Guidance Relating to RDiT Undertaking Additional Work
Guidance relating to RDiT undertaking additional work
The Medical Director has recently written to Training Programme Directors (TPDs) to highlight guidance relating to Resident Doctors in Training (RDiT) who undertake additional work alongside their postgraduate medical training programme. While resident doctors in training may undertake locum, private, or other medical-related work, their training programme must remain their primary professional commitment.
The guidance reminds TPDs that any additional work must not compromise patient safety, wellbeing, professionalism, educational opportunities, or progression towards training outcomes. TPDs are encouraged to discuss any planned regular additional work with RDiT in advance, to support safe and sustainable working patterns and protect training opportunities.
RDiT should declare any regular additional work requiring a licence to practise to their Responsible Officer and obtain approval before commencing, working only within their level of competence and capability in line with GMC Good Medical Practice Good medical practice - professional standards - GMC.
RDiT must declare any regular additional work, including locum shifts and non-medical employment, on SOAR as part of their annual review and ARCP. They should provide a brief description of the role and activities undertaken. Any work outside their normal training environment must be discussed with their Educational Supervisor and/or Training Programme Director to ensure it is within their competence, aligns with Good Medical Practice, and does not negatively impact patient safety, wellbeing, or training progression. This helps the Responsible Officer gain assurance of fitness to practise across all professional roles.
The guidance further emphasises the importance of ensuring appropriate indemnity, induction and supervision arrangements are in place, while continuing to comply with working time regulations, rest requirements and contractual obligations. TPDs are also asked to consider the impact of regular additional employment on doctors training Less Than Full Time (LTFT), particularly where this may no longer align with the original purpose of the LTFT arrangement, including where LTFT has been approved for health-related reasons. Where additional work is considered to have contributed to lack of training progression including difficulties in achieving curriculum requirements, fatigue and professionalism or patient safety concerns, this should be explored and documented through routine educational supervision and ARCP processes. On occasion, PSDS may not be supportive of additional work requests if there is a concern about impact on training progression or governance.
Further information is available on the COPMeD website.
