Lead Employer Information for GP Trainees
What is a Lead Employer?
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A Lead Employer provides a single employment contract for your entire GP training.
You rotate through multiple practices and hospitals, but remain employed by one organisation throughout.
Who is the Lead Employer?
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Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL) is the Lead Employer for all GP trainees in the West Midlands.
Lead Employer Responsibilities
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- Issuing offer letters
- Employment checks
- Medical indemnity arrangements
- Performers List applications
- Contracts and amendments
- Occupational health
- Statutory and mandatory training
- Payroll, salaries and approved expenses
- Grievances and disciplinary processes
- Rotation information (provided by the VTS)
- HR support
- Study leave payments (once authorised)
How to Contact the Lead Employer
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Electronic Staff Record (ESR)
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ESR is the national NHS HR and payroll system.
Absences and leave are recorded by host organisations.
You will receive login details and must keep your record up to date.
Further Information
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Template Generic Work Schedules
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Induction Information
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Download induction PDF
Exception Reporting
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Exception reporting allows you to inform MWL when your work differs significantly from your agreed work schedule.
- Differences in hours worked
- Changes in work pattern
- Reduced educational opportunities
- Reduced supervision
Supervisors must meet you within seven days to agree an outcome.
The Guardian of Safe Working monitors all reports.
Training Issues & Safe Working
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Locum Work Requirements
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- Offer shifts to NHS staff banks first
- Seek approval from supervisor and MWL
- May require Working Time Regulations opt‑out
- MWL monitors locum activity