Approval of Learning Environments (LEs)
What is a Learning Environment (LE)?
In the context of GP training, a Learning Environment (LE) is one that provides training for GP residents and has one or more approved trainers. Only NHS England (NHSE) approved LEs can train GP residents. Practices can also be approved for other types of training (medical students, GP retainers, returners, and foundation doctors) but we would encourage all practices to be approved to the standards of an LE in the Midlands.
Historically, individual practices would make a single application to WT&E to gain training status approval. Whilst single applications can still be made, approval has been gained for a larger footprint of GP practices working together (such as within a Primary Care Network (PCN)) to be approved as a learning environment, subject to meeting certain quality and safety criteria. It is important that the agreed safety standards for PCNs or ‘at scale’ learning environments evidence their understanding and planned adherence to these standards at the point of application, approval, and subsequent on-going quality monitoring.
Learning environments should approach their local Higher Education Institution (HEI), GP training programme or GP School informally to discuss their aspirations to become a recognised learning environment, but the formal first-time application process begins by contacting their local Training Hub, informing them of the intention to apply and the completion of the Learning Environment Application Form or equivalent on-line process. The Training Hub’s Multi-Disciplinary Assessment Team (MDAT) facilitates the approval process. Learning Environments wanting to expand the learner groups they host who have previously undergone a Learning Environments approval process which has followed HEE Quality Framework or who are an existing GP training environment would contact their local Training Hub to confirm if the use of the Learning Environment Self Declaration process is appropriate. Discussions may involve relevant HEI teams.
The recommendation for approval by the MDAT will then be reviewed and ratified by a Quality Recognition and Recommendation Panel (QRRP) at NHS England.
Training Hub Multi-Disciplinary Assessment Team (MDAT)
The Training Hub MDAT consists of a minimum of three members and must include at least one of the following: the Training Hub Quality Lead, Clinical Lead, or GPN Lead. Other members may include a representative from a Higher Education Institution (HEI), Clinical Ambassador, GP Associate Dean (AD), Training Programme Director (TPD), learner representative, or a Practice Manager from an approved Learning Environment. The Training Hub will confirm the specific requirements, timeframes, and support.
Quality Recognition and Recommendation Panel (QRRP)
The QRRP is facilitated by NHSE and meets monthly. The panel includes the Chair (NHSE Senior Business Manager), a Primary Care Dean (PCD) or Primary Care Associate Dean (PCAD), a GP Head of School, and a representative from a non-medical professional group, and reviews newly approved training sites to confirm additions/changes to rotations for Midlands training programmes.
For more information, visit our Midlands Learning Environment Approvals NHS Futures site.
