Introduction to 'Learning & Teaching' - Becoming a GP Trainer

Anyone wishing to become a GP Trainer must complete the 'Learning & Teaching - General Practice Northern Ireland' course

The course is designed to give an introduction to learning and teaching in General Practice.

The course has grown from a ‘Potential Trainers Course’ to the present format designed to give generic skills for all educators in General Practice and has attracted delegates with interests in both postgraduate and undergraduate medical education.

Learning & Teaching in General Practice 2025/26

Applications are now being accepted for the Learning & Teaching course.

The course will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday 25 September 2025, 9.30am - 4.30pm at Dunsilly Hotel

• Wednesday 15 October 2025, 9.30am - 4.30pm at Dunsilly Hotel

• Thursday 16 October 2025, 9.30am - 4.30pm at Dunsilly Hotel

• Wednesday 12 November 2025, 9.30am - 4.30pm at Dunsilly Hotel

• Thursday 13 November 2025, 9.30am - 4.30pm at Dunsilly Hotel

Delegates must attend ALL dates of the course

Please see flyer for further information and link to the online application form

Learning & Teaching Flyer 2025/26

Closing Date for applications: Friday 15th August 2025

Please contact gpspecialtytraining.nimdta@hscni.net if you have any queries.

Becoming a GP Trainer

After successful completion of the Learning and Teaching course, applications should be made for approval as a GP Trainer by the next August.  Please be advised that opportunities for GP Trainers may vary across the region depending on the need for new trainers in each locality.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible you must;

1. Have completed the Learning & Teaching Programme and passed the Portfolio assessment within a suitable timeframe. It is preferred that Trainer applications are made directly after completing Learning & Teaching as the approval process takes one year. In exceptional circumstances a Trainer may take up to 2 years, from the date beginning the L&T course to beginning supervision of a trainee.
2. To do L&T – be on the Primary Medical Performer’s List in Northern Ireland for at least 1 year post certification.
3. To become a trainer – be on the Primary Medical Performer’s List in Northern Ireland for at least 2 years post certification.
4. Not have any current undertakings or conditions applied by the GMC or HSCB. More information available at; http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/doctors_under_investigation/undertakings.asp
5. Remain a partner or salaried doctor in a practice providing general medical services in Northern Ireland.
6. Ensure any clinical sessions worked in General Practice must coincide with Trainees for supervision purposes.For a practice with only 1 trainer –
   • The trainer must do a minimum of 5 weekly sessions (one of which can be an administration session)
   • These sessions must be split over at least 3 days (of Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
   • Thursdays do not count as the trainee is usually at day release
   • When the trainer is not in the surgery then the trainee must know who is providing clinical supervision (a written timetable should be provided)
   • The clinical supervisor should have a permanent role with the practice (partner or salaried GP)For training practices with more than one trainer the trainers must work a minimum of 4 sessions and again a weekly timetable for supervision should be documented.
7. Have adequate capacity within the practice for training.
8. The premises must also be visited and approved for GP training. Please bear this in mind if the practice is planning a premises move. The standards for a GP Training practice are set out in the RCGP guidance document on Practice Training Standards – available on the NIMDTA website.

Frequently Asked Questions: