Leaves & reimbursments

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The study budget has no limits, but you have to apply for a pre-approved course.

1. RCGP Exam preparation courses 
2. Courses related to scholarship roles
3. Meetings related to GPST representative roles
4. Clinic  attendance
5. Leadership courses
6. Teaching courses
7. ILS (if qualification out of date) – note ALS & ATLS are not allowed
8. BLS
9. Adult/Child protection training
10. AKT Fourteen Fish Packages (not the RCA)
11. GP Updates  e.g NB or Red Whale – one of each type in ST2/3. 

•  If you have worked for less than 5 years NHS service, you get 27 days per year. 
• On completion of 5 years NHS service, you get 32 days per year. 

Annual leave must be planned at least 6 weeks in advance and approved by your training programme director or supervisor. 

You are entitled to 30 days of study leave per year.

The number of VTS meetings varies slightly between schemes. Between 15 and 20 of the thirty days are allocated for VTS day or half-day release and residential events. A minimum of 10 days of study leave a year are therefore available to be allocated for other educational activities.

Study leave also includes reimbursement for associated costs, such as course fees and travel expenses, subject to local guidelines and approval. 

There is no limit to your study budget as long the course is a pre-approved course.

Lieu days:

If a course/study activity falls on a day you are not rostered to work, you can request a standard day back in lieu. 

If the trust is unable to support this due to rota restrictions, they must pay you for the extra day worked. 

You are entitled to leave for mandatory exams, such as the AKT or SCA. This leave is separate from general study leave and must be planned well in advance.  

Any GP trainee who is a trainee representative at a recognised local or national organisational committee (e.g. The London trainee committee) is entitled to professional leave up to a maximum of 5 days per annum. This is in addition to annual and study leave. 

Study Leave guidance HEE

In the event of illness, GP trainees are entitled to sick leave. The amount of sick leave you are entitled to depends on your length of service and the terms of your employment. It's important to inform your training programme and follow the sick leave procedure as outlined by your NHS trust. Sick leave can be used if you're unable to work due to health reasons, and supporting documentation from a healthcare provider may be required. 

Please do make sure you update the TOOT section in your eportfolio on fourteenfish

GP trainees are entitled to take 52 weeks maternity leave. 

For those eligible for maternity pay, the qualifying week is currently the 15th week before the week the baby is due. 

Compassionate leave is granted in exceptional circumstances, such as the death or serious illness of a close family member. The duration and approval process for compassionate leave are handled on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed with your training provider. 

If you are an employee with caring responsibilities for children, elderly relatives, or other dependants, you have the following rights:

• Right to Request Flexible Working: You can apply to change your working hours, location, or pattern to help balance your work and caring duties. Your employer is required to consider your request seriously and respond fairly.
• Time Off for Dependants: You are entitled to take time off to deal with unexpected emergencies or situations involving a dependant, such as illness, accidents, or other urgent needs. This time off is typically unpaid, but you are protected by law to take it when necessary.

Your employer is required to grant you time off for jury service. However, they are not obligated to pay you for the time you take off, unless your employment contract specifically states otherwise. During your jury service, you can claim compensation from the court to cover some of the financial loss incurred due to your absence from work.