What is the GP retention scheme?

​The GP retention scheme is a package of support for GPs considering leaving the profession – and for the practices employing them – to help them remain in clinical practice

What is the GP Retention Scheme?

The GP retention scheme is a package of financial and educational support to help doctors, who might otherwise leave the profession, remain in clinical general practice. The scheme supports both the retained GP (RGP) and the practice employing them by offering financial support in recognition of the fact that this role is different to a ‘regular’ part-time, salaried GP post, offering greater flexibility and educational support. RGPs may be on the scheme for a maximum of five years, with an annual review each year to ensure that the RGP remains in need of the scheme and that the practice is meeting its obligations.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

The scheme is open to doctors who meet ALL of the following criteria:

1. Where a doctor is seriously considering leaving or has left general practice (but is still on the NMPL due to:

a. personal reasons – such as caring responsibilities for family members (children or adults) or personal health reasons;

Or

b. approaching retirement;

Or

c. the requirement for greater flexibility in order to undertake other work either within or outside of general practice.

2. When a regular part-time role does not meet the doctor’s need for flexibility – for example, the requirement for short clinics or annualised hours.

3. Where there is a need for additional educational supervision – for example, a newly qualified doctor needing to work one-to-four sessions a week due to caring responsibilities or those working only one to two sessions where the pro rata study leave allowance is inadequate to maintain continuing professional development and professional networks.

Doctors must hold full registration and a licence to practice with the GMC and be on the National Medical Performers List (NMPL).

Why are NHS England doing this?

The General Practice Forward View has committed to introduce ‘a new GP retainer scheme more fit for purpose’ from 1 April 2017. Workforce data shows that the number of GPs leaving in most ages groups, particularly those aged 55–59 and 60-64, has risen over the last 10 years. Data also shows peaks in GPs leaving practice aged in their 30s and aged 55-59. This scheme is aimed at anyone intending to leave general practice at anytime in their career when a regular part-time role does not meet the doctor’s need for flexibility and where there is a need for additional educational supervision.

How does the GP retention scheme differ to that of the retained doctors scheme (2016)?

The GP retention scheme replaces the retained doctors scheme. The two schemes are similar in that they offer the same amount of funding – the practice still receives a payment of £76.92 per session that the RGP works, the annual expenses supplement for the RGP remains at between £1,000 and £4,, and the new scheme retains much of the same approvals process as for the 2016 scheme. However, the following changes have been made:

• Further clarity on who can apply to the scheme.
• Further clarity around what additional work can be undertaken while on the scheme.
• Further clarity around extended absence and scheme extensions – for example, when extensions are applicable and when payments should cease.
• The introduction of a job plan to accompany the scheme to ensure that the RGP post delivers its aims, including provision of CPD.
• Clear guidance around the management/approval of the RGPs onto the scheme.
• A revised application form that reflects the changes made to the scheme.

How is this scheme different to the induction and refresher scheme?

The induction and refresher (I&R) scheme (https://gprecruitment.hee.nhs.uk/Induction-Refresher) in England provides an opportunity for GPs who have previously been on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) GP register and on the NHS England NMPL, to safely return to general practice, following a career break or time spent working abroad. It also supports the safe introduction of EU and overseas GPs who have qualified outside the UK and have no previous NHS GP experience.

The GP retention scheme is designed to support GPs who would otherwise leave, when a regular part-time role does not meet the doctor’s need for flexibility and where there is a need for additional educational supervision. Inorder to join the scheme doctors must hold full registration and a licence to practice with the GMC and be on the NMPL.

Questions for prospective retained doctors

Why should I apply for the scheme? How will it benefit me? – the GP retention scheme is designed to support GPs who would otherwise leave (or have left) when a regular part-time role does not meet the doctor’s need for flexibility and where there is a need for additional educational supervision.

RGPs may be on the scheme for a maximum of five years with an annual review each year to ensure that the RGP remains in need of the scheme and that the practice is meeting its obligations.

Each RGP would qualify for an annual professional expenses supplement of between £1,000 and £4,000 which is based on the number of sessions worked per week; this is payable to the RGP via the practice. The professional expenses supplement is subject to deductions for tax and national insurance contributions but is not pensionable by the practice.

The scheme enables a doctor to remain in clinical practice for a maximum of four clinical sessions (16 hours, 40 minutes) per week – 208 sessions per year, which includes protected time for continuing professional development and educational support.

To find out the answers to more frequently asked questions to do with the scheme, click here.