Where possible, you should prepare for an absence from work, particularly when it is known in advance, e.g. parental leave. You should inform the relevant bodies (see Box 1) as early as you can. At least 3 months’ notice is recommended.
You should consider what training needs you may have on return and may wish to set out curriculum or logbook targets to complete before your absence from work starts, especially if you anticipate being unable to during your leave.
Box 1. Checklist of who to inform:
Educational Supervisor
College Tutor
Rota co-ordinator
Clinical Director
Training Programme Director
Human Resources / Payroll (by 25 weeks if pregnant)
Your Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) meeting or appraisal may fall during your period of absence. It is worth planning ahead for any assessments or paperwork that you may require e.g. TO2s and Educational Supervisor Reports.
You should arrange to meet with your Educational Supervisor to discuss your requirements and how to fulfil them. You should also discuss what practices could be in place to maintain knowledge whilst away.
Additionally, you may wish to plan how you would like to use your Keeping in Touch (KIT) or Shared Parental Leave in Touch (SPLIT) days (available to those returning from maternity leave).
The discussion should be recorded on an Absence from Work form (or local deanery equivalent paperwork). A copy of this should be forwarded to the Training Programme Director (TPD) and Specialty Lead and a further copy should be uploaded to your ePortfolio/logbook.
You will also need to consider any additional paperwork that you may be required to submit such as a MAT B1 or OOP request annual review form (see Box 2).
Box 2. Checklist for preparing for absence from work
Inform relevant bodies
Check curriculum targets
Check ARCP paperwork
Check additional paperwork required e.g. MAT B1 form, OOP annual request form
You may find useful information in the Resources section on special considerations and financial implications.