Returning to general practice in the UK

How to return to general practice

If you’ve had a break from working as a general practitioner in the NHS, you will need to discuss the tailored support you may need to return to practice safely with your local Returner team before applying for jobs in general practice.

You may be returning after a career break, raising a family or period of working overseas.

The returner process varies a little across the four nations of the UK. Wherever you plan to return to work, we can direct you to the information you need. All applicants to returner programmes must be on the GMC’s GP Register.

Free associate membership of the RCGP

Returners are eligible for one year’s free Associate membership of the College, including free access to learning events, the online learning platform and discounts on books and courses. You will receive an invitation to become an Associate member once your place on the Return to Practice Programme is confirmed.

Returner process across the four nations

England and Wales

The Return to Practice (RtP) programme offers a supported and personalised pathway back to general practice based on individual needs.

This will involve a personal education pathway and a placement in a GP practice. You may be supported for direct entry to the placement, or you might be required to undertake the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) assessment. Financial support is available during your placement.

Please note that the Portfolio route has now closed and you can no longer apply via this route.

More information on the process for England is on the NHS England RtP website.

Specific information on support available in Wales can be found via the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) website.

Scotland

The Scotland GP Returner Programme provides an opportunity for GPs who have previously worked in NHS General Practice to safely return to General Practice following a career break of at least two years.

The programme is funded by the Scottish Government, providing applicants with a salary to support them whilst on the programme. It will be tailored around you following an individual learning needs assessment. You will be allocated a practice-based supervisor who will provide feedback to support your integration as an independent general medical practitioner in the NHS in Scotland. The length of the GP Returner programme is up to six months (whole time equivalent) in supervised clinical sessions in general practice. Satisfactory completion of the programme means that the named educational supervisor, informed by workplace assessments, can recommend to the Health Board Medical Director that the doctor on the scheme has demonstrated the standard required for independent practice.

Northern Ireland

You will need to apply to the Performers List (NIPMPL) at the start of the process and then register with NIMDTA who runs the GP Induction and Refresher Scheme. If you are eligible for the scheme, and once you have conditional inclusion on the Performers List, you can begin your placement.

Full details of the process and guidance documents are on the NIMDTA website.