The 2003 consultant contract terms and conditions of service formalised the role of job planning for consultants. The job plan should reflect the professional nature of the consultant contract and the consultant’s continuing responsibility for care as per the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice.
Our consultant job planning toolkit, published in 2023 and available to download below, provides clear guidance and support for paediatricians in their local job planning discussions.
The consultant job plan should be compiled in collaboration with the consultant’s manager or employer around a set of objectives that align with those of the NHS, the organisation and the wider team. This reflects the movement from a target-driven approach to one that focusses on improved outcomes and quality of care for patients.
The toolkit sits alongside RCPCH Thrive Paediatrics and its Roadmap for transforming the working lives of paediatricians - with job and rota planning being key components of Thrive’s objectives to support consultant working and wellbeing.
It covers preparation and review with a focus on programmed activities, including supporting professional activities, on-call and any additional duties together with information on less than full time working, annualisation and annual leave.