Flexible Portfolio Training

The Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT) pilot scheme was first introduced as a partnership between the Royal College of Physicians and HEE for ST3 trainees in Medicine. FPT is an opportunity to lead meaningful project work and aims to benefit the trainee’s professional development and support regional improvements. 

It is now being piloted in Yorkshire and the Humber and London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex deaneries for dental specialty trainees. The scheme protects 1 day a week (or 20% time equivalent) for 1 year, and aims to: 

• Provide protected time for non-clinical professional development. 
• Expose trainees to new ways of working, teamwork, and leadership. 
• Allow trainees to become more adaptable to changing circumstances and agile in approaches to future needs and delivery responsibilities. 

Non-clinical days may focus on healthcare education, health entrepreneurship, health technology, quality improvement, leadership, or research. There may also be an opportunity to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, Healthcare Leadership or Clinical Research (other topics subject to approval). 

Undertaking this scheme is unlikely to increase the length of training. 

Watch our new animation to find out more

Eligibility 

FPT opportunities are open to all Full-Time and LTFT dental specialty trainees in participating regions, to apply. 

You must be supported by your TPD. You must have achieved an Outcome 1 at your last ARCP. 

Requirements 

Successful applicants will need to complete an initial assessment with their FPT supervisor at the start of each year/rotation. This will help to develop a realistic Personal Development Plan. 

Reflection on learning is a key to self-development. Evidence must be regularly updated on the e-portfolio including reports, appraisals and 360 feedback. 

Interim meetings with FPT supervisors must be completed. These will be reviewed by the ES to ensure trainees are progressing at an expected rate. FPT supervisors will also complete a report which will form part of the ARCP process. 

When and How to Apply 

If eligible, you must submit a proposal, supported by a suitable supervisor together with the application form and cover letter. 

The number of places allocated to this scheme per year will depend on the quality of applications. 

Please speak to your Training Programme Director (TPD) or check your deanery website or regional office for details of applications opening and closing dates. Find the regional office contact details here.

Other resources

The Royal College of Physicians have produced a Flexible Training Handbook which is for medics, but may be a useful resource for dental trainees and supervisors. View FPT Training Handbook.