DoctorInTheUK
TRUST JOBS
Being a Trust Doctor means working in a non-training position as a member of an NHS Trust. This post applies to all grades and it can provide you with training opportunities and more flexibility to boost your professional career, as per your individual goals.
In fact, many doctors opt for a trust job before applying to their specialty of interest in order to strengthen their portfolio or to help them reach a decision on which specialty to follow.
Unlike the foundation programme, which has a specific timeline within each year (application period, commencement dates), Trusts advertise posts throughout the year. This is because hospitals often employ additional trust doctors for departments that are busy or have a particular need. However, it is useful to be aware of the national training timelines, as most trust jobs are usually posted once departments know how many new trainees will be joining them and determine any additional needs.
Given that you hold a full GMC registration with a license to practice, the most popular websites to apply for Trust jobs include:
- Nhs jobs: jobs.nhs.uk
- Trac jobs: apps.trac.jobs
We recommend familiarising yourself with both sites.
How to progress in a trust job safely and efficiently:
- Familiarise yourself with the Trust’s core values and guidelines. In the interview process for a trust job, this is a very common question (e.g. Why do you want to work in this Trust?, How do the core values of this Trust reflect your attitude as a doctor?).
- All trust doctors should consult their responsible officer in their local hospital for initiating the annual appraisal process and a revalidation process every five years. For more information it is better to visit the relevant GMC section and to liaise with your local hospital, as the appraisal process may vary from hospital to hospital for trust doctors.
- Maintain your enthusiasm and go the extra mile! Practically, a trust job can be as useful as a training post, if you decide to engage and participate in teachings and other training opportunities.
- Collect your evidence of competences and liaise with your department to have a clinical and educational supervisor.
- Create an e-portfolio according to your level of experience to electronically document evidence of your hard work.
For more information for Trust doctors on the portfolios, please visit:
- Developing your portfolio (generic site):
- E-horus portfolio (foundation doctors):
- JRCTB e-portfolio (medical doctors – non trainees)
- Surgical e-Portfolio
Useful Tips For the Application Process
- Log into the GMC and make an account (you can think about registration a couple of months before you graduate, as you need your degree for it- or a letter from your University declaring that you have passed your final exam).
- Log into Oriel. Explore it a bit, before you need it.
- Make an account with NHS jobs.
- Read the UKFPO applicant guidance that applies to you.
- Make a list of all the things you need and map it out on a timeline on your calendar.
- Don’t hesitate to email the UKFPO, GMC or a particular Foundation School, if you have any queries. People will be more than willing to help you. Emails are generally preferred to telephone conversations in the UK.