Q: HOW MUCH OF THE PROGRAMME DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN?
A – Your participation in the organised sessions and events is optional, however you will be required to attend a minimum of 6 out of 12 peer group sessions in year 1, and to be eligible for the funding you will need to submit quarterly returns that evidence you having met the objectives of the programme. You can also choose to access some of the programme content without having your time funded if you are newly qualified but do not want to commit to working additional hours per week. We will still be able to offer some of the programme content.
Q: DOES MY PRACTICE HAVE TO RELEASE ME FOR THIS SESSION, OR CAN THIS BE ADDITIONAL TO MY CLINICAL SESSIONS/HOURS?
A – Either of these options are available, but this will need to be discussed and agreed with your employing practice. Where possible, this should be additional hours, and therefore not adversely affect your practice clinical sessions. We recognise that this is not always possible dependent on the number of sessions worked which is why it must be agreed with your employing practice.
Q: DOES THE CPD SESSION HAVE TO BE ON THE SAME DAY/TIME EACH WEEK?
A – No. We have opted for this programme to be largely self-directed, so that it is flexible for each participant around their clinical sessions and family lives, however the Training Hub will be providing a core programme throughout the year (peer support/seminars) and shall ensure as much notice as possible in order for GP fellows to plan attendance. The set elements of the programme (e.g. facilitated group sessions) do require a minimum attendance and dates can be provided to the employing practice in advance.
Q: WHAT SORTS OF CPD CAN I USE THIS TIME FOR?
A – You can use this for courses, eLearning, and all of the programme content provided by the Training Hub. In addition, this time can be used for shadowing other members of the practice/PCN/specialty teams, participation in clinical supervision and any other CPD that meets the NHSE programme requirements list in terms of subjects. You can’t use this time for compliance or core mandatory training or practice meetings you are required to attend by your employing practice (e.g. Bluestream, E learning for Health, practice meetings, MDT meetings).
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING I HAVE TO SUBMIT THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAMME?
A – GPs on the programme will be asked to complete and submit quarterly CPD returns to evidence their funded time, along with a reflective statements and evaluation forms routinely throughout the programme in order for their employing practice to receive the funding. Fellows will also be asked to complete evaluation/feedback regularly throughout the course of the programme.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE MY CURRENT PRACTICE DURING THE PROGRAMME?
A – You or your employing practice should let the programme manager know as soon as possible if you are planning to leave your employing practice. Should you wish to continue on this programme, we will work with you and your new employing practice to support you to do so. Your new employing practice would be required to complete the required sign up paperwork in order to access the funding, and the CPD aims may need to adjust to fit the new employing practice and their population health needs.
Q: CAN I USE THIS TIME TO DEVELOP IN A SPECIALTY AREA?
A – Yes, however we would encourage you to ensure you have discussed this with your practice partners and practice manager, to ensure it fits with the practice or PCN development plans. Please note any associated training or qualification fees would need to be met by the GP fellow or the employing practice.
Q: WHAT IF I HAVE A SESSIONAL RATE INCREASE WHILST ON THE PROGRAMME?
A – We will make an adjustment accordingly which will take effect from the start of the next quarter after we have been informed of the new sessional rate by your practice manager.