An update on the study leave guidance

Individual Study leave funding is available to support the achievement of competences as defined by the speciality curricula. Postgraduate doctors in training should ensure that curriculum requirements are relevant to their speciality and stage of training and where required by the curriculum 

Individual Study leave funding is available to support the achievement of competences as defined by the speciality curricula.  Postgraduate doctors in training should ensure that curriculum requirements are relevant to their speciality and stage of training and where required by the curriculum 

The Guidance for study leave is on the NHSE SW website. This will be fully updated on 1 August 2023 and the link will be sent to all Post Graduate Doctors in Training. 

There is a fundamental change from 1 August 2023 and that is courses which are categorised at Category 1 and Category 2 will be fully funded.  The course list will have been updated for the 1 August 2023 and this will be the definitive list for the year.  Please be aware that any courses not on the list will be supported but at Category 3 only. 

However, where achievement of certain competences are now aligned with the Postgraduate Doctor in Training placement (eg. Psychiatry) the course or event requested by the Postgraduate Doctor in Training to attend will need to be on their PDP to be approved for funding.  We are unable to support any retrospective funding and any queries relating to this should be discussed with your Trust Postgraduate office and  Medical Education Manager. 

Process    

Please note that NHSE SW oversees the principles of study leave and advises the Trust Postgraduate Medical Education offices in each Trust – we do not administer study leave requests nor directly fund individual Postgraduate Doctors in Training for study leave. All queries should be channelled through the Trust Postgraduate MEMs office and they may seek advice from NHSE SW if there are any queries they are unable to answer to the Postgraduate Doctor in Training. Postgraduate Doctors in Training should familiarise themselves with the Study Leave Guidance and their own Trust Study leave policy as the process will differ in each organisation. This will help the Postgraduate Doctor in Training avoid long delays in approval and payment.  

The study leave team at NHSE SW oversees any appeals although all queries should come from the Trusts to NHSE SW rather than directly from Postgraduate Doctors in Training. 

Study Leave Oversight Group (SLOG)  

The Study Leave Oversight Group has an overview of the SW Study Leave Guidance and review in order for it to be fit for purpose, fair and consistent in its application. SLOG meets quarterly and is co-chaired by the Study Leave Associate Dean and Senior Business & Education Manager.  Membership includes two trainee representatives. Further information can be sought from the study leave team.

Meet the Study Leave Team 

Giovanna Edwards: Senior Business & Education Manager 

Jane Thurlow: Associate Dean for Study Leave