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. PCN-level PLT sessions must focus on strategic ICB priority areas, chosen from the core recommended topics list and cannot be used to fund activities already covered by PCN DES or other PCN funding. Practices are to give the details of their topics for these sessions on their application forms.  At least one practice level PLT session must also support a strategic priority area, chosen from the core recommended topics list.

NCL Training Hub has launched a series of webinars focused on priority areas for Primary Care, covering some of the PLT Suggested Topics. Recordings of the webinars are available.

For any, queries about the Protected Learning Time LCS, email nclicb.nclprimarycare@nhs.net