Intending Trainers

Thinking of becoming a trainer?

Perhaps the first step would be to find out more about what training involves, the challenges you may face, the rewards, and how the programme can support you through the process of becoming a GP trainer. Contact us and arrange a meeting with one of the Training Programme Directors (TPDs), who will be able to answer your questions.

Please also have a look at the intending trainer’s page on the Postgraduate School of primary care (PSPC) website: http://madeinheene.hee.nhs.uk/general_practice/Trainers/Intending-Trainers It contains all the details of what’s involved in the course and how to apply

You are invited to come along to the trainer groups run by the programme as soon as you begin the process of becoming a trainer - you don't have to wait until you are accredited! The trainer groups provide peer support, and you will meet other new or intending trainers at these workshops.

The skills required

The ability to be approachable and give feedback in a supportive, non-judgmental way is essential. Being encouraging and positive about a trainee's skills and development is important in boosting confidence and self-esteem. A trainee needs to be resourceful and a good team worker but able to safety net and ask for advice when uncertain.

Recognising your limitations is one of the most important skills for a doctor, and a trainer needs to be sure that their trainee does not view this as failure. It is equally important that they are not over confident about their own diagnostic abilities.

The next step:

1. Express an interest to the PSPC course administrator, who will send you an application form when applications open.
2. If your practice is not currently approved for training, they will also arrange for a meeting with an Associate Director prior to the start of the course.
3. Ensure entry criteria are met (see below).
4. Submit application form and pre course tasks to the PSPC.
5. Complete the taught course and the assessed supervisory training modules.
6. Apply formally and be interviewed.
7. Successful applicants will be able to commence training GP registrars.

The programme will support you through this process and provide an experienced supervisory trainer to give you constructive feedback on your developing teaching skills.

Trainer Standards https://madeinheene.hee.nhs.uk/Portals/6/Trainers/New%20templates%202021/Standards%20-%20Promoting%20Excellence%20-%20School%20of%20Primary%20Care%20August%202021.pdf?ver=2021-08-27-095914-417

Trainer competencies http://madeinheene.hee.nhs.uk/Portals/6/Trainers/Trainer%20competencies_1.pdf

New Trainers

Support

TPD Dr Tom Gallagher is the lead for supporting new trainers. 

Support visit before starting training

After you have completed the Intending Trainer course and also the supervised training module course, a TPD from the programme will contact you, usually by email or phone to arrange a visit to your practice, and to meet your practice manager.

Trainer Buddy

The program will offer to arrange an informal experienced trainer buddy, to provide support through your first 12 months of training if you should require this. The role of the trainer buddy can be supportive, mentoring, or fact finding, depending on the requirements of the new trainer.

6 week support contact

The program will offer a form of support contact with the new trainer 6 weeks into having their first trainee. This may take the form of a phone call, visit or email depending on the new trainer's needs.

New Trainer Appraisal

We will aim to have completed your first trainer appraisal 12 months after your accreditation date.