Academic Clinical Fellowship Awards
Questions and Answers
Q:
What is the purpose of a NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) post?
A:
NIHR ACFs are part of the Integrated Academic Training Pathway in England,
established in order to promote academic medicine and dentistry, and to provide a
clear route for doctors and dentists interested in an academic career. A NIHR ACF
post is intended to support medical and dental trainees at the early stages of
specialty training who wish to develop an academic career alongside their clinical
training. Posts have 25% protected academic time for trainees to develop their
academic research skills and prepare an application for a Fellowship award at
Doctoral or appropriate level.
Q:
Are NIHR ACFs run-through training posts?
A:
All NIHR ACF posts are run through training posts in the specialty in which they are
advertised, with the exception of Medical Education, which is not a GMC recognised
specialty. For example, an NIHR ACF in neurology that recruits into ST1 Core
Medical Training will run through into Neurology ST3 training in the third year of the
NIHR ACF subject to satisfactory ARCP.
Q:
Is a NIHR ACF a 3 year post?
A:
NIHR ACF posts last for 3 years unless the trainee is successful in obtaining a
Fellowship Award and leaves the programme early. The only exceptions are NIHR
GP ACF and NIHR GDP ACF posts which can last for 4 years, or if the NIHR ACF
post is part-time.
Q:
Is my post associated with an NTN?
A:
Yes, the Postgraduate Deanery will assign NIHR ACF trainees a national training
number with the exception of GDPs who do not undergo specialty training. In
addition, you will be assigned the suffix of (a). A NTN(a) identifies you as an
academic clinical trainee.
Q:
When does an NIHR ACF post finish?
A:
A NIHR ACF post will finish at the end of 3 (or 4) years, see above. Or:

If a trainee leaves early to undertake a Fellowship.

If a trainee returns to full time clinical training.

If a trainee moves post or takes up a new post.
Q:
What happens to my NIHR ACF post if I go out of programme to complete a PhD
Fellowship?
A:
Your NIHR ACF post will finish and you will return to clinical training following
completion of the PhD Fellowship.
Q:
Can I go out-of-programme from the NIHR ACF post?
A:
In general you cannot, but this is at the discretion of the Deanery and NIHR TCC with
whom the request should be discussed.
Q:
When I return to clinical training will I still have run through?
A:
You will continue in run through training in the specialty in which the NIHR ACF post
was advertised when you return to clinical training at the end of the NIHR ACF. The
Postgraduate Deanery will manage your specialty training and run through to CCT.
Q:
Can I take maternity leave during my NIHR ACF?
A:
Yes. Maternity leave is governed by the terms and conditions of service associated
with your NHS contract as a trainee doctor/dentist. As with any employment, you
have the right to return to the NIHR ACF post on the same terms and conditions after
ordinary or supplemental maternity leave.
Q:
Will doing a NIHR ACF mean that it takes me longer to undertake my clinical training
compared to someone at the same level in the same specialty that is in full time
clinical training?
A:
Progression to CCT is competency based not time based, so having time protected
for academic training should not affect CCT date provided the required clinical
competencies are met. The NIHR ACF should not normally increase the training
period so that a trainee undertaking three years of an NIHR ACF should progress
clinically at the same rate as a clinical trainee undertaking three years of training.
However, should additional time be required to complete CCT, trainees should
consult their Postgraduate Dean or Postgraduate Dental Dean to agree a suitable
date.
Q:
Can my academic training time be organised into blocks rather than taking 1 day out
a week from my clinical role?
A:
Yes it can, but academic training time must fit in with clinical rotas (See ‘Entry,
Eligibility and Exit Points’ http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain ) and with the
academic training capacity in the local programme.
Academic time can be organised in various ways including:
Q:

One day per week.

One week in four.

One month blocks.

Three month block per year.

Six month block in second year.

One nine month block.
What is the NIHR bursary for?
A:
The NIHR bursary provides NIHR ACF and Clinical Lecturer trainees with a source of
funding to attend meetings and conferences that are relevant to academic training.
Q:
How much money is available and how do I access it?
A:
The NIHR provides £1,000 per financial year per trainee to your host Medical or
Dental school. The Dental or Medical school is responsible for managing the bursary
fund and your Medical or Dental school is therefore responsible for approving
expenditure against the bursaries. Unclaimed bursary funds currently remain with
the Medical or Dental school for use on activities that benefit the academic
development or training of the NIHR ACF trainees.
Q:
Can I use my bursary for consumables?
A:
No, the bursary cannot be used for consumables.
Q:
What if I don’t have any meetings or conferences to attend this year?
A:
Attending academic meetings and conferences is an important part of your NIHR
ACF training and if you do not attend meetings or conferences in any particular year
this does not mean you can spend the money on something else.
Q:
Can I apply to the bursary fund more than once/every year?
A:
Your Medical/Dental school will clarify the process for applying.
Q:
What is the NIHR ACF research training programme?
A:
From September 2009 each host Medical and Dental school must have in place a
formal taught Research Training Programme (RTP) available to NIHR ACFs. The
aim of this is to provide NIHR ACFs with generic training in research.
Q:
How do I access the NIHR ACF Research Training Programme?
A:
All NIHR ACFs that came in to post after August 2009 must have access to the local
Research Training Programme. Trainees that started prior to this date should ask
their Medical or Dental School about local arrangements for existing trainees.
Q:
Does the NIHR pay for my research expenses?
A:
No, the NIHR supports bursaries and Research Training Programmes, but not
research expenses, including consumables.
Q:
What does the NIHR pay for?
A:
The NIHR pays the NHS employer for the full basic (unbanded) salary costs of the
trainee (for both clinical and academic elements), bursary for conference and travel,
and the research training programme for NIHR ACFs. In addition, the NIHR provides
financial support to the Deanery for the management of the NIHR ACF programme.
NIHR also provides support for the Academy of Medical Sciences Mentorship and
Outreach Scheme which is available to NIHR ACFs.
Q:
Do the NIHR pay banding?
A:
No, this should be negotiated locally with the Trust.
Q:
What is the annual NIHR TCC trainees’ conference?
A:
NIHR organises an annual conference for all NIHR trainees including NIHR ACFs in
post. This conference is an opportunity to learn more about the NIHR, network with
fellow trainees from all disciplines and present your own research.
Q:
Who should my employment contract be with?
A:
NIHR ACFs are usually employed by a NHS Trust.
Q:
Should I have an honorary contract with the University?
A:
In principle, yes. If this is not possible the university must ensure you have access to
the university facilities e.g. libraries, IT support and training, and support for research
governance.
Q:
Who should I speak to about obtaining an honorary academic contract?
A:
Ideally it should be part of the contract package given to you at the start of the
fellowship. If it is not you should approach your academic supervisor in the first
instance.
Q:
Who do I speak to if I am having difficulty managing my research and clinical
commitments?
A:
In the first instance you should address your concerns to your local Academic and
Clinical Leads who are responsible for managing the balance of your academic and
clinical training needs or requirements.
Q:
What if I continue to have concerns?
A:
You should raise your concerns with the Postgraduate Deanery.
Q:
What is the role of the NIHR TCC in managing the NIHR ACF programme?
A:
The NIHR TCC is responsible for:

Working with Deanery, Medical and Dental Schools and NHS partnerships to
deliver the NIHR ACF programme across England.

Producing national guidance for recruitment, monitoring and development of
the programme.

Supporting trainees through its conference and other events.
The NIHR TCC is not responsible for:

Employment contracts.

Local negotiations or decisions relating to clinical commitments or how your
time is organised.
However, we are always happy to provide you with information and direct you to
the most appropriate local contact.
Q:
Can I apply for an Inter-Deanery transfer as a NIHR ACF trainee?
A:
Yes. You may apply for an inter-deanery transfer as set out in the Gold Guide/Dental
Gold Guide. For information about how to transfer the academic component of your
training please contact NIHR TCC.
Q:
What happens next?
A:
Ideally, trainees will have secured a doctoral research fellowship. If not, trainees will
return to the clinical training pathway.
Q:
Is there a guarantee of a clinical lecturer post?
A:
There is no guarantee of a clinical lecturer post. Trainees will need to apply in open
national competition.
Q:
How can I contact the NIHR TCC?
A:
By email to: IATenquiries@nihrtcc.org.uk
Telephone: 0113 346 6260
Website: (http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain/)
Q:
What information is available on the website?
http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain/acfs
A:
The webpage includes a number of documents for trainees and host organisations
about the NIHR ACF programme.
In addition, you can find information about other NIHR training opportunities, such as
NIHR Fellowships and NIHR Clinical Lectureships.
Clinical Lectureships
Questions and Answers
Q:
What is the purpose of a NIHR Clinical Lectureship (CL) post?
A:
A NIHR CL post provides opportunities for post-higher degree research and
facilitates applications for further research funding for doctors and dentists working
towards completion of specialty training. Posts have 50% protected academic time.
Q:
Is a NIHR CL a 4 year post?
A:
NIHR CL posts are for up to a maximum of 4 years or until CCT is reached,
whichever is sooner.
Q:
What if I don’t already have an NTN?
A:
If you do not already have a NTN, the Postgraduate Deanery will assign NIHR CL
trainees a national training number with the exception of GPs and GDPs. In addition,
you will be assigned the suffix of (a). A NTN(a) identifies you as an academic clinical
trainee.
Q:
Will being in academic training mean my expected CCT date is put back?
A:
Progression to CCT is competency based not time based so having time protected
for academic training should not affect CCT date provided the required clinical
competencies are met. However, for some craft specialties clinical training may take
longer. The most appropriate CCT date should be agreed with your Postgraduate
Dean or Postgraduate Dental Dean.
Q:
What happens if I reach CCT before the maximum of 4 years in post?
A:
There is a six month period of grace which is automatically afforded to trainees upon
reaching CCT. If you are still within the maximum 4 year duration of the NIHR CL
post, your Postgraduate Deanery may request an extension from NIHR TCC on your
behalf. Requests for extension are considered on a case by case basis and written
support from all members of the organisational partnership
(University/Deanery/Trust) confirming their commitment to you remaining in post will
be required. To avoid future difficulties it is advisable to confirm the expected CCT
date before accepting the NIHR CL position. It may be the case that other forms of
support for your academic aspirations would be more appropriate. For further details
please contact NIHR TCC.
Q:
Can I go out of programme in a NIHR CL post?
A:
Trainees may wish to obtain relevant research experience at another institution. This
is acceptable if it can be accommodated within the 50% academic time of the post
and has the agreement of the Academic Programme Lead and Postgraduate Dean or
Postgraduate Dental Dean.
Trainees can still apply to the Postgraduate Deanery to go out of programme for
other reasons; however the NIHR CL post will finish and you will return to clinical
training on your return.
Out of programme experience must not be used to delay CCT dates.
Q:
What happens to my NIHR CL post if I go out of programme to complete a full-time
Clinician Scientist or similar Fellowship?
A:
Your NIHR CL post will finish and you will return to clinical training following
completion of the Fellowship.
Q:
What is the NIHR bursary for?
A:
The NIHR bursary provides trainees with a source of funding to attend meetings and
conferences that are relevant to academic training.
Q:
How much money is available and how do I access it?
A:
The NIHR provides £1,000 per financial year per trainee to your host Medical or
Dental school. The Dental or Medical school is responsible for managing the bursary
fund and your Medical or Dental school is therefore responsible for approving
expenditure against the bursaries. Unclaimed bursary funds currently remain with
the Medical or Dental school for use on activities that benefit the academic
development or training of the NIHR CL trainees.
Q:
Can I use my bursary for consumables?
A:
No, the bursary cannot be used for consumables.
Q:
What if I don’t have any meetings or conferences to attend this year?
A:
Attending academic meetings and conferences is an important part of your NIHR CL
training and if you do not attend meetings or conferences in any particular year this
does not mean you can spend the money on something else.
Q:
Can I apply to the bursary fund more than once/every year?
A:
Your medical/dental school will clarify the process for applying.
Q:
Can I change the academic/clinical time split from blocks to days per week or vice
versa?
A:
Yes, but only with the agreement of the local Academic programme leads. Academic
training time must fit in with clinical rotas and with the other academic trainees in
local programmes.
Academic time can be organised in various ways including:

2 ½ days per week;

Monthly or yearly blocks.
Q:
Who do I talk to about changing the time split?
A:
Arrangements regarding time splits for NIHR CL posts are agreed at a local level.
Please contact your academic and clinical leads, as well as the Postgraduate
Deanery.
Q:
Can I take maternity leave during my NIHR CL post?
A:
Yes. Maternity leave is governed by the terms and conditions of service associated
with your contract. As with any employment, you have the right to return to the NIHR
CL post on the same terms and conditions after ordinary or supplemental maternity
leave. You should be aware, however, that as your substantive employer will now be
a university your previous service in the NHS will not normally count towards your
entitlement to maternity leave and pay.
Q:
Can I change to working part-time if my circumstances change during my NIHR CL
post?
A:
Yes, but this must be agreed at a local level before starting part-time working.
Please contact your academic and clinical leads as well as the Postgraduate
Deanery.
Q:
Does the NIHR pay for my research expenses?
A:
No, the NIHR supports bursaries and research training programmes, but not
research expenses, including consumables.
Q:
What does the NIHR pay for?
A:
The NIHR pays the university employer for the full salary costs of the trainee (for both
clinical and academic elements), bursary for conference and travel. In addition, the
NIHR provides financial support to the Deanery for the management of the NIHR CL
programme. NIHR also provides support for the Academy of Medical Sciences
Mentorship and Outreach Scheme and the NIHR Trainees Leadership Programme.
Both are available to NIHR CLs.
Q:
Do the NIHR pay banding?
A:
No, this should be negotiated locally with the Trust
Q:
Who should my employment contract be with?
A:
NIHR CLs are usually employed by a University; however NIHR CLs may remain
employees of a NHS Trust.
Q:
If I remain employed by a NHS Trust, should I have an honorary contract with the
University?
A:
In principle, yes. If this is not possible the university must ensure you have access to
the university facilities eg: libraries, IT support, and training and support with
research governance.
Q:
If I am employed by a University, should I have an honorary contract with the NHS
Trusts in which I work?
A:
Yes, you must hold honorary contracts in the NHS Trusts in which you work, both for
seeing patients, for pay progression and for recognition of continuous service in the
NHS.
Q:
Who should I speak to about obtaining an honorary NHS contract?
A:
Ideally it should be part of the contract package given to you at the start of the
lectureship. If it is not you should approach your clinical supervisor in the first
instance.
Q:
Who should I speak to if I am having difficulty managing my research and clinical
commitments?
A:
In the first instance you should address your concerns to your academic and clinical
Leads who are responsible for managing the balance of your academic and clinical
training needs or requirements.
Q:
What if I continue to have concerns?
A:
You should raise your concerns with the postgraduate deanery.
Q:
What is the role of the NIHR TCC in managing the NIHR CL programme?
A:
The NIHR TCC is responsible for:

Working with Deanery, Medical and Dental Schools and NHS partnerships to
deliver the NIHR CL programme across England.

Producing national guidance for recruitment, monitoring and development of
the programme.

Supporting trainees through its conference and other events.
The NIHR TCC is not responsible for:

Employment contracts.

Local negotiations or decisions relating to clinical commitments or how your
time is organised.
However, we are always happy to provide you with information or direct you to the
most appropriate local contact.
Q:
What is the annual NIHR TCC trainees’ conference?
A:
NIHR organises an annual conference for all NIHR trainees including NIHR CLs in
post. This conference is an opportunity to learn more about the NIHR, network with
fellow trainees from all disciplines and present your own research.
Q:
Can I apply for an Inter-Deanery transfer as a NIHR CL trainee?
A:
Yes. You may apply for an inter-deanery transfer as set out in the Gold Guide or
Dental Gold Guide. For information about how to transfer the academic component of
your training please contact NIHR TCC.
Q:
How can I contact the NIHR TCC?
A:
By email to: IATenquiries@nihrtcc.org.uk
Telephone: 0113 346 6260
Website: (http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain/)
Q:
How can I get in contact with other NIHR CLs, either within my own specialty area or
across a mix of specialties?
A:
NIHR TCC has set up a site including discussion areas for all Integrated Academic
Training CLs on the NIHR Portal. For further details please contact:
IATenquiries@nihrtcc.org.uk.
Q:
How do I get more information on the Leadership Programme?
A:
Details are available on the NIHR TCC website.
Q:
How do I apply for one of the Academy of Medical Sciences/ Wellcome Trust starter
grants?
A:
Details are available on the NIHR TCC website.
Q:
Where can I get help in applying for NIHR research grants?
A:
The NIHR has established a new network of Research Design Service (RDS) to help
researchers develop and design high quality research proposals for submission to
national, peer-reviewed funding competitions for applied health or social care
research. Further details are available on the NIHR website at
http://www.nihr.ac.uk/infrastructure/Pages/infrastructure_research_design_services.a
spx
Q:
What information is available on the website?
http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/intetacatrain/cl
The webpage includes a number of documents for trainees and host organisations
about the NIHR CL programme.
In addition, you can find information about other NIHR training opportunities, such as
NIHR Fellowships, the NIHR Trainees Leadership Programme and the Academy of
Medical Sciences Mentoring and Outreach Scheme.