Flexible training opportunities

To be eligible to apply under category 1, you must have one of the following.

• A disability.
• Ill health.
• Caring responsibility for children.
• Caring responsibility for ill/disabled partner, relative or dependent.

To apply under category 2, you must have one of the following.

• Unique opportunities for personal/professional development, including training for national/international sporting events.
• Religious commitments involving training for a particular role which requires a specific time commitment.
• Non-medical development (for example, law or management courses).

The Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT) pilot scheme was first introduced as a partnership between the Royal College of Physicians and NHS England for those training in ST3 Medicine. FPT is an opportunity for you to lead meaningful project work and aims to benefit your professional development and support regional improvements. 

It is now being piloted in Yorkshire and the Humber and London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex deaneries for dental specialty post-graduate dentists in training. The scheme protects 1 day a week (or 20% time equivalent) for 1 year, and aims to: 

• provide protected time for non-clinical professional development
• expose you to new ways of working, teamwork, and leadership
• enable you to become more adaptable to changing circumstances and agile in approaches to future needs and delivery responsibilities

Non-clinical days may focus on healthcare education, health entrepreneurship, health technology, quality improvement, leadership, or research. There may also be an opportunity to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, Healthcare Leadership or Clinical Research (other topics subject to approval). 

Undertaking this scheme is unlikely to increase the length of training. 

Eligibility

FPT opportunities are open to all Full-Time and LTFT dental specialty post-graduate dentists in training in participating regions, to apply. 

You must be supported by your TPD. You must have achieved an Outcome 1 at your last Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP).

Requirements

Successful applicants will need to complete an initial assessment with their FPT supervisor at the start of each year/rotation. This will help to develop a realistic Personal Development Plan. 

Reflection on learning is a key to self-development. Evidence must be regularly updated on the e-portfolio including reports, appraisals and 360 feedback. 

Interim meetings with FPT supervisors must be completed. These will be reviewed by the Education Supervisor to ensure trainees are progressing at an expected rate. FPT supervisors will also complete a report which will form part of the ARCP process.

When and how to apply

If eligible, you must submit a proposal, supported by a suitable supervisor together with the application form and cover letter.

The number of places allocated to this scheme per year will depend on the quality of applications.

Please speak to your TPD or check your deanery website or regional office for details of applications opening and closing dates.

Find the regional office contact details.

Out of Programme (OOP) training is when a dental specialty post-graduate dentist in training takes time out of their approved programme.  

There are 4 types of OOP available. 

• Out of Programme for Clinical Experience (OOPE): This facilitates you to take a break from training to gain professional skills that will enhance your future practice. For example, skills in leadership, academia, education, patient safety or experience different working practices or areas.
• Out of Programme for Research (OOPR): This facilitates you in taking time out of training to pursue research for periods over 6 months.
• Out of Programme for Clinical Training (OOPT): This facilitates you to step out of training to undertake clinical training outside of your training programme.
• Out of Programme for Career Break (OOPC): This is where you may request a break for a designated and agreed period to pursue other interests. For example, domestic responsibilities or industry.

Eligibility 

You must have completed at least 12 months of training to be eligible to apply. OOPE, OOPT, OOPC are usually available for a maximum of 1 year. Exceptional approval for up to 2 years may be granted at the discretion of the Postgraduate Dental Dean. 

OOPR is available normally for up to 3 years with exceptional approval up to 4 years at the discretion of Postgraduate Dental Dean. 

How to Apply 

Please discuss this with your Training Programme Director (TPD) and Educational Supervisor (ES) as early as possible before you make an application.  

You must give at least 6 months’ notice in advance of the proposed OOP start date and give your employer (current and/or next) 3 months’ notice in order to meet the Code of Practice requirements. 

You should apply using the OOP application form and provide all requested supporting documentation as part of the process.  

Your TPD will review the application and the final decision to approve, reject or request further information will be made by the Postgraduate Dean (or nominated Deputy). 

Please contact your Regional Office (Deanery) and Training Programme Director for more information on the application process. 

Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) is a centrally funded NHS England programme which aims to support everyone to return to training safely and confidently, after a sustained period of absence. 

It was developed to enable you to have a safe, supported return to work. It recognises returning dental specialty post-graduate dentists in training are a diverse group and aims to provide a bespoke package of learning and supporting resources to suit individual needs.

Who is eligible for SuppoRTT?

You are eligible to apply for SuppoRTT if you have been absent for a period of 3 months or more, regardless of the reason. If you have been absent for a shorter period of time, you may also be able to access support.    

We understand that returning to training after a period of absence can impact your clinical skills and confidence, however, you are not on your own. NHS England and your School are here to support and guide you through this process. You just need to ask. 

What can SuppoRTT offer?

The SuppoRTT programme consists of: 

• a structured and systematic process for planning absence, maintaining contact whilst out and planning for your return 
• a menu of supported Return to Training Activities (RTT-A) that can be built into an individualised return-to-training package 
• funding to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities and a Supernumerary period dependent on you individual needs

The SuppoRTT programme can also offer: 

• a period of enhanced supervision 
• online and face-to-face refresher courses and simulation training 
• mentoring or professional coaching 
• conferences, workshops, and webinars 
• online learning resources

Each regional office offers a slightly different "package", but there is room to request additional resources to suit you if required. Just talk to your supervisor about anything that you feel you need. You can also contact your Trusts designated SuppoRTT Champion for further information and advice.

How do I access SuppoRTT?

Time out of training is coordinated by local NHS England offices. Get in touch with your local NHS England team as soon as you know you will be taking time away, as this allows you to plan your time out and your return as much as possible. It is important to take the time to complete your pre-absence and pre-return forms, if possible, because this is how SuppoRTT funding is made available. 

You can access personalised advice and support through your regional office, and you will be encouraged to develop an individualised 'return to training' package with your supervisor, using local NHS England SuppoRTT Team processes. 

Find out more information and resources about the SuppoRTT programme.

This option is only currently available for Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery as part of a pilot.

Unlike current LTFT options, these posts are advertised and offered at 0.6 whole time equivalent (WTE) alone, removing the need for you to apply to a Full-Time training post and apply for LTFT once appointed. 

The rationale emerged from the concept of widening access to specialty training opportunities. Those appointed to LTFT posts may use their non-contracted days to engage in clinical or non-clinical activities. For example, continuing to work in general dental practice or salaried services, or undertaking other personal responsibilities.

Eligibility

This is open to all dental specialty post-graduate dentists in training interested in Paediatric Dentistry. 

How to apply

Please contact Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery and Training Programme Director for more information on whether any LTFT Paediatric posts will be in recruitment and how to apply.