A total of 878 staff members from 65 practice teams participated in a Protected Learning Time (PLT) session during the first part of the PLT scheme, which ran from January to March 2025. 

Staff from both clinical and non-clinical roles took part in sessions to learn and develop together on a range of topics including ADHD Awareness, Capacity & Access – Modern General Practice, Difficult Conversations, and Safeguarding. The list of topics is available on the protected learning time page, which includes specific practice recommendations that have been shared. 

During the PLT sessions, these practices remained open and implemented cover arrangements. Some used in-house staff (with a locum to ensure duty cover and one receptionist available by phone), or buddying up with other practices.  

Positive feedback has been received demonstrating that staff valued the opportunity to learn and develop together. Where relevant, staff have begun to implement changes to their ways of working or have agreed practical changes to be adopted in specific areas of working. Practices also reported that having time for open discussions helped to build better working relationships.

Applications are still being accepted for practices interested in participating in part 2 of the PLT scheme for 2025-26. For more details, visit the protected learning time page.