I am a Registrar on Extension to Fellowship term. I submitted all fellowship requirements two weeks ago. My practice manager offered me to transition to a sole trader contract however I am not sure whether this is allowed? I have heard that we can negotiate pay but not sure whether we can transition from employee to sole trader just yet?
The NTCER outlines your minimum employment terms and conditions
Still have questions?
Congratulations on your impending Fellowship!
The NTCER sets out the minimum conditions Registrars should be employed under, however registrars and practices are able to negotiate higher hourly rate and billings percentage that is agreeable to both parties.
Note that a registrar on extension awaiting fellowship is still considered a GP registrar until they receive their fellowship confirmation letter.
Once a Registrar has obtained fellowship, they are no longer under the AGPT and are no longer bound to the minimum standards as set out by the NTCER. They are therefore able to negotiate as any independent doctor.
Depending on what is stated in your employment agreement, the existing employment agreement as an “Extension awaiting fellowship” would also no longer apply as they would no longer be practising as a registrar.
See also our website “Misunderstandings and Misconceptions” #10. https://gpra.org.au/ntcer/misconceptions/
and
https://gpra.org.au/Welcome to becoming a newly fellowed general practitioner
