OOP as an Academic

ACFs

If the resident leaves the ACF programme to undertake a PhD Fellowship (OOPR), then the ACF post will finish and they will return to clinical training following completion of the PhD Fellowship. Residents will continue in run-through training in the specialty in which the ACF post was advertised when they return to clinical training at the end of the PhD Fellowship. The NHS England local office will manage specialty training and run-through to CCT/CCST. This is the only OOP with guaranteed run-through.

If other types of OOP are undertaken, during an ACF then normally the ACF will come to an end and run-through status may be affected; however, this is at the discretion of the NHS England local office, NIHR Academy and University.

CLs

CLs may choose to apply to the HEE local office to go OOP; however, this will end their CL post and the trainee would re-join a clinical-only training programme on their return. Any OOP activity must also be agreed with the employing organisation. OOPE must not be used to delay CCT/CCST dates.

Obtaining relevant experience at another institution

CLs may wish to obtain relevant research experience at another institution. This is not the same as OOP.

Obtaining relevant research experience elsewhere is acceptable if it can be accommodated within the 50% academic time of the post and has the agreement of the Academic Programme Lead and Postgraduate Dean. Time spent at another institution to gain clinical experience is also possible; however, permission must be sought from the relevant authorities in order for this to count towards CCT/CCST.

Funding will continue to be paid as per normal during any time taken at another institution. Should the trainee obtain external funding to cover this period of time away, then this would be regarded as being the same as gaining another fellowship and the CL post would come to an end.

All academics must ensure they have spoken to their relevant IAT Lead and NHS England Programme Coordinator before submitting any OOPs.