We understand these are unprecedented times and supporting Trainees throughout COVID19 is a priority of HEE, therefore we have created a number of resources for you to access, These include; wellbeing, clinical,  webinars and much more.  

Links You May Find Useful During This Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I inform if I have an extended period of unexpected leave or I am planning to take time out of my programme?

• TPD: The TPD is responsible for coordinating your training programme and ensuring that trainees are placed in the right department at the right time with the right support.

  The details of your TPD can be found on this website under your School. Alternatively, please click here

• Trust: As an employee you are contractually obliged to inform your employing trust if you are taking a leave of absence. Your employer is also responsible for your welfare and making sure that you are paid correctly.
• Programme Support: HEE are your educational training provider and will need to maintain up to date records which have an impact on your ARCPs and CCT date.

  To find your programme support team contact details please click here.

Am I eligible for SuppoRTT?

SuppoRTT is available for all postgraduate trainees who have had a period of absence from training regardless of the reason, this may include;

• Maternity leave /Shared Parental Leave,
• Carers leave,
• Sickness
• Out of programme; Experience, Research, Training and Carer Break
• Drs who have been accepted on a training programme but have differed the start of their training (must provide clear evidence of acceptance)
• SAS/Trust grade Drs who have secured a training post (must provide clear evidence of acceptance)
• Suspension; once your suspension has been completely lifted by the employer and GMC

What is the Return to Training Process?

The process for planning your absence and retuning to training is detailed within the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) guidance document. This guidance has been designed to be flexible and take into account the differing nature and length of absence, addressing your individual needs as you make the transition back into your training programme.

This process and guidance document has been ratified by the English Deans and SuppoRTT Assurance Board.   

Returning to full duties, including on-calls without a re-introduction period, could potentially have negative implications for your wellbeing and patient safety. It is ok to ask for help and support.

Do I need to read the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) Guidance?

Yes! you should ensure that you thoroughly read this guidance as it defines the recommended process for all stages of your absence and return. It also outlines what additional support that you may be entitled to. For example; for trainees who are absent for a period of six months or more they are eligible for a three-day supernumerary period upon their return.

Remember, this guidance has been put into place to support you, promote patient safety and quality of care.

If you are unsure who your Educational Supervisor will be on your return you can contact your Training Programme Director for further advice.

Who is responsible for communicating & arranging my Return To Training requirements?

Once your plan of return has been created and documented on the Initial Return Meeting form in collaboration with your TPD or relevant supervisor, the SuppoRTT administration team will forward a copy of your completed form highlighting all requests i.e. amended working pattern, the need for supernumerary etc. However, it will be the trainee and TPD/relevant supervisor’s responsibility to liaise with the relevant departments to ensure that all amendments are incorporated into the rota (if applicable) and that your plan of return is disseminated to all relevant parties.

Should I arrange a meeting with a SuppoRTT Associate Dean prior to my return?

For trainees who have been absent for more complex reasons you may request to have a 1:1 meeting with a SuppoRTT AD.

AD support can help with the following;

• career planning
• pastoral support
• confidence issues

However, this should NOT delay or replace the trainee’s requirement to meet with their ES/TPD (or relevant supervisor) to plan their return.  

If you would like to arrange an appointment with a SuppoRTT AD, please contact the SuppoRTT Team, supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk

Will HEE contact me while I am absent?

Yes, please expect to receive emails from the SuppoRTT team for the following;

• Monthly Emails detailing all Return To Training Activities (RTT-A) that are taking place within the next three months
• Invitations to RTT-A outside of the YH SuppoRTT programme i.e. specialty specific courses and conferences
• Return To Training Notice at the following stages prior to your return; 3 months, 2months and 1 month.

The SuppoRTT team will also aim to contact you post your return requesting feedback regarding your experience.

Don’t forget, you can also contact the team at any stage if you need further information or support; supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk

What if my plan of return includes an Occupational Health Report?

If Occupational Health stipulates that you need a phased return this will determine your working pattern for a period of time and will thus take precedence. However, the need for enhanced supervision may still be required. All enhanced supervision plans can run in parallel alongside your outlined working pattern.   

What are Return To Training Activities (RTT-A)?

Return To Training Activities can include;

Non-clinical activity days / workshops which are provided specifically by HEE that are designed to;

• Build personal and professional well being
• Facilitate access to coaches and mentors
• Provide practical advice and sign posting
• Provide information/support for trainees who want to work less than full time

Details for these are located under the RTT-A tab on this website. These events are FREE to attend some are CHILD friendly.

Clinical educational days and supported leaning activities that you access through either; YH SuppoRTT Programme, Trust, School or HEE. This can include;

• Clinical training including simulation
• Clinical shadowing days
• Educational update days

There is no definitive list on what is or is not available to any specific trainee. If you find a course that would benefit your return to training that is external to the YH SuppoRTT porgramme you may be eligible to apply for funding.  

To find out more please refer to the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) CPD Funding guidance document.

Am I entitled to Keeping In Touch (KIT) Days?

If you have taken Maternity or Shared Parental Leave you may have access to up to 10 paid Keeping in Touch Days.

KIT days can be used to attend any RTT- A either within the YH SuppoRTT programme or externally ran courses, if your employer agrees.

To find out more, please contact your local HR Medical Staffing department who will be able to advise on you if you are eligible for KIT days.

Each Trust will have their own policies in relation to the number of KIT days that each trainee can access. HEE has no influence over your local Trusts policy in relation to KIT days.

Details for ALL trainees regarding pay should be discussed with your employer.

Please see attached here for KIT and SPLIT guidance

When will my next ARCP take place?

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) will take place every year for every trainee however, there are occasions where trainees may have more than one ARCP if they take a period of absence from their training programme. HEE recommends that the ARCP is arranged at the following periods; 

• For parental leave and OOP a trainee should whenever possible have an ARCP prior to the start of this period of leave, or if this is not possible within 4 weeks of return. This will review the period from the last ARCP to the start of the OOP/parental leave.
• For trainees who absent due to more complex reasons i.e. sick or carers leave, it is recommend that a date for the ARCP is discussed between the trainee and Training Programme Director at the initial return to training meeting. This will review the period from your last ARCP to the start of your leave.

What should I do if my supervisor isn’t supporting me?

If you are not getting the required support from your Educational Supervisor then we would recommend that you contact your Training Programme Director at your earliest opportunity in order to address your concerns. Alternatively, you can contact the SuppoRTT team for further support and guidance; supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk.