 This is your monthly round-up of important news and updates from the team at Lead Employer. Please do share these updates with your staff as appropriate.
Please note: please remind colleagues-in-training to keep email contact details up-to-date in ESR to ensure they receive all updates from us.
In this month's edition you can find:
- Changes to exception reporting
- Knowledge sessions in May
- Work schedule code of practice compliance - LTFT
- Host contact update form
- Annual leave calculator
- Pension re-enrolment - June 2025
- Raising concerns process
- Update to Training Week Guide
- Trainees rotating to a new placement
- National Walking Month
- Mental Health Awareness Week
- Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Week
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On 31st March the BMA and UK government announced their acceptance of a framework agreement that sets out plans for reform regarding exception reporting for resident doctors in England. This acceptance has formally ended the BMA’s dispute with the government and follows on from the 2024 pay deal.
We have until 12th September 2025 to implement this agreement and will keep you updated on any key updates and changes in the weeks ahead.
The key points of the agreement include:
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More information around this agreement can be found on the NHS Employers website:
Information for hosts regarding Less Than Full Time resident doctors
Following recent discussions regarding the Lead Employer application of the Terms and Conditions relevant to the submission of Less Than Full Time doctors’ Work Schedules in order to meet the Code of Practice 8-week deadline, below confirms the Lead Employer activity with immediate effect.
All LTFT doctors must be provided with their generic LTFT work schedule at least 8 weeks prior to them starting a placement to ensure that the doctor is informed of the work and range of duties that are expected to be undertaken during the placement, it should include their individual pro-rata entitlement to study leave and annual leave (inclusive of prorated public holidays) to ensure they are able to plan in their leave at the earliest available opportunity. The date this is received will be used to ascertain whether the Host has met the Code of Practice deadline.
This May, we are offering two sessions hosted by our HR team:
- Work schedule process overview
- Overview of dignity at work and freedom to speak up guardians
The session will be delivered via MS Teams. You’ll find the Teams meeting link within the Ticket Tailor invite once you book.
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Thank you to everyone who has updated their contact details!
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Please continue to use the Host Contact Form for any changes to your name, email, job title, address, or region.
We’ll soon be introducing a new ‘Update Subjects’ section in the form, giving you more control over how you’d like to receive updates.
Thank you again for your ongoing support!
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Important reminder: Annual leave calculation
Please be advised that national terms and conditions require employers to calculate annual leave in days. If hosts intend to calculate annual leave in hours, they must seek local LNC (Local Negotiating Committee) agreement.
It is also essential that all colleagues-in-training take their full annual leave entitlement to rest and recharge.
Each trainee is responsible for ensuring their annual leave entitlement is accurately calculated. We recommend that leave be distributed evenly throughout the year to maintain a balanced workload.
For more details, including a downloadable Annual Leave Calculator, please visit our website.
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Important reminder: Automatic pension scheme re-enrolment
Please remind your colleagues-in-training about the upcoming automatic re-enrolment into the pension scheme, which will take place on Sunday 1st June 2025. In line with pension legislation, all employers are required to reassess the eligibility of their workforce for pension schemes every three years.
Key Points for Organisations:
All colleagues-in-training subject to re-enrolment will have the option to remain in the pension scheme or opt out. Those who will be affected by this re-enrolment process will be:
1. Pension scheme members as at 30th June 2022, who have since opted out of the NHS pension scheme or the alternative workplace pension scheme NEST longer than 12 months prior to the re-enrolment date
2. Those who commenced in post after 30th July 2022 who have subsequently opted out of the NHS Pension Scheme or the alternative workplace pension scheme NEST longer than 12 months prior to the re-enrolment date
Please ensure this information is communicated clearly to all relevant colleagues-in-training ahead of the re-enrolment date.
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*Please review all information using the link above to answer any queries you may have before contacting the pensions team:
Over the course of a colleague in trainings’ employment, there may be times when concerns arise about their conduct. When such concerns arise, it is imperative that they are bought to the attention of the Lead Employer promptly.
In the event that a Host Organisation identify a concern and feel that formal action is required, the Lead Employer Team must be notified immediately, and before any formal action is taken.
In notifying the Lead Employer of such concerns, any colleague in training involved can be provided with the appropriate support and the Lead Employer can ensure that all concerns are managed consistently and in line with the appropriate policy and procedure.
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For GP resident doctors and trainers in general practice
The BMA has updated its guidance on the Training Week for GP registrars and trainers working in general practice. Developed with COGPED, this replaces the 2012 version and supports alignment with the agreed framework contract.
Timetables should take into account local contracts, practice logistics, and compliance with working time regulations, including out-of-hours and educational commitments.
For full details please see the link below.
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Checks don't need repeating
As we approach August, many of your colleagues-in-training will likely be rotating to new placements as they begin the next stage of their training journey. Please reassure trainees that they are not required to complete any checks or administrative tasks between rotations.
For any additional rotation queries, please email: lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
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 We hope our wellbeing resources support you—please do share them with your colleagues-in-training.
Living Streets’ Walking Month!
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Walking is a simple and effective way to boost our physical and mental health, while also helping you stay connected to your community—reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The theme this year is the #MagicOfWalking - highlighting the physical and mental benefits of walking.
Click here for more information
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Led by the Mental Health First Aider England (MHFA) from 12th to 18th May, this year’s theme - ‘Community’ - highlights the vital role that connected, supportive environments play in mental wellbeing.
This year’s theme is #MagicOfWalking, celebrating the many benefits of walking for both body and mind.
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Supporting a more inclusive NHS
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Now in its thirteenth year, this national week from 19th to 23rd May of focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) offers a vital opportunity to reflect on how we’re shaping the NHS - not only for patients, but for all colleagues.
As a host, your role in creating a positive and inclusive space for colleagues-in-training couldn’t be more important.
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