Relocation and Excess Travel

 

Update 26 April 2022:

Please note HEE's national website contains further information relating to the current national framework on Relocation and Excess Travel, including the Equality Impact Assessment undertaken.  A list of Frequently Asked Questions is also available.  To review this information, click here.

 

Update 27 April 2021:

Please note that Relocation and Excess Travel claims are managed by individual employers, not HEE.  When you move into the region, or are considering a claim, you should first read the guidance (see link below to the 2020 national framework) and then contact your employer's Medical Staffing department for guidance on how to confirm eligibility and then submit a claim.  If you then believe you need assistance from HEE, please email Relocation.ME@hee.nhs.uk.

 

Update 18 January 2021:

Please note that we have written to all trainees across the Midlands about the agreement with trainee, BMA and Trust representatives about the implementation of the new national framework for all trainees who were already on a programme before August 2020.  It had already been agreed that trainees recruited to programmes commencing August 2020 would follow the new national framework from 1 November.  It has now been agreed that everyone else* will follow the national framework from 1 February 2021.  [*a small number of East Midlands trainees will still follow the 2007 policy.]

We are sending confirmation of this arrangement to all employers on Monday 18 January 2021 across the Midlands, including the GP lead employer.

 

Update 2 December 2020:

NHS Employers have published updated guidance for GP trainee mileage.  Please see this link.

 

Update: 6 November 2020:

The new national framework has been published - both the BMA and HEE have released press statements today about it.  The document is now available in the links below, and locally we are working with employers about its implementation as applicable.  An update to trainees will be issued as soon as possible to coincide with this update on our website.

 

Update 1 May 2020:

Health Education England (HEE) is responsible for providing you with assistance for relocation expenses, including removal or excess mileage.  Such claims are administered by your employer.  Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, HEE intended to introduce a new, national framework across England for all trainees commencing training programmes from 5 August 2020.  The purpose of the national framework is to ensure equality of treatment for all across the HEE regions.   At the request of the BMA, it has been agreed that this will not be implemented in August as sufficient consultation has not been able to take place given other priorities.   The framework is expected to be published later in the year following the completion of consultation with the BMA Junior Doctors Committee (JDC).  Once published, it will replace existing local guidance or arrangements in place for all doctors, dentists and public health trainees who commenced accredited HEE training programmes in August 2020.  By accepting a place on the training programme, you agree that your entitlement to reclaim expenses and removal costs will be subject to the new framework once it is introduced.

 

Update 28 April 2020:

We have written to all trainees in the East Midlands following feedback about the guidance we implemented on 1 January 2020.  The letter has been emailed so if you are a trainee in the East Midlands and did not receive our email, please contact Relocation.ME@hee.nhs.uk for more details.  Alternatively, review the letter below.  If you believe the new guidance creates a financial impact for you, please read the letter and contact us as instructed.  The closing date for all requests to 'revert to the 2007 policy' is Monday 11 May 2020.  Thank you.

 

Important Update (January 2020):
A national policy on Relocation and Excess Travel is expected in 2020.  In the meantime, a Midlands guidance document has been prepared and was implemented in the East Midlands on 1 January 2020.  The original (2007) policy in the East Midlands is still available below, in addition to the new Midlands document.

We have been working with our colleagues in the West Midlands on a Midlands-wide guidance document.  National guidance is expected later in 2020, and in anticipation of that the new guidance is an interim arrangement.  We have been engaging with NHS Trusts in order that they are ready to adopt the new guidance document. 

Please take some time to review this document, but for now, you may wish to note two key changes: the principle of a base hospital is being removed (instead, all mileage above 20 miles each way to your place of work would be considered ‘excess’) and the limit for claims throughout your training will increase from £5,000 to £8,000 to bring us in line with other local offices around the country.

Initial queries about relocation or excess travel should always be directed to employers.  In the event of a query for HEE, please email Relocation.ME@hee.nhs.uk.

 

Summary of Updates:

• 26 April 2022 - link to HEE's national website for information on the national framework and Equality Impact Assessment and a list of FAQs.
• 27 April 2021 - updated this page with guidance on contacting employers for eligibility/claims.
• 18 January 2021 - update on plans for implementation of the new national framework.
• 2 December 2020 - NHS Employers publish GP trainee mileage guidance.
• 6 November 2020 - new framework published.
• 1 May 2020 - text added regarding the national guidance expected later this year.
• 28 April 2020 - guidance to trainees who wish to revert to the previous policy.

 

• Lead Employer - GP training
  The Lead Employer for GP trainees (St Helen and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) manages all claims for relocation and excess travel for GP trainees in the East Midlands region.  Full details can be accessed on www.leademployer.sthk.nhs.uk.

• New Guidance - Midlands (interim)
  12 December 2019: Note the new Midlands guidance document is now available (see below).  It will be implemented in the East Midlands from 1 January 2020 as an interim measure pending the new national guidance later in 2020.