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 (which may include refresher training), 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. You won’t have to pay for refresher training.

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. If you need advice on this, please write to our GP Specialist Applications team at gpsa@rcgp.org.uk.

Doctors with temporary emergency registration

GPs who returned to practice as part of the COVID-19 emergency response will currently be on the GMC’s emergency register. If you wish to remain in practice after 30 March 2024, you will need to contact the GMC before this date to permanently restore your GMC registration and/or licence to practise. More information can be found on the GMC website. You will then need to complete the specific returner process for your nation as normal.

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

You can apply to the Return to Practice Programme in a number of ways:

• The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Assessment route involves an initial assessment of multiple choice questions to determine your level of entry to the programme
• For GPs who have been working overseas or outside the NHS, the Portfolio route involves preparing documents to demonstrate you have maintained your knowledge and skills
• The MPL Refresher route is designed to provide a supported return for GPs who have remained on the Performers List, but who have been out of clinical practice. It uses the MCQ assessment to identify the appropriate level of support. (This route only operates in England)

Contact your local NHS England lead for advice.

Visit the GP National Recruitment Office website for more information about the various routes and the financial support available for returners. Specific information on support available in Wales can be found via the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) website.

Scotland

If you are returning to general practice in Scotland, you will need to complete the Scotland GP Returner Programme.

There is no entry test for the programme. However, you will have a discussion with your Advisor and an educational needs assessment to confirm eligibility and the length of your placement. To start the process, you should register an expression of interest by completing the form on the Scotland Deanery website.

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.

In Northern Ireland, the portfolio route is also an option.