Doctors and dentists in training terms and conditions (England) 2016
These TCS will be updated again on 4 February 2026 to reflect the upcoming exception reporting reform. Further information can be found here. To be notified of these changes please sign up to the workforce bulletin.
This document sets out version 12 (September 2025) of the full terms and conditions of service (TCS) for NHS doctors and dentists in training on the 2016 contract. The amendments are fully detailed in the record of amendments to the TCS.
This version was published on 19 September 2025 and replaces version 11 published on 21 February 2023.
Frequently asked questions
Employers can refer to our frequently asked questions on the doctors and dentists in training TCS, which provide comprehensive answers to common queries.
Guidance on the pay system for less-than-full-time trainees (PDF)
This guidance sets out how the pay system works for less than full time (LTFT) trainees on the 2016 terms and conditions of service, including calculating basic pay, additional hours and enhancements and allowances and pay premia.
Less than full time (LTFT) - weekend and on-call availability allowance ready reckoner (Excel)
The 2016 TCS specify that where a doctor is working less than full time (LTFT), any weekend allowance or on-call availability supplement will be pro-rata to the doctor's commitment to the full-time rota. This ready reckoner works out the commitment to the full-time rota, and therefore the LTFT weekend allowance/LTFT on-call availability allowance. This calculator provides results for full weekends only. As LTFT weekend frequency allowance is based on proportion of contribution to the rota and not individual frequency calculation, if doctors choose to split weekends this will not change the allowance.
Transitional end date ready reckoner (Excel) - September 2025 - August 2026
This ready reckoner has been designed to assist in calculating the date that a doctor's transitional pay protection will expire, in accordance with Schedule 15 of the 2016 TCS Version 12.
Employers should ensure that all doctors are eligible for pay protection under Schedule 15 of the TCS before assigning them a transitional end date.
Please note this is a new dated template and there should be no retrospective backdating. If employers require to see the old version of this ready reckoner (dated prior to 19/09/2025) please contact us directly.
Maternity guidance
NHS Employers has published updated guidance for doctors in training who need to plan maternity leave. This resource provides guidance for doctors in training who need to plan maternity leave and includes information on timelines for telling your employer you are pregnant, when to take maternity leave, maternity pay and advice for doctors in training who may be moving between employers.
NHS Employers has published employer guidance to assist with calculating maternity pay for concurrent periods of maternity leave.
Model contracts
Template national model contracts are available resources, to be used for staff employed under the terms and conditions of service for NHS doctors and dentists in training (England) 2016.
