Less Than Full Time Training

Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery supports resident doctors and dentists who wish to train Less Than Full Time (LTFT).
LTFT training aims to:

• Retain doctors and dentists in the workforce who are unable to continue their training on a full-time basis for a well-founded individual reason.
• Promote career and personal development as well as work/life balance and wellbeing.
• Ensure continued training in programmes on a time equivalence (pro rata) basis.

The Application Process

Before applying for LTFT, please note the following important points:

• Please read and familiarise yourself with the Guidance for Resident Doctors and Dentists applying for Less Than Full Time (LTFT) / change in training percentage.
   
• You MUST meet with your TPD and have their agreement in writing before we can approve your application. However, if your TPD is away, do not delay in submitting your application as you can send us your TPDs agreement after you have applied.
   
• Your application must allow for 16 weeks’ notice of the intended start date. The 16 weeks is counted from the date your application is submitted to the Deanery team with the appropriate TPD agreement, not the date you discuss with your TPD or Employer/Host Trust. A delay in receiving TPD agreement will result in a delay in your intended start date. The Deanery is unable to process any application outside this window without exception unless you are a new starter with a late offer (see below). Please note, if you are returning to work following parental leave, the start date for your LTFT application should be the date you physically return to the Trust, not the start date of any accrued leave.
   
• If you are changing training programmes, i.e. moving between core and higher training, or switching between specialties, you must make a new application for LTFT as this impacts both a different rota and rotation. Your old LTFT status will not automatically transfer across.
   
• IMPORTANT: TPD/Deanery agreement relates to educational support only. Employer/Host Trusts must make a separate decision about the employment aspects of your application including agreeing the placement and any associated out-of-hours work. Both are required before you can formally begin your change in percentage.

Deadlines

• The deadline for submitting an application for a December 2026 start date was  12 August 2026.
• The deadline for submitting an application for a February 2027 start date is 13 October 2026.
• The deadline for submitting an application for an April 2027 start date is 16 December 2026.
• The deadline for submitting an application for an August 2027 start date is 13 April 2027.

NEW STARTERS ONLY: Due to national recruitment timelines, the process does allow a period of grace for new starters with late offers who are unable to meet the 16-week deadline. However, do not delay in submitting your application and give the Deanery as much notice as possible. The earlier you submit your application, the more likely your Trust will be able to accommodate your request.

DO NOT WAIT for confirmation of your rotation placement to make your LTFT application. Your placement can be confirmed after you have applied.

Urgent Changes to your Working Pattern

If you feel you need to reduce your hours urgently due to illness or caring responsibilities, you should follow the steps below:

• Contact your Employer/Host Trust (e.g. Medical Staffing or your Educational/Clinical Supervisor) to discuss your situation;
• Seek advice from your GP who may recommend sickness absence or amended duties;
• Follow your employer’s local processes, which may include a fit note or Occupational Health referral;

Your employer will carry out a risk assessment and agree any temporary adjustments. You should only consider applying for LTFT training through the standard Deanery process (with 16 weeks’ notice) if your situation is likely to be longer term. Please see our Guidance for Resident Doctors and Dentists applying for Less Than Full Time (LTFT) / change in training percentage for further information. 

Application Forms

Please use the links below to access the relevant application form:

If you need any help with your application, please contact your relevant Programme Support Team at the email address below:

Foundation Training - england.foundation.yh@nhs.net  

Dental Training - england.dentalsupport.yh@nhs.net

General Practice Training - england.gpplacements.yh@nhs.net

Specialty Training - england.stp-ltft.yh@nhs.net

Our Professional Support team are available if you would like to discuss your application in further detail.

You can also access an up-to-date list of Training Programme Directors and their contact details. If for any reason your TPD isn't listed, please contact the relevant support team above who will be able to assist you.