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This is your monthly round-up of important news and updates from the team at Lead Employer.
In this month's edition you can find:
 Upcoming Industrial Action
Key dates and what to expect
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced further industrial action by resident doctors, scheduled to take place from 7am Friday 14th November to 7am Wednesday 19th November. We recognise that you may be affected during this period. We encourage you to refer to the Industrial Action FAQs available on our website and to keep up to date through official BMA and NHS channels.
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Annual Lead Employer survey – coming soon...
Your feedback matters – watch for the survey launch
Later this month, we’ll be launching our annual survey. This is your opportunity to tell us about your experiences being employed by us - what’s gone well, and where you think we could do better. Your feedback helps us understand what matters most and informs the improvements we make to the support and services we provide.
Keep an eye on your inbox for more details and the survey link when it goes live - we’re really looking forward to hearing your views.
GPs - get involved with your LNC
Thames Valley and East of England opportunities
The Local Negotiating Committee (LNC) is the voice for doctors in the workplace. Its role is to represent medical staff, negotiate policies, improve terms and conditions and support local campaigns and initiatives.
GPs employed by ourselves have the opportunity to meet regularly with Lead Employer representatives to raise concerns, share feedback and help shape a better working environment for colleagues-in-training. The BMA provides comprehensive training for all representatives, including online modules and face-to-face sessions. There are four Lead Employer LNC meetings each year, and representatives are entitled to paid time off to attend meetings and required training.
Being part of the LNC is a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership skills, negotiation experience and strategic insight while making a tangible difference for colleagues.
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Thames Valley – join the LNC
We’re inviting GPs based in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire to join the Thames Valley Lead Employer LNC.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an ST1–ST3 GP colleague-in-training
- Be a current BMA member
Interested? Contact Oz Ly, Industrial Relations Officer, at Oly@bma.org.uk for more information.
East of England – call for nominations
We’re also seeking GP LNC representatives for the East of England. There are currently three active reps, and we’d like to increase this to five.
🗓️ Nomination period ends: Thursday 27th November 2025
📧 Apply by: Email Oz Ly at Oly@bma.org.uk
If nominations exceed available positions, a BMA membership election will take place from Friday 28th November to Sunday 28th December 2025.
Elected members receive fully funded BMA training and ongoing support from the BMA Industrial Relations Officer, who attends all meetings.
Neonatal leave policy
Strengthening our commitment to family-friendly policies
At Lead Employer, we’re committed to supporting you through all stages of life, including the significant and sometimes challenging experience of welcoming a new child. We recognise that neonatal care can be a critical time for parents whose babies require extended medical attention immediately after birth.
Our new Neonatal Leave and Pay Policy provides additional support for eligible employees when their child is admitted to hospital for neonatal care. The policy reflects our dedication to wellbeing, family support and inclusive workplace practices, ensuring time and flexibility is available during what can be an emotionally and physically demanding period.
Every family’s experience is unique, and this policy aims to offer reassurance and understanding when it’s needed most.
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 November knowledge & financial wellbeing sessions
Learn, connect and plan for your future
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We’re hosting a couple of online sessions this November to help you stay informed and supported throughout your training.
Our Lead Employer knowledge sessions give you the chance to hear directly from our specialist teams on key areas of your employment, with time to ask questions and gain practical advice.
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Chase de Vere - financial support
As we approach the end of the year, our partners at Chase de Vere are offering free financial guidance sessions - including mortgage and general financial drop-ins - to help you review your finances and plan for the year ahead.
Mortgage drop-In clinics
General drop-In clinics
National Education and Training Survey (NETS) – one month to go!
Share your feedback before the survey closes
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There’s just one month left to take part in the National Education and Training Survey (NETS) 9 open until Tuesday 2nd December.
Run by NHS England, NETS is the only national survey for all healthcare trainees, giving you the chance to share your views on your overall training experience.
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NHS pension statements due mid-December
Total Reward Statement (TRS) update
NHS Pensions have confirmed that the Total Reward Statement (TRS) refresh will be available from around 17th December 2025.
Your TRS provides a detailed overview of your pay, benefits and NHS Pension Scheme information. We’ll share a reminder once the refreshed statements are live, so you can check your details and ensure your pension record is accurate.
Access your statement via ESR or via the my NHS pension online portal.
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Social media usage key considerations
Please consider the below
It's important to be aware of our social media (SM) policy, which sets out expectations that should be followed when dealing with the media or publishing content to social media platforms. It also provides information and guidance about appropriate personal use of SM.
We understand that many of you are part of SM messaging groups for peer support, such as WhatsApp. We would remind everyone of the importance of treating colleagues with dignity and respect within such forums.
While detailed guidance about what must not be posted on social media is included in the policy, please see below for some of our top tips:
- Be mindful of our values and behavioural standards
- Treat colleagues with dignity and be respectful
- Don't overshare personal information
- Be mindful of your privacy settings and who can view your information
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Home Electronics Scheme registration
Important update - new and existing users
With immediate effect, Home Electronics Scheme (HES) will require new and existing users registering for HES accounts to do so using only a work email domain (e.g. nhs.net, nhs.uk, gov.uk).
This change has been introduced by the scheme provider to help verify the legitimacy of applications and provide additional reassurance to employers.
If you have any questions about the scheme or how to register, please contact the scheme provider directly via their website or Customer Service Team.
Stream - auto-save from your pay
Financial wellbeing app
Please be aware that you must be signed up to the NHS Collaborative Bank - MWL to use Stream.
Click the image below to enlarge.
 Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Month reflections
You’re supported to speak up - wherever you’re training
Our team proudly showed their support for Freedom to Speak Up Month in October, reinforcing our shared commitment to openness and safety.
We want all you to know that this same support is here for you - wherever you’re working or training. If you ever have a concern or suggestion, please speak up. You’ll be listened to, supported and treated with respect.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As the days get shorter, it’s common to feel lower in energy or mood. For some, this can develop into Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), which can affect motivation and wellbeing - especially during busy rotations or exams.
If you’re struggling, support is always available through our Wellbeing Hub, offering confidential advice, resources, and someone to talk to.
Your wellbeing matters - please take care of yourself and reach out if you need support.
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