Protected Learning Time

Protected Learning Time (PLT) is an opportunity for general practice teams (GPs, practice nurses, healthcare assistants, admin/reception staff and allied health professionals) to address their learning and professional development needs, improve team working and the quality of care provided to patients.

The Protected Learning Time (PLT) scheme is now being commissioned as a Locally Commissioned Service (LCS), available to all NCL practices for up to a two-year period from April 2026 to March 2028. The Protected Learning Time LCS service specification is now available.

In 2026-27, each practice will be entitled to up to four practice-level sessions annually. Practices can also participate in up to two PCN-level sessions, taken within the first six months of the financial year.

Practices will receive an engagement payment of £300 per PLT session per main practice site and an engagement payment of £100 per PLT session, per branch practice site.

A prospectus of core recommended topics is provided, and practices are asked to choose one of the strategic priority topics, for at least one practice level PLT session. PCN-level PLT sessions must focus on strategic ICB priority areas, chosen from the core recommended topics list.

Further information on suggested topics how to apply can be found on the NCL GP website: