Who can join the scheme?

Anyone who intends to continue their career in general practice after finally leaving the scheme i.e. not academics. Usually the retainee will have well founded personal reasons for undertaking only limited paid employment.

How many sessions can I work in general practice ?

On average four a week. This can be averaged over a quarter to 52 sessions, with a maximum of six sessions and a minimum of one. Study leave is counted as part of the 52 sessions.

What else am I allowed to do?

A limited amount of non GMS work subject to the approval of your local postgraduate dean.

What if I am turned down?

If you are aggrieved by the Dean’s decision there is an appeal mechanism.

Can there be two retainees in one practice?

Only in exceptional circumstances.

What if the practice only needs me for two sessions and I want to do more?

You can work in two surgeries, but the educational supervisors in the two practices will need to co-operate.

Is there a retainee contract that I can use?

The old BMA assistant contract has been modernised and made more appropriate and is being finalised by the BMA lawyers right now. It should be ready in the next two months.

Am I eligible for superannuation?

Yes - the practice pays 4% and you pay 6 %.

Is the practice reimbursed for all my sessions?

Yes, all worked sessions, sick leave, maternity leave and study leave, but not holidays.

How much is the practice reimbursed?

£46.40 per session (1999)

Is there an age limit?

Yes, doctors up to 55 can participate.

What is the educational component?

Each practice should appoint an educational supervisor, who need not be a principal. The retainee will make an educational development plan each year, which the Dean’s office will approve. The Dean’s budget can help towards some of the cost of travel, subsistence and the course itself. The retainee must undertake 28 hours of approved education per year, 3 of these in the surgery. The education can take many forms, i.e. sitting in with a consultant, reading up on a subject, practice based clinical meetings , self directed learning groups and so on, all subject to approval.

How long can I stay on the scheme?

Usually up to five years or in exceptional circumstances up to ten years.

I have already been a retainee for two years - how long can I continue on the scheme?

You can stay on for the usual amount of time, counting the number of years within the old scheme.

I am towards the end of the old scheme, but feel unprepared for partnership, what can I do?

You can be allowed two years more for the benefits of the new scheme to help prepare for entry into a partnership. If you feel you need more training than this, you can apply for extra training under section 38.5(i)c of the Red Book.

What salary guidance is there?

The new BMA fees guidance for employed non-principals can be adapted. Note that the BMA suggested figures relate to one week of paid study leave, six weeks of paid holiday and bank holidays paid pro rata.

What is the Retainee allowance?

It is currently an annual payment via the Dean’s office of £300, which is to help offset the heavy start-up cost of medical indemnity etc.

What is the clinical supervisor’s role?

To help and advise during and after sessions, and they should be a principal.

Do I have to do out of hours work and on-call?

No, you are not expected to, but you may if you want that experience.

Is there a limit to the number, in each region?

No there shouldn’t be. The problem this year is that there has been a large increase in numbers, and the Deans had not budgeted for the extra thousands of pounds needed to pay the £300 allowance.