.

The Deanery pays the funding to the Trust quarterly by asking the Trust to invoice for the level of funding they are due for the amount of flexible trainees they have employed for the year to date.  This is why it is important for the Flexible Training Approval Form to be completed, signed and returned to the Deanery as quickly as possible.  If no form has been received by the Deanery, the flexible trainee’s name will not appear on the payment schedule.

 What are the costs to the Trust if I agree to flexible training for one of my team?

 It depends on what type of flexible training is offered (see above).  Sometimes Trusts can gain financially by having slot shares but in all circumstances the Trust is liable to pay the on-call costs and sick leave.  Maternity pay is also a responsibility of the Trust but the Deanery makes a one-off £12000 contribution to the Trust for each flexible trainee who goes on maternity leave while employed by them. 

 There is also a bonus scheme for Trusts so the more flexible trainees they employ, the more bonus they earn.

 I have a trainee who has had a sudden and drastic change in circumstances and who needs to begin flexible training as soon as possible.  How long will it take for them to change from full-time to less-than-full-time trainee?

 We can process the forms very quickly.  An eligibility form can be emailed to the trainee and as soon as we receive back a signed copy of the form, we can send an approval form to them.  The trainee needs to complete the form and have it signed off by someone from either medical staffing or the finance department of the Trust.  The forms can be faxed to and from the trainee and Trust for speed.

 One of our trainees is returning to work after a lengthy period of ill health.  Can they begin by working 5 sessions and then increase their wte percentage?

Yes that’s fine but please make sure someone takes responsibility for letting the flexible training team know as and when the sessions increase. 

 One of my team wants to reduce their training commitment so they can undertake charity work/train for the Olympics/pursue an outside interest.  Is it possible for them to work as a flexible trainee?

 Yes it is.  The difference is that the trainee will be eligible to be a Category 2 trainee and their eligibility form will need to be signed by two signatories from the Trust.  They will also need to re-establish their eligibility annually.  If they win an Olympic medal, they will need to visit the Deanery to show it to the flexible training team.

 Is there a waiting list for flexible trainee funding?

 No, the London Deanery has not had a waiting list for flexible training for the past few years.

 Do I need to sign the approval form?

 No, this should be signed by someone from your Trust’s medical staffing department or finance department.

I have a query that is not covered by this information.  Who should I ask?

  If the trainee's surname begins A-E, please contact Allison Franklin

  If the trainee's surname begins F-L, please contact Stephen Mitchell

  If the trainee's surname begins M-R, please contact Joseph Impraim

  If the trainee's name begins S-Z, please contact Allison Franklin