Return to Practice (RtP) programme overview

The Return to Practice (RtP) programme provides a safe, supported pathway for qualified GPs wishing to return to NHS General Practice after an absence.

The programme is designed for General Practitioners (GPs) who have previously been on the General Medical Council (GMC) GP Register and Medical Performers List (MPL) and who would like to return to work in general practice after a break in their career, raising a family or time spent working abroad.

The programme offers personalised pathways based on the individual needs of each returning GP. It has been developed in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and British Medical Association (BMA).

All GPs are required to be on NHS England’s MPL and the GMC GP register before they can practise.

The UK is made up of 4 countries and this guide concerns applications made to practise in England. If you are applying to practise in another part of the UK, please visit the appropriate website:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

The programme is not open to GPs that have current General Medical Council (GMC) non-health related conditions or undertakings. It is an education programme and is not designed to support with remediation. Any GP that currently has non-health related conditions or undertakings who is considering a return to NHS general practice should contact their local NHS England Professional Standards Team to discuss their circumstances and what support may be available.

Features of the programme

You will have access to a dedicated educational lead to help guide you through the process. They can provide support such as:

• Developing a personal educational pathway suited to your needs
• Coordinating any assessments that you may be required undertake
• Finding a suitable practice that is able to offer you a placement, or offering advice in relation to undertaking the programme whilst employed by a practice
• Guidance on completing forms and paperwork
• Assistance with arranging occupational health assessments

The programme will be tailored to fit around your needs and personal commitments. Further information can be found on the Registering for the Programme page.

The programme provides financial support to candidates via a monthly bursary of up to £4000 per month for GPs in a practice placement or a comparable salary for GPs undertaking the programme whilst employed by a practice.

Further information regarding help with funding can be found on our financial support and funding page.

Completing the Programme

To successfully complete the Return to Practice programme and be entered onto the Performers List without restrictions, there are a number of requirements.

• A satisfactory Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) report including multi-source feedback and patient satisfaction questionnaire, where the WBPA has been undertaken as part of the programme

• Completed the mandatory e-Learning for Health modules on GP induction. This includes the Safeguarding Children and Adults modules. These should be completed prior to starting the clinical placement

• Started your portfolio preparation for an early appraisal in the placement. This will be a Performers List requirement on exit from the RtP placement, normally required at 3 to 6 months after successful programme completion (see appraisal guidance)
• Received confirmation from the local NHS England medical team where you plan to work that you are included on the Performers List without restrictions 

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Assessment for IIP and RtP

  Successfully complete the MCQ as part of becoming an independent GP in the UK