Supported Return to Training

Trainee guidance explained

Who is this for?

This guidance is for ANY trainee who has had a period of absence from training. This could include; parental leave, sickness, OOP, carers leave and any other reason where you have taken a break from training.

The SuppoRTT programme has been designed to address your individual needs as you make the transition back into your training programme.  

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 both the exact rules and requirements that you are required to adhere to. This guidance has been put into place to support you and promote patient safety and quality of care.

The Key Points;

1. Any trainee that has a period of absence of 3 months or more is strongly advised to adhere to this guidance document.
2. If you have been absent for less than 3 months you can still ‘opt in’ to the guidance document.
3. Your supported return to training plan should be individualised to your needs
4. The relevant meetings and forms must be completed in conjunction with your Educational Supervisor and sent to your Training Programme Director

What should I do before I take a period of planned absence?

If you are about to take a period of planned absence you should ensure that you arrange a Pre-Absence Meeting with your educational supervisor to discuss how you might keep up to date and any concerns that you may have about returning.

You will need to complete the Pre-Absence Form detailing your discussion and then send a copy to your Training Programme Director.

What should I do If my break from practice in unexpected?

If your break from practice is unplanned then this meeting can be held at a later date at more convenient time for you dependent on your personal circumstances.

What should I do prior to my return to training?

Approximately 6 – 10 weeks before you return to practice you will be required to attend an Initial Review to discuss what support you may require.

• For a period of absence that is between 3-5 months you should meet with your Educational Supervisor.
• For a period of absence that is 6 months and over you should meet with your Training Programme Director.
• If you have been absent for more complex reasons (sickness, personal reasons) you will be offered or can request a 1:1 meeting with a SuppoRTT APD.

The aim of this meeting will be to;

• Agree an individualised plan for return accommodating any specific concerns, learning needs and required assessments and devise a plan that will be inputted into your Individual Action Planner (IAP)
• Determine if there is a need for a period of supervised practice in accordance with the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) Guidance.  

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

Remember, 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.

Will HEE contact me while I am away from my programme?

Yes, please expect to receive emails from the SuppoRTT team inviting you to attend the activities within in the SuppoRTT programme and to remind you that you should also be following the supported return to training guidance (which includes engaging with your ES/TPD). You can also contact the team if you need any further information or support; supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk

What is an Individual Action Planner (IAP)?  

An IAP is a document that can allow you to plan what activities you will need to complete prior to your return. The IAP is divided into three sections to help you make a clear plan that addresses all of your needs. You can begin to fill this in independently or with your Educational Supervisor/Training Programme Director. Your ES/TPD can also make recommendations and record this on to your IAP.

The IAP will act as your record of support and should be linked to your E-portfolio. On completion of all planned activities a copy should also be sent to your Training Programme Director.   

What are Return To Training Events (RTT-E)?

Return To Training events are activity days / workshops 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

You can access these activities via the Y&H HEE website. These events are child friendly.

What are Return To Training Days (RTT-D)?

Return To Training days are training days are supported leaning activities that you access through either your; Trust, School or HEE. This can include;

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

There’s no definitive list on what is or is not available to any specific trainee. You may find or be advised of other courses that you think will address your needs. You can discuss these options with your Educational Supervisor and request the necessary funding through your Training Programme Director. Reimbursement or payment for courses should be claimed via the curriculum delivery (AKA study leave) however your Training Programme Director must authorise these expenses which is why you should first discuss your needs with your Educational Supervisor.

If you have taken parental leave you may have access to 10 paid Keeping in Touch Days (these can be used to attend RTT-D and RTT-E if their employer agrees).

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

When will I return to my normal duties?

Your supported return to training will end once you and your educational supervisor are satisfied that all of your needs have been met and you are happy to return to your programme. You will discuss this in your Return Review Meeting.

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 HEE for further support and guidance; supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk.

Below are the Return To Training Events (RTT-E) we provide. These are baby friendly events meaning you can bring your little one along if you wish. For further information or to book your place please visit, Medical Maxcourse. If you haven't already created a Maxcourse account, please see these instructions.

RTT-E: Practical Advice & Signposting ​​

This event is facilitated by Dr Ros Roden (SuppoRTT APD) who can provide you with the help and advice in the practicalities of returning whether this be Full Time or Less Than Full Time. Each event includes different guest speakers who are happy to share their experience and knowledge to help make your return to training as easy as possible. These events are a brilliant opportunity to ask questions, meet with colleagues who are in a similar situation and begin to create your own individualised return to training plan.

Start: 0930hrs, Finish:1530hrs

Lunch and Refreshments are provided.

RTT-E: Building Personal & Professional Well-being ​​

HEE are excited to announce that following a successful pilot event Petros (professionals in resilience training) have agreed to work with HEE in supporting trainees back into training through their bespoke one-day resilience training programme ‘The Challenge of Change’. This day aims to develop and enhance your personal resilience in preparation for your return to training. This highly engaging and practical day will give you a clear understanding of what stress is really all about and the link between stress and poor health. You’ll discover how you can combat stress in work and home life, feel better, be more productive and content.

What you will learn:

• You will be provided with your own personal resilience profile
• A simple four-step strategy for enhancing your personal resilience
• Improved communication skills
• Strategies for relaxing both mind and body
• Your route to enhanced well-being and better performance

Start: 0930hrs, Finish: 1530hrs

Lunch and Refreshments are provided.

RTT-E: OOP Study Group (pilot)

HEE have collaborated with Dr Laura Blakemore to develop a mixed speciality, child friendly, OOP study group for trainee’s who are OPP or have recently returned. These sessions will be facilitated by guest speakers from different specialities and all attendees are also welcomed to send in topics of interest so that speakers can incorporate into their session. These groups are a great opportunity to keep up to date with your CPD and spend time with colleagues who will be in a similar situation to you. Please be advised that this pilot will run for a period of 4 months and will take place at Weston Park Museum, Sheffield (opposite Sheffield Children’s Hospital).

If you would like to start your own OOP study group in your local area then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the SuppoRTT Mailbox.

Start: 1300hrs, Finish: 1500hrs

Refreshments are provided.

Mentorship

HEE now have a cohort of trainee peer mentors who are here to help support trainees in their return to training. Mentorship can help you to; reflect on your current abilities, set out achievable as desirable goals, develop clinical skills, boost confidence and increase self-belief. It is also a brilliant opportunity to talk to a peer who can relate to your situation and share their experiences. If you would like to access a mentor then please contact the SuppoRTT team via their mail box: supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk.

If you would like to become a mentor then please look out for further mentorship training days that will be announced throughout the year. Any doctor that wishes to join the SuppoRTT mentorship cohort must complete the mentorship modules on E-learning for health and attend a one-day initial course and then a half day refresher day. Please be advised that this is only open to HST’s.

Coaching

The aim of coaching is to increase potential and enhance the careers of those who access it. Sessions are confidential and do not form part of educational assessment. Coaching is time for you to think.  Your coach won’t judge you, or give you advice. This means it is ok to talk about anything that you feel gets in the way of you doing your best at work. You can really think things through in a way that is different to talking things over with a friend, partner, TPD or Educational Supervisor - all people who tend to have another agenda for you.  Your coach will support you, and challenge you if necessary, to help you reach a conclusion that is helpful and meaningful to you. If you would like to access a coach then please contact the SuppoRTT team via their mail box:supportt.yh@hee.nhs.uk.

For further information on coaching please visit the Coaching page on our website, here.