This course is a practical guide for doctors starting work in the NHS on how rotas, work schedules and working hours rules operate, and how to report extra hours or missed training through exception reporting in England. Contracts differ across the four UK nations and are revised regularly, so it explains the principles and tells you where to check the current terms.
What you will learn
- Read a rota and work schedule and understand the types of shift, on-call and leave arrangements you are likely to meet.
- Explain the main legal and contractual protections on working hours and rest, including the Working Time Regulations, in general terms.
- Describe the purpose of exception reporting under the 2016 terms and conditions for doctors in training in England, and the role of the guardian of safe working hours.
- Write a clear, factual exception report and know what outcomes may follow.
- Know where to get help with rota problems, including medical staffing, supervisors, the guardian of safe working hours and the BMA.
Course content
- Why working hours matter (2 min)
- Understanding your rota and work schedule (3 min)
- Working hours and rest: the principles (3 min)
- Exception reporting explained (3 min)
- Writing a good exception report (3 min)
- Leave, sickness and swapping shifts (3 min)
- Getting help, rest and staying safe (1 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- Terms and conditions of service for NHS doctors and dentists in training (England) 2016, as amended
- The Working Time Regulations 1998 (Great Britain) and the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), including the duties to look after your own health and to raise concerns
- GMC: Promoting excellence: standards for medical education and training
- NHS Employers and BMA guidance on rotas, work schedules and exception reporting
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.