NTN Grid frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

FAQ.web.JPGClick on the links below to find answers to FAQs.

For the whole 2013 process please refer to the 

Grid Applicant Guide 2013 (PDF, 246 KB, 28 pages)

Applications:  

 

Interview Process:

 
 
 

Matching process:

 

 

 

Applications answers:

 

When can I apply?

The application period for posts commencing September 2013 opens 12 noon 14 September 2012 to 12 noon 5 October 2012. 

 

What Programmes are available this year?

Programmes available for September 2013 can be viewed on the Programme Information page.  

 
Who can I talk to about my application?

Talk to the following people about your application:  

  • Educational Supervisor
  • Regional Advisor 
  • Head of School 
  • Programme Director 
  • Relevant College Specialty Advisory Committees (CSACs) - CSAC Chair details

If you have any further queries regarding your eligibility please make sure you contact Emma Jones - Sub-specialty Recruitment Coordinator at the earliest opportunity. 

 

Am I eligible to apply?

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements in the person specification, also refer to the applicants' guide. The person specification and applicants' guide are subject to change with each annual Grid round. If you are still unsure or need further clarification on your eligibility to future rounds of the Grid firstly talk to your:

  • Educational Supervisor
  • Regional Advisor 
  • Head of School 
  • Programme Director 
  • Relevant College Specialty Advisory Committees (CSACs) - CSAC Chair details. 

If you have any further queries regarding your eligibility please make sure you contact Emma Jones - Sub-specialty Recruitment Coordinator at the earliest opportunity. 

 

Can I apply for Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine from anaesthetic training?

Yes if eligble, view the Grid Person Specification to assess if you are eligible.

 

I applied to the Grid last year and was unsuccessful, can I apply again?

Yes, if you are still eligible, candidates can apply twice for the Grid.

 

Can I apply for more than one sub-specialty?

You can apply for a maximum of two different sub-specialties within the same Grid recruitment period.                                                                                                          

What if I cannot submit my application by the deadline?

The College will not consider or accept any late applications; this will be strictly enforced.

 

What is the longlisting process?

RCPCH staff carries out longlisting with support if needed from the London Deanery. We check essential criteria in the person specification and check the submitted Confirmation of Eligibility form. A member of your deanery school should complete the confirmation of eligibility form and it should be submitted with your application form. For further information on the longlisting process please read the Grid applicant guide 2013 (PDF, 246KB, 28 pages)

 

Who carries out the shortlisting process?

Nominated members of the sub-speciality appointments panel including CSAC members and panel chairs carry out shortlisting .

 

How will I know if I have been shortlisted?

You will be notified by email if you have been successful or not. If you have been successful at shortlisting, the email will be an invitation to interview. 

 

Can I receive feedback on my application?

Yes, applicants can request feedback on their application, at any point in the process. Applicants can email their request for feedback to Emma Jones - Sub-specialty Recruitment Coordinator up to three months after the Grid round ends. Emails should include the following:

  • Candidates full name
  • GMC number
  • Sub-specialty/sub-specialties the candidate applied to 
  • What stage their application reached

Please read the feedback guidance available in the Grid applicant guide 2013 (PDF, 246KB, 28 pages)

 

Interview Process Answers: 

When and where are the interviews held?

The interview period for 2013 grid appointments is 26th November 2012 - 7th December 2012. Further interview information. The majority of interviews are held at RCPCH, London; any exceptions will be highlighted. 

 

I am not available over the interview period, can it be changed?

The interviews dates are set by the CSACs and you must attend the interview for your chosen sub-specialty. Phone or video interviews are not acceptable.

 
What documentation is required at the interview?

Information regarding documentation to bring to interview is included in any invite to interview email if successful at shortlisting and is also published on the website nearer the interview dates.

 

 Who will sit on the interview panel?

The following will sit on the interview panel:

  • Panel Chair (an external paediatrician such as a Regional Adviser / Head of School / Programme Director)
  • CSAC Chair for the relevant sub-speciality
  • Consultants from the sub-specialty
  • A Lay Adviser will also be involved with the interviews happening on the day

 

 Can I claim for travel expenses incurred whilst travelling to an interview?

Yes, Grid applicants should claim expenses from their local training deanery, RCPCH will not pay travel expenses. Please contact the deanery in advance of attending an interview to confirm their expenses

 How will I know if I have been successful at interview?

All successful and non-successful candidates will receive an email notifying them of the outcome of their interview.   

 

Matching Process Answers:

How is the matching process decided?

Candidates who are invited to interview will be provided a preference form to put their sub-specialty programme preferences in rank order. If a candidate is successful at interview, we will consider their preferences based on where they have ranked at interview. For example:

For further information, download the Grid Applicant Guide 2013 (PDF, 246KB, 28 pages)

 

 If I am deemed appointable and ranked, will I automatically receive a post?

No, you are not guaranteed a post; if it is not possible to accomodate a candidate's preferences due to them being taken by higher ranking candidates or if there are too many appointable candidates and not enough programmes available then candidates may not be appointed.

 If I receive an offer of a Grid programme, how long do I have to accept or reject the post?

You must reply within 48 hours of the offer being made by RCPCH. If a response is not received in this time, then we will assume that you will not be accepting the post.

 

 Can I defer a Grid programme?

Yes, there are specific circumstances for deferring a Grid post; please read carefully the Grid Applicant Guide 2013(PDF, 246KB, 28 pages) If an applicant wishes to be considered for deferment they must clearly indicate this in the correct section of the application form.

 

 Can I train less than full time within the Grid scheme?

Yes, if an applicant wishes to train less than full time they must clearly indicate this in the correct section of the application form. Some programmes submitted to the Grid are submitted as LTFT training programmes; if a LTFT trainee is matched to a submitted LTFT programme then LTFT training is guaranteed. If a successful applicant is matched to a full time programme of training the receiving deanery will try to accommodate this. Please read carefully the Grid Applicant Guide 2013(PDF, 246KB, 28 pages)

  • We match the top ranked individual to their first choice programme
  • We give the second ranked candidate their first choice deanery unless it has already been filled.
Last published on 13 September 2012
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Associated Publications, Resources and Links

RCPCH Link Sites

ASSET Trainees' assessment tool

BPSU British Paediatric Surveillance Unit

CPD CPD diary for non training grades

E-Portfolio Trainees' online learning tool