Vacancies in NCTFS

Please note that information is this section is applicable to NCTFS only. For information about vacancies in other foundation schools, please visit their website or contact them directly.

NCTFS recruits only once a year through the UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO). The recruitment starts in early Autumn, for jobs commencing in August the following year. We do not advertise our vacancies directly, have a waiting list, or accept CVs.

If a job becomes unfilled, it is released for general advertising as either a Locum Appointment for Training (LAT) or a Locum Appointment for Service (LAS). The vacancies may be advertised, from May and/or throughout June and July, on the London Deanery, BMJ Careers, NHS careers and/or the trusts' websites.

What is LAT and LAS?

•  LAT jobs are 12-month fixed term training jobs starting on the first Wednesday in August, and, as per the GMC rule, can only be at an F2 level. Those appointed to a LAT job will become a foundation school F2 trainee, have access to the same educational opportunities and assessments as those following the 2-year Foundation Programme and receive a 5.2 Foundation Achievement of Competency Document' (FACD) if they fulfill the F2 sign-off requirements. However, due to a LAT being a 12-month fixed-term job, they will not be entitled to extension of training or provision of remediation if they fail to fulfill the F2 sign-off requirements after 12 months.

•  LAS jobs are service jobs. LAS jobs are all F1 vacancies (regardless of their length) and those F2 vacancies which are offered for a period of time shorter than 12 months. Doctors appointed to a LAS job will receive clinical supervision to protect patient safety and have access to educational opportunities within the hospital including attendance at teaching sessions. However, they will not be linked to a foundation school, registered on ePortfolio, entitled to sign-off by the school, extension of training or provision of remediation. In addition, London hospitals will be appointing only candidates holding full GMC registration.

If you already have a place within a foundation school

Please note that you are not permitted to move to another foundation school unless you qualify for an Inter-Foundation School Transfer (IFST). Guidance and application documentation can be found on the UKFPO website.

In applying via UKFPO, applicants agree to abide by the rules of the system, including complying with national, foundation school and NHS trust requirements, and taking up the 2-year programme to which they are allocated.

Applicants are reminded of the GMC requirements in relation to probity and professional conduct. Applicants who feel they have valid reasons for withdrawing from the foundation school or a programme should contact their current Foundation School Manager at the earliest opportunity.