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Training setting obligations

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Contractual Arrangements

We provide STP funds to training settings by entering into a Funding and Administration Agreement (FAA) together.

The FAA outlines all contractual obligations of each legal entity including reporting requirements. It’s vital these contracts are read and understood by the signatory and other key staff of the organisation involved in managing the post, in particular the Primary Liaison Officer, Supervisor and Finance staff.

Requirements

Accreditation

STP funds can only be used to support training positions in RACP-accredited training settings, including all rotations.

Report changes in training locations to us immediately. They may affect several aspects of STP administration, including eligibility for Rural Support Loading (RSL) and Private Infrastructure Clinical Supervision (PICS) payments, site accreditation and eligibility.

“The STP has enabled us to have a stable specialist workforce that are going to be here for the long term.”

— Dr Jeremy Christly
Illawarra | Shoalhaven Area Health Service

Liaison Officers

All positions must have Liaison Officers, nominated by the training setting, and can be clinicians or another member of the hospital administration or finance team.

Primary Liaison Officers

Primary Liaison Officers act as our key contact. Their main role is meeting the reporting requirements as outlined in the funding agreement. Each FAA will have one primary liaison officer, who will have visibility across all posts.

Secondary Liaison Officers

A Secondary Liaison Officer is nominated by the Primary Liaison Officer per STP post within an FAA. They have access to that post and can submit reports in the RACP STP Online Portal.

Progress reports

Progress Reports are required every 6 months. Submit them via the STP Online Portal. Due dates are listed in the FAA and portal.

Loss of STP funds | Submitting Progress Reports is mandatory. Failure to submit an accurate and complete Progress Report by the due date can result in the loss of STP funds.

STP vacant post policy

Training sites that host STP funded positions are contractually obliged to fill their positions to capacity. This means a 1 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) position must be filled at 100%, or full time. The same applies for positions funded for 0.5 FTE.

Liaison Officers are required to report vacant STP training positions in each Progress Report to the RACP.

Training settings that have a full vacancy or partially fill STP positions for more than 1 semester are at risk of losing STP funding. All vacancies are monitored as part of the College’s obligation to administer STP on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

If a post has been defunded, the STP funding will then be offered to a training position on the STP Reserve List (a list of successful positions that are eligible for STP funding).

Definitions

DoHDA | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

New Specialist Training Position | A new training position that doesn't receive any other source of funding.

RACP Assessment Forum | A group of RACP education staff and Fellows tasked with assessing applications according to criteria set out in the Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form.

RACP Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form | RACP STP selection criteria used to determine the educational merit of the new position. This form must be completed and submitted as part of the online EOI submission.

Reserve List | The list of successful applications that fulfil all qualifying criteria as determined by the DoHDA, State or Territory health departments and the RACP STP Assessment Forum.

Reserve List Process (RLP) | Funding application rounds. When applications are open, you can submit your application via the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

STP Operational Framework | DoHDA guidelines for the STP program.

Recruitment FAQs

What type of trainee is suitable for an STP post?

Basic trainees can only be placed in posts approved as Basic Training positions.

Advanced Trainees can should be placed in posts approved as Advanced Training positions.

Suitable trainees:

  • dual training trainees if they’re still training for that specialty*
  • overseas trained physicians completing peer review training or top-up training

Unsuitable trainees:

  • overseas trainees looking to complete a rotation in Australia before returning to their country of origin
  • individuals on short term training not registered with us
  • trainees registered with other colleges**
  • RACP post-Fellowship Trainees

* For example, a dual training trainee in neurology and cardiology can be placed in a cardiology position if they’re still completing Advanced Training in Cardiology, even if they completed neurology training and are a Fellow.

**We do allow CICM and ACEM trainees for certain specialty training positions. Contact us for more information.

Can I recruit a Basic Trainee instead of an Advanced Trainee?

A Basic Trainee (BT) can be recruited only if the original funding agreement is for that training level.

If the STP funding is for an Advanced Training (AT) position and there are difficulties recruiting an Advanced Trainee, in some cases the RACP may give approval to place a BT in an AT post.

To be considered, the site must be accredited for Basic Training and the position cannot be for more than 1 year. This request will need to be made to the STP team before the start of the semester. Contact us to learn more.

What happens if I can’t recruit a trainee?

If you’re unable to recruit a trainee for an upcoming rotation, advise us immediately.

We’re required to manage vacant posts and ensure they’re filled at all times. Where posts are vacant for more than 6 months, the STP Vacant Post Policy applies.

Do I need to recruit a replacement for a trainee going on maternity/personal leave?

Yes, STP does not fund maternity or other long-term leave.

The DHDA advises that if a post is to be unfilled for more than 6 months, another trainee should be recruited to the post.




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