GPs take time out of clinical practice for a range of reasons, including parental leave, sick leave, or to take a sabbatical. If you are currently on, or have recently returned from, a short career break (3-24 months), Devon Training Hub has a range of offers available to help you transition back to work including: Short Career Break Support, Return to Work Mentoring Scheme and GP Small Groups.
If you are have been on a career break of 2 years or more, and need to re-join the Performers List, then personalised support is available from the National GP Return to Practice Programme.
Devon Short Career Break Support
Devon Training Hub are pleased to be running a series of virtual sessions for GPs in Devon, to support those on a break from clinical practice to connect with peers and develop sustainable careers.
You can also access up to 6 sessions of mentoring with an experienced mentor, both during a break and following your return to support you through transition and change.
If you are a GP (partners, salaried, & locums) who are on a short break from clinical practice due to parental/carer leave, an extended sabbatical, travel, secondment, or planning their return after a period of illness you can access this fully funded offer.
Please be aware this mentoring is for support to return to work not in lieu of occupational health.
We are keen to support as many GPs as possible through this scheme. so if you are considering taking time out of practice in future for any reason or are now back at work but have returned from a break within the last 12 months, or are working low volume sessions (under 40 a year) you are welcome to join our events.
If you would like to access this offer and be added to our mailing list please contact us at d-icb.devon.traininghub@nhs.net or sign up here.
Devon GP Return to Work Mentoring Scheme
Free 1-1 support with an experienced GP colleague to support you as you transition back to clinical practice following a short career break. Mentoring is flexible over 6 -12 months and can cover work-life balance, portfolio working, building networks and more. If you would like to access this offer please contact us at d-icb.devon.traininghub@nhs.net or sign up here.
GP Small Groups
Regular facilitated peer support small groups for GPs at all career stages including early career, experienced GPs and those on or returning from a short career break. The meeting room (face to face or virtual), a trained facilitator and refreshments (for face to face meetings) are provided through a partnership between Devon Training Hub and Devon ICB. If you would like to take part please email d-icb.devon.traininghub@nhs.net
National GP Return to Practice Programme
National GP Return to Practice (RtP) Programme
The Return to Practice (RtP) programme is designed for General Practitioners (GPs) who have previously been on the General Medical Council (GMC) GP Register and England Medical Performers List (MPL) and would like to return to work in general practice after a break in their career, raising a family or time spent working abroad. Applications are through the national office who will put you in touch with the local team to create a personalised plan.
National GP Retention Scheme
The National 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 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.
Retained GPs may be on the scheme for a maximum of five years with an annual review each year to ensure that the doctor remains in need of the scheme and that the practice is meeting its obligations.
From 1 April 2023, the formal four-session cap that a retained GP can work per week has been removed. Reimbursement will remain for up to four sessions but this does not preclude a contractor from directly employing or engaging a member of the GP Retention Scheme, at their own expense, for service sessions which are in addition to the maximum four sessions for which the contractor is eligible for payment under the Scheme. This scheme enables a doctor to remain in clinical practice which includes protected time for continuing professional development and with educational support.
How to apply
If you’re interested in applying to the scheme, contact your local scheme lead. Application and annual review forms should also be sent to your relevant NHS National GP Retention Scheme Lead local office.
Scheme Leads for Peninsula are Dr Sarah Robbins & Dr Michael Tutty. The email address is gpretention.sw@hee.nhs.uk