MMC 2008 Frequently Asked Questions – England
Updated 25 March 2008
The JDC has developed these FAQs in response to queries received at info.jdc@bma.org.uk. The MMC website also contains a large number of FAQs, which you may find helpful.
There is separate advice for people applying to work or working in Scotland.
Applications
I am currently a LAT and want to apply to ST3. Will doctors in current ST2 posts be given priority at interview?
This is a misunderstanding. For contractual and legal reasons doctors who secured run through posts in 2007 will remain in run through training and will progress to the next level. The jobs that are being advertised for specialty training at present are in addition to those run through posts, and can be applied for in open competition by those not in run through posts and those in run through posts. You will be considered as an equal to all other applicants on the basis of your application, person specification and interview criteria.
However, as you will be aware, there are only a small number of training opportunities available at ST3 this year (between 600 and 900 throughout 2008 according to the MMC team). JDC representatives are discussing in the MMC Programme Board the proportion and distribution across specialties of ST3 posts currently being reserved for open competition. Although those on run-through are guaranteed training to CCT they are not guaranteed it in the specialty they want. There will be additional phases of recruitment to ST3 posts during 2008.
See the letter to junior doctors from MMC for further information about potential numbers of posts.
I am a LAT / FTSTA 2. Am I included in the closed competition for ST3 places?
No, only specialty trainees with ST2 placements will be considered in the closed competition as it is a continuation of their training. These doctors will still need to compete within their cohort for the most popular posts.
Trainees should be aware that taking up a LAT or FTSTA post does not guarantee them an NTN; only SpR and ST numbers do this. The Gold Guide (and similarly in the previous Orange Guide) states:
‘Doctors filling a gap as either a LAT or a LAS in a training programme or within an FTSTA will not be allocated a training number since these can only be obtained through competitive appointment to a run-through specialty training programme. Appointment to a LAT or a LAS carries no future entitlement to appointment into a specialty training programme leading to a CCT.’
I am a LAT / FTSTA 2. How do I apply for ST3 posts?
Unfortunately, if applicants were unsuccessful when applying for ST posts in 2007 they will have to apply in open competition in 2008. BMA representatives are currently discussing the ratios of posts reserved for closed competition and those submitted to a national pool for open competition. It is hoped that the Department of Health will release these figures as soon as possible. Information on local and national recruitment.
What if I do not get an ST3 post in this recruitment round?
It was agreed at the Programme Board for England that specialties and deaneries in England may recruit up to three times throughout the year; this will mainly be for ST3 level posts which are vacated throughout the year. These posts may be low in number, but it will give ST3 applicants further opportunities to apply.
Run-through training: ST2 to ST3 transition
I was successful last year in obtaining a run-through programme at ST2 level. Who decides what my ST3 year, and beyond, will be?
Each deanery will be conducting a local allocation process (this has already taken place in Scotland) and so you will need to contact your deanery for further information.
London has already published their plans; we hope to update information for other deaneries on our website as soon as it becomes available: http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Deaneryupdates
Although those in run through posts are guaranteed training to CCT (subject to satisfactory progress), they are not necessarily guaranteed it in the specialty they want. They will need to compete within their cohort.
Can I hold onto an allocation whilst I apply elsewhere?
If you are already in a run-through post you are able, like everyone else, to reapply in 2008 for a different specialty training programme.
If you are already in a run-through post you can also apply, if you wish, to a specialty that has a national (as opposed to local) selection process e.g. O&G, GP, plastic surgery.
What if I don’t like what I’ve been allocated?
You should speak to your deanery to check how flexible the allocation process is, and whether you will be offered any further choice later in the allocation process.
Accepting offers
I’ve been offered a training programme but the deanery says I must confirm I have not already accepted another post and that I will withdraw from all other applications and interviews. Is this legal?
The JDC has sought legal advice on this question. Unfortunately, it is not unlawful for a Deanery (nor an individual employer), to specify that, when accepting an offer, a prospective employee is required to state that they have given up other offers and interviews.
However it is important to remember that the MMC team has approved some circumstances in which a previously accepted offer can be rejected in favour of a new offer. These are as follows:
- If the previous offer is a FTSTA and the new offer is for a run-through post
- If the previous offer is a FTSTA1 post and the new offer is a CT1 post
- If the previous offer is a run-through post and the new offer is a ACF post
- If an applicant is already in a run-through post in CMT at ST2 level and they have been allocated their ST3 post, they are still able to apply and accept a post in national competitions for medical specialties
- *If an applicant has accepted a CT2 post (CT3 in emergency medicine or psychiatry), they may continue to compete for a run-through training post. However, if they have accepted a CT1 post (CT2 in emergency medicine or psychiatry), they may not continue to compete for either a CT or run-through training post (*This was indicated on the MMC website on 20 March 2008 and is an addition to previous advice on the MMC website - go there now) .
I’ve applied for 5 posts and had two interviews already. I’ve accepted an offer for a training programme but I have just heard I was also successful in another interview for a post I want more. Can I accept the new post?
You can only do this if your situation falls into one of the four categories listed in the FAQ above. If it does not, it is inadvisable to accept the new post. The rules of the appointment process are set out clearly in the Applicants Guide and probably also in your offer letter from the deanery. See the FAQs below.
What risks are there if I choose to continue applying for jobs or accept a further post once I have accepted an offer?
If, when you accepted your offer, you confirmed to the deanery that you will withdraw from your other applications, you could be at risk of:
- a breach of contract claim
- or a civil claim for damages against you if you subsequently accept a further offer.
In extremis you may also run the risk of being accused of committing a criminal offence because it could be argued that you were attempting to obtain a training post by deception.
The Applicants Guide also states that if it becomes known that you have accepted a further offer, this new offer may be withdrawn. This is clearly a significant risk.
A further consideration is the GMC’s Good Medical Practice which states in paragraph 49:
"Taking up and ending appointments
49 Patient care may be compromised if there is not sufficient medical cover. Therefore, you must take up any post, including a locum post, you have formally accepted, and you must work your contractual notice period, unless the employer has reasonable time to make other arrangements."
It could be argued that this paragraph applies equally to offers of training programmes as it does to offers of employment.
In short it is difficult to argue for this situation. Hence you should accept jobs that you will be happy to accept and if you are have a better offer shortly after accepting a lesser one you should discuss your situation with each dean before attempting to accept the new one. Sadly it is unlikely that the deaneries will change their position.
The deanery has said I was successful at interview and have offered me the training programme. What obligations do they now have with regard to placing me in training posts?
A contract for training now exists between you and the deanery and the details of this should be set out in your offer letter. The usual position is that the deanery will be obliged to provide training for you until you have obtained your CCT, subject to your satisfactory progress through the training programme. The extent of the deanery’s obligation will depend upon the wording of your offer letter and the terms of your appointment.
MMC 2008 Frequently Asked Questions - Scotland
The JDC has developed these FAQs in response to queries received at info.jdc@bma.org.uk. The MMC Scotland website - go there now - also contains a large number of FAQs, which you may find helpful.
Run-through training: transition to subspecialty
I was successful last year in obtaining a run-through programme at ST2 level. Who decides what my ST3 year, and beyond, will be?
You are guaranteed a training post until CCT (subject to satisfactory progress) but you may not be able to secure a place in your preferred specialty area.
Details regarding the allocation process for Psychiatry ST3 – ST4 and CMT and ACCS ST2 – ST3 can be found on the MMC Scotland website - go there now.
Can I hold onto an allocation whilst I apply elsewhere?
If you are already in a run-through post you are able, like everyone else, to reapply in 2008 for a different specialty training programme.
If you are already in a run-through post in CMT at ST2 level and you have been allocated to your ST3 post, you are still able to apply to any vacancies for medical specialties that are openly advertised.
What if I don’t like what I’ve been allocated?
You should speak to your educational supervisor about the options available to you. If you do decide to reject your allocation there is no obligation on the deanery to continue your training and you risk the deanery removing your NTN.
Accepting offers
I’ve been made a training programme offer by NES, but can I hold onto it to see if I am successful in my preferred post?
NES will offer successful applicants their ‘best possible preference’ offer based on their specialty and deanery preferences.
There will be three waves of offers, details of which are fully explained in the MMC Applicant’s Guide - go to the guide now. As this is a complicated process, we strongly recommend you read this information, and the information in your offer email, carefully. Please ensure you also famililarise yourself with the offer deadlines - if you do not respond on time, this will be interpreted as a rejection and you will be excluded from any further recycling of offers..
NES has said I was successful at interview and have offered me the training programme. What obligations do they now have with regard to placing me in training posts?
A training agreement now exists between you and NES and the details of this should be set out in your offer letter. The usual position is that NES will be obliged to provide you with a continuous period of training in an educational programme until you have obtained your CCT, subject to your satisfactory progress through the training programme.
However, the training programme offer does not constitute an offer of employment in a specific post. Employment offers are the responsibility of the employing NHS Scotland Board which will issue the Contract of Employment once it has carried out appropriate pre-employment checks. They will also confirm with you their initial placement(s) in the training programme.
Annual leave for interviews
I am having difficulty getting time off from work for interviews. What can I do?
Most employers understand the need to release you from your duties so you can attend interviews, but this is at their discretion. Although employers are not obliged to release staff to attend interviews for new jobs we would hope that they will be sympathetic to your situation and understanding of the importance of the interview to your future career, and a compromise will be able to be negotiated. If you experience difficulties you should call askBMA on 0870 60 60 828 or email info.jdc@bma.org.uk.
As soon as you have made your applications you should inform you consultant/supervisor and medical staffing of the applications you have made and that you may need time off to attend interviews. Deaneries should be publishing the dates of their interviews in advance of calling applicants to attend, so once you are aware of the range of interview dates you should pass this information on as well.
As soon as you have confirmation of an interview you should request time off and where possible make arrangements with colleagues to swap shifts. Be prepared to take annual leave if necessary.
Good luck and please contact us to see if we can help.
In Scotland, interviews will take place between 4 February and 17 March. The interview schedule has been published and is available on the MMC Scotland website - go there now