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
Are you currently on or about to return from parental or other leave? We run regular learning and networking events to help you reconnect with GP colleagues who are on or recently returned from a short career break. The workshops are designed to support your personal and professional development, with a particular focus on building skills and confidence to support your return to work.
2024 short career break workshops included:
- Functional Illness
- Negotiation & Assertiveness Skills
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Writing for Wellbeing
We are currently planning our 2025 offer including workshops on chronic pain/desprescribing, communication skills, managing complex multi-morbidity, and managing complaints.
2025 Dates at Buckfast Abbey:
Friday 17th January – Perfectionism – Dr Sandy Miles, GP & Medical Educator
Friday 2nd May – Managing Uncertainty – Dr Ben Titford, GP Trainer & Dr Jason Hancock, Psychiatrist at Devon Partnership Trust
Thursday 17th July – Dizziness in Older Adults – Dr Peter Burbridge, Community Geriatrician Livewell South West
We are also planning wellbeing walks for doctors and HCPs who have experienced burnout.
If you would like to access this offer and be added to our mailing list please contact us at 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 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 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
