|
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:
- Pulse survey - two weeks left to complete
- Chase de Vere - GP webinar next week
- Neurodiversity knowledge session - this month
- New salary sacrifice schemes now available
- Rotating to a new placement this summer? No repeated checks needed
- Work schedules - key information & timeframes
- Transitional pay protection
- Exception reporting reminder
- Mental Health Awareness Week
 Pulse survey
Only 2 weeks left to complete
|
Our colleague-in-training pulse survey is still open, and we’d really value your feedback.
It takes around 5 minutes to complete and helps us understand how recent changes are being experienced and where we need to focus next.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts!
|
|
 |
Chase de Vere - GP webinar
Free financial wellbeing session next week
We’re pleased to offer GP colleagues-in-training the opportunity to attend a free webinar focused on financial planning and life after training.
The session (6.30pm - 7.30pm) will cover key topics including NHS pensions, financial security, mortgages and general financial planning.
While this session is tailored to GP colleagues-in-training, we will be offering similar sessions for other specialties and roles in the coming months.
|
Join our upcoming session to build awareness and understanding
We’re hosting a neurodiversity knowledge session to help colleagues-in-training better understand neurodiversity and the support available.
This session (3pm - 4pm) will provide an introduction to neurodiversity, including common conditions practical considerations in the workplace and how to access support.
This session is open to all - whether you have a diagnosis, are exploring support, or simply want to build your understanding.
|
New salary sacrifice schemes now available
 Click image to enlarge
New benefits now available through salary sacrifice
Access to package holidays and eco-friendly boilers is now live, making it easier to plan your next getaway while spreading the cost. These new options also support those looking to upgrade their home heating with greener, more energy-efficient solutions.
Visit the website to explore what’s on offer and see how these additions could work for you. If you’re not currently a member of salary sacrifice, you can find out how to join by clicking here.
 Rotating to a new placement this summer?
No repeat checks are needed
As we approach August, many of you will be preparing to move into your next placement as part of your specialty training journey.
We’d like to remind you that, as an existing employee, you're not required to repeat pre-employment checks or complete additional onboarding administration when rotating between placements.
Your employment will continue seamlessly while you transition to your new host organisation.
If you have any questions about your upcoming rotation, please contact us at:
|
Work Schedules - key information & timeframes
What to expect before and during your placements
Your work schedule outlines your duties, hours and training opportunities, helping you understand what is expected within your placement. Under the 2016 Terms and Conditions of Service (TCS), there are specific timeframes for when key documents should be shared with you.
The 2016 TCS sets out timescales required when it comes to you being provided with your generic work schedule, duty roster and personalised work schedule - the table below shows further detail:
 Click image to enlarge
Transitional pay protection
Understanding your pay as you move between placements
Some resident doctors remain subject to transitional pay protection under Schedule 15 of the Terms and Conditions of Employment. This arrangement ensures that your pay does not fall below a protected level as you progress through your training.
It’s important to be aware that your pay may vary between placements. In some cases, your Schedule 2 (‘new contract’) pay may be higher, while in others your protected pay may apply. This can change throughout your training programme depending on the post you are in.
If you believe your pay protection should be reassessed when you move to a new placement, you can request a review by completing the Pay Protection - Transitional Pay Protection form.
Requests for reassessment can be submitted until 23:59 on 4 August 2026 or until you exit training, whichever is sooner.
|
Exception reporting reminder
A quick reminder on how to submit exception reports
Following the launch of the new exception reporting system on 1 April 2026, all exception reports must now be submitted via Patchwork.
Please note:
- The Allocate system is no longer available for exception reporting.
- All new exception reports should be completed using Patchwork.
- If you are on placement in a GP Practice, Hospice, or Community setting and have not received your login details, please contact lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk.
Please ensure you are using the correct system when submitting exception reports.
|
 Mental Health Awareness Week
11-17 May 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder to recognise the pressures that can come with training across different roles, locations and specialties.
We appreciate that your experiences in training can be both rewarding and challenging.
|
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
You have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), available 24/7.
The EAP provides free support, including:
- Confidential counselling
- Practical advice (e.g. financial, legal, or work-related issues)
- Immediate support if you’re feeling overwhelmed
This service is independent and completely confidential. If you feel you would benefit from support, we encourage you to make use of the EAP.
|