A Period of Grace (POG) enables resident doctors who have completed training and not yet obtained a consultant post to continue in employment (at speciality registrar level) for a limited period of time.
The extension to employment contract is for a time limited period up to a maximum of 6 calendar months from their CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) date, as set out in the 2016 Junior Doctor Contract. There is no pro-rata modification for Less Than Full Time (LTFT) resident doctors.
The resident doctor is no longer considered to be in training, but is in post for the purposes of service.
Access to POG is not automatic and must be requested with a minimum of six months notice by submitting an 'POG intent form'.
Please note
Period of Grace is not available to resident doctors in Foundation, General Practice or 'Core' Training programmes.
NHS England – North West's Period of Grace Guidance Notes
A link to the 'POG intent form' will be sent to resident doctors 6-7 months prior to their CCT date.
If you request a Period of Grace, your employment contract end date will be extended by the Lead Employer to be 6 calendar months after your CCT date.
If you subsequently want to leave before your new contract end date, you will need to submit a formal resignation to the Lead Employer with a minimum of 3 months’ notice of your last day, in line with the required notice period in your employment contract.
Please email the Lead Employer via lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk confirming the date you want to be your last day of employment - include your training specialty in the subject line, and your full name and GMC or Public Health Number in the body of the email.
It is possible to give less than 3 months notice, with agreement of the host organisation affected and your TPD, by completing the Lead Employer’s Early Resignation Form.
Page last updated: 2 December 2025