The GP Induction & Refresher Scheme

The NHS GP Induction and Refresher (I&R) Scheme provides a safe, supported and direct route for qualified GPs to join or return to NHS general practice.

It is designed for GPs who have previously been on the GMC Register and NHS England’s Medical Performers List (MPL) and would like to return to general practice after a career break, raising a family or time spent working abroad.

The scheme also supports the safe introduction of overseas GPs who have qualified outside the UK and have no previous NHS experience.

All GPs are required to be on NHS England’s MPL before they can practise.

The I&R scheme has to be completed before GPs can be approved for full inclusion on to the MPL as an independent general practitioner. GPs not currently working in general practice can apply to return to the MPL for up to two years after which they will need to apply to join again and complete the GP Induction and Refresher Scheme.

Features of the I&R scheme include:

Dedicated practical support

• For GPs joining the scheme there is one single point of contact through the GP National Recruitment Office (GPNRO)
• There’s access to a dedicated account manager to help guide you through the entire process. They can provide support such as
  • advice on completing forms and paperwork
  • assistance with arranging occupational health assessments
  • advice on arranging indemnity
  • co-ordinating assessments and placements on your behalf

Tailored to your needs

• The scheme includes a range of assessments including placements and simulated surgeries to support you on your journey to NHS general practice. These can be tailored to your needs, experiences and personal commitments.

Financial support

• There’s a range financial support available too. This includes help with costs such as indemnity and a monthly placement bursary of up to £3,500.

Who can apply? 

You can apply for the scheme if you are:

1. A doctor who has never worked as an NHS GP. You would take the induction route through the scheme.
2. A GP who has previously worked in the NHS but been out of NHS general practice for more than two years and wishes to return to work in England. You would take the refresher route through the scheme.

Within the refresher route there is the option of:

An assessment review: This includes a career review interview, multiple choice questionnaire, simulated surgery and a placement in a GP surgery with work-based assessments.

The portfolio route: This route allows doctors to supply a portfolio of documents that demonstrates their skills have been maintained while overseas and to complete the majority of their assessments while still overseas and are currently still working in this role. For more information about this route and applying, please see the RCGP website. This option is instead of the assessment review. There is a short one month placement and report.

To qualify for the scheme you also need to have in place the necessary licenses and qualifications. Depending on your experience you will need to be:

• medically qualified and have completed formal training as a general practitioner in the UK (CCT or JCPTGP), approved EU qualification or hold a Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR)
• on the GMC GP Register, without GMC conditions or undertakings (except those relating solely to health matters) and hold a current licence to practice as a GP
• able to work or hold a visa that permits you to work in the UK.

More information regarding the scheme can be found on The NHS GP Recruitment website.

An NHS Brochure regarding the scheme as well as a quick step by step guide to the application process can be downloaded from this page. 

Published 17th March 2018