Out Of Programme Experience - OOPE

It is important to note that since PMETB has taken over postgraduate training all Out Of Programme Experience posts must have approval from PMETB before commencement. It is important to discuss with the Regional Advsier if you want to work overseas.

The opportunity may arise during your 8 year training programme to spend sometime working either in another unit (usually overseas) or in research. This is called Out Of Programme Experience. Common examples include work overseas in a specialist unit or VSO as part of the College scheme. The training unit must be recognised for Paediatric training and the time spent in OOPE must not extend your CCT date. It is rare for OOPE to be granted for more than 1 year.

If you are interested in an Out Of Programme Experience it is very important that you follow these procedures: -

• discuss your idea informally with the Regional Adviser
• obtain details of the training programme or research project
• apply to the Deanery for OOPE
  • Deanery OOPE Guidelines
  • Deanery OOPE Application form
  • Deanery OOPE Extension Guidelines
  • Deanery OOPE Extension Application form
• once approval is obtained from the Deanery and from the RCPCH, the Regional Adviser and Programme Director need to be informed at the earliest possible date so that a locum can be appointed
• during your time overseas it is important that you complete RITA forms so that a RITA F can be issued on your return so that the year is counted towards your training
• please keep the Regional Adviser and Deputy Regional Adviser informed of your progress and planned date of return to training programme

If a Specialist Trainee has the opportunity to complete a PhD (3 years) which will extend the CCT date, the Regional Adviser should be informed at the earliest opportunity. In general we recommend those wishing to do a PhD should apply for Lecturers posts within the Yorkshire Deanery if they are available.

In National Grid Training posts PhDs are sometimes encouraged and if the opportunity arises it may be better to do the PhD at the end of your training programme if possible. Please discuss with the Regional Adviser. Permission must also be obtained from the Chair of the appropriate CSAC.

Acting up as a Consultant

Time spent acting up/undertaking locum consultant duties may be recognised towards a training programme leading to the award of a CCT in Paediatrics and sub-specialty recognition, if appropriate, subject to the following conditions: -

• a maximum of three months may be included towards an individual's CCT programme;
• the period must be approved prospectively with the Paediatric Regional Adviser and normally in the same Postgraduate Deanery;
• the post must be relevant to the CCT programme;
• the period must be in the final year of a seven year CCT programme (i.e. a programme consisting of two years of general professional training and five years of higher specialist training);
• the trainee must be on loan or acting up from his/her SpR post;
• the trainee must retain his/her SpR contract and NTN;
• an appropriate level of supervision must be arranged with a named educational supervisor to whom the trainee can turn for advice and assistance if needed;
• the educational supervisor must submit a report to the Regional Adviser at the end of the period. If the three month period is at the end of the final year of the training programme, a recommendation for the award of a CCT will not be made until the report form the educational supervisor has been received at the College's HST Office.

Attached is the application forms from the Deanery and College. These must be approved by the Regional Adviser and Dean before acting up can take place.

Deanery Acting Up Guidelines
Deanery Acting Up Application Form